Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling has been called the ultimate anti-aging facial for good reason: In just one rejuvenating treatment session, it can put the natural skin aging process “on hold” and significantly improve the appearance of:
How does an RF microneedling treatment at Keehan Dermatology in Fort Worth, Texas, revive smoother, firmer, more radiant skin? In this month’s blog, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patrick Keehan explores the anti-aging, collagen-stimulating science behind RF microneedling.
Collagen is the durable inner scaffolding that gives your dermis (middle skin layer) and epidermis (outer skin layer) shape, firmness, elasticity, and resilience. Along with the two other structural skin proteins (elastin and keratin), this vital “building block” keeps your skin in a healthy state of ongoing renewal.
Layer by layer, your skin regenerates itself, and bolsters its collagen reserves, once a month — you have a new epidermal layer every 30 days. This continuous renewal process can keep your skin looking fresh and youthful well into your late thirties, early forties, or later, depending on your genetics, sun protection habits, skincare regimen, and lifestyle.
Everyone loses collagen as they age. Just as changing hormone levels begin slowing your skin’s production of this key protein, years of exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) light starts to break down existing collagen fibers even faster.
Beginning in your twenties, you can expect the collagen levels in your skin to decline by about 1-1.5% every year; by the time you turn 50, your skin’s collagen stores are roughly 30% lower than they were when you were 20.
Most people see the first discernible signs of collagen depletion on their face around middle age, as diminished skin elasticity and textural irregularities set the stage for the appearance of more fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen loss and skin aging may be a foregone conclusion, but it’s something you can keep at bay for much longer with consistent sun protection — and next-level skincare in the form of RF microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy.
Dr. Keehan performs RF microneedling treatments with the advanced Virtue RF platform by Cartessa™. With its customizable handpieces and painless robotic precision delivery (RPD) system, Virtue RF microneedling stimulates dramatic and long-lasting collagen production by triggering cellular changes within the skin:
Tiny microneedles penetrate your skin’s surface, creating microscopic, controlled wounds. This mechanical disruption instantly prompts your skin to dispatch “repair cells,” including collagen-regenerating growth factors, to the treated area.
When the needles enter the outer epidermal layer, they emit radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis, or the second skin layer, where collagen is stored.
This targeted energy heats the tissue, causing collagen “denaturation,” or the near-instant tightening and contracting of older, existing collagen fibers to leave your skin looking visibly firmer right away.
The combination of the epidermal micropunctures and the deep dermal heating prompts specialized fibroblast cells to go into overdrive, synthesizing new, healthy collagen proteins — and restoring youthful structure to your skin.
RF microneedling directly combats normal collagen loss and skin aging by rebuilding the skin’s foundational support — its strong and resilient collagen matrix — from the inside out.
Because the treatment restructures the underlying dermal scaffolding, it’s highly effective at improving the appearance of everything from fine lines, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin texture to skin laxity, “jowling,” and even old acne scars.
Noticeable skin tightening happens right after your RF microneedling session, due to the direct and rapid contraction of existing collagen fibers.
The biological process of collagen remodeling is both progressive and compounding, meaning it unfolds over time and builds on itself. The more collagen you have in your skin, the more collagen your skin will continue to sustain on its own, naturally.
New collagen production peaks about one month after treatment, leading to significantly smoother, firmer skin that’s more resilient. The remodeling process continues for up to six months to deliver long-lasting skin revitalization benefits.
Ready to put your best face forward with RF microneedling? Contact Keehan Dermatology in Fort Worth, Texas, to schedule a consultation with our anti-aging skincare experts today.
