What RF microneedling is
RF microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that rebuilds collagen without surgery. A handpiece of fine needles creates tiny channels in the skin and releases controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy at the needle tips. That heat reaches the deeper dermis, where it prompts new collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks, skin can look firmer and smoother, with better texture, tone and elasticity.
It suits most skin types and tones, and it can be customized to your goals, whether that’s acne scars, texture, enlarged pores or early signs of aging.
RF microneedling vs regular microneedling
Both treatments use controlled micro-injuries to prompt new collagen. The difference is heat. Standard collagen-induction microneedling uses needles alone and works well for dullness, mild texture and early fine lines. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy beneath the surface, so it reaches deeper and can tighten as well as smooth.
- Choose RF microneedling for loose or crepey skin, deeper acne scars, jawline and neck firmness, or stubborn pores.
- Choose standard microneedling for overall glow, lighter texture concerns or a gentler, lower-cost starting point.
- Not sure? Your consultation sorts out which one fits your skin.
What RF microneedling treats
- Loose or sagging skin — firms mild laxity on the face, neck and jawline
- Acne scars and rough texture — smooths scars, rough patches and uneven areas
- Fine lines and wrinkles — softens fine lines and can improve deeper creases
- Uneven tone — can help with discoloration and hyperpigmentation
- Enlarged pores — refines pores for smoother-looking skin
- Scars after an injury — may help scar tissue heal more evenly and look smoother
Treatment areas
Embrace treats the face, the face and neck, the décolleté (upper chest) and the hands, alone or in combination.
Acne scars
Rolling and boxcar acne scars often respond well, because RF microneedling remodels collagen beneath the scar rather than only the surface. Deep, narrow scars may need more sessions or a combined plan. Treatment is postponed over active breakouts or infection.
Darker skin tones
Because the energy is delivered beneath the surface rather than through it, RF microneedling is generally considered an option for a wide range of skin tones, including darker skin. Any procedure that injures the skin can cause temporary darkening in some people, so settings are chosen for your skin type and sun protection matters afterward.
Why we use the Pixel8-RF system
Embrace uses the Pixel8-RF system by Rohrer Aesthetics. It delivers precise thermal energy through the microneedles to remodel collagen beneath the surface. Features such as Enhanced Delay and a 4 MHz frequency let treatment be adjusted from early signs of aging to deeper texture concerns. Numbing cream is used at every session to keep you comfortable.
Performed by a physician
Your RF microneedling is performed by Dr. John Mark Pabona, who is board certified in internal medicine (ABIM) and credentialed by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. He adjusts depth and energy to your skin, area by area, instead of running one setting for everyone.
What to expect: treatment, downtime and aftercare
Before
A topical numbing cream is applied first. Your consultation covers your skin history and medications, and anything that means waiting, such as an active skin infection or pregnancy.
During
Most patients describe a warm, prickling sensation that is very tolerable. Treatment time depends on the areas you choose.
Downtime
Expect mild redness and sensitivity for 24 to 72 hours. Makeup can usually be worn the next day. Slight swelling or tiny marks from the needles can also appear and fade within days.
Aftercare, hot tubs and saunas
Use gentle skincare and daily sun protection. Hold off on hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and thermal bathhouse soaks until your skin has fully calmed, typically at least 48 hours, and follow the aftercare instructions you’re given. Heat can prolong redness, and fresh micro-channels are more open to bacteria.
Side effects
Redness, swelling and pinpoint bleeding are common and short-lived. Less often, people notice bruising, breakouts or temporary darkening; infection and scarring are rare. A complete health history and good aftercare help keep the risk low.
Results timeline
Most patients notice a refreshed look within 2 to 4 weeks, while collagen remodeling and firmer skin develop over about 3 months. The usual plan is a series of three sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. A personalized skincare plan and occasional touch-ups help maintain results. Individual results vary.
Embrace’s RF cases show tighter, more even texture, better definition along the jawline and smoother scar tissue near the brow after an injury. See real patients in the RF microneedling before and after gallery and a combined Obagi, Rejuran and RF microneedling result.
Pairing RF microneedling with other treatments
RF microneedling is often combined with wrinkle relaxers such as Xeomin, Dysport or Letybo for expression lines, PRF from your own blood for regenerative support, topical Rejuran PN/PDRN boosters for recovery, or a Hydroderm facial for surface glow.
RF microneedling pricing
Pricing varies by area, and a series of three sessions costs less per visit. Your skin consultation is complimentary with the purchase of a treatment or skincare product, and CareCredit financing is accepted. Embrace is at 4328 Central Ave, Suite B, in Hot Springs, about 35 minutes from Hot Springs Village.
Single sessions
- Face: $599
- Face and neck: $899
- Décolleté: $499
- Face, neck and décolleté: $1,199
- Hands: $399
Series of three sessions
- Face: $1,599
- Face and neck: $2,499
- Face, neck and décolleté: $2,999
- Hands: $999
Deep dermis
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Deep dermis
- Fat pads
- Muscle
Questions
Common questions about RF microneedling
How much does RF microneedling cost in Hot Springs?
At Embrace, a single RF microneedling session ranges from $399 for the hands to $1,199 for the face, neck and décolleté, and a face session is $599. Three-session series cost less per visit, from $999 for the hands to $2,999 for the face, neck and décolleté. Your skin consultation is complimentary with a treatment or skincare purchase, and CareCredit is accepted.
Does RF microneedling really work?
For the right concerns, yes. RF microneedling is widely used for acne scars, texture, pores and mild laxity because the heat prompts the skin to build new collagen. Change is gradual, and most people need a series to see their full result. It won’t replace a facelift for significant sagging, which is why expectations are set at your consultation. Results vary.
How often should you get RF microneedling?
A typical plan is three sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, which gives collagen time to rebuild between treatments. Your plan may change depending on scars, texture or laxity. After the series, many people maintain their results with a personalized skincare routine and occasional touch-up sessions, timed to how their skin responds.
Does RF microneedling hurt?
A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, and most patients describe a warm, prickling sensation that is very tolerable. Bony areas such as the forehead and jawline can feel more intense than the cheeks. Settings can be adjusted as treatment goes, and the sensation stops as soon as the handpiece lifts.
What is the downside of RF microneedling?
The main trade-offs are cost, the need for a series and a few days of redness and sensitivity. Results build slowly rather than appearing overnight. Side effects such as swelling, pinpoint bleeding, temporary darkening or breakouts are usually short-lived, and infection and scarring are rare. A careful health history and good aftercare keep the risk low.
When will I see results from RF microneedling?
Most patients notice a refreshed look within 2 to 4 weeks. Collagen remodeling continues for about 3 months, so skin keeps firming and smoothing well after the redness fades. Because collagen builds with each session, your full result is usually judged after the series is complete. Individual results vary from person to person.
Is RF microneedling better than regular microneedling?
Not for everyone, but it is stronger for certain goals. RF microneedling adds heat beneath the surface, so it can tighten mild laxity and treat deeper acne scars. Regular microneedling uses needles alone and is a gentler, lower-cost option for glow, mild texture and early fine lines. Your consultation determines which one fits your skin.
