SHARES
“When I was younger, I was miserable because of my acne experience. For one thing, I tried many methods I read from the internet, yet my acne got worse. My skin condition become really bad. However, after seeing a dermatologist, my acne became better. Now, what troubles me the most is the acne scar. Given that, I really want something safe and reliable to treat the recurring acne and scar left behind.. My friends advised me to talk to my doctor about using radiofrequency treatment”
Are Radiofrequency Acne Treatment Really Safe?
Radiofrequency treatment uses a technology that is non-surgical with minimal injury to the skin. Notably, radiofrequency treatment involves a highly controlled low electromagnetic wave energy about the same energy as your TV and radio waves (450 kHz) to produce reliable heating effect underneath the skin. In short, the use of radiofrequency in acne treatment is not rocket science and it employs a safe technology we’re exposed to in our everyday life.
With an experienced service provider, such as a certified aesthetic doctor who mastered the skills and art, you know you’re in safe hands. That is to say, your doctor will sit down and explore your problem together with you to help you make better informed choices.
How does radiofrequency work in acne treatment?
As a matter of fact, radiofrequency carries heat energy in a form similar to daylight. As an illustration, just like leaving your car under the sun makes it hot, radiofrequency energy can heat up your skin. The difference is radiofrequency is a lot gentler than sunlight due to the low energy it carries.
Radiofrequency in acne scar
Radiofrequency can pass into deeper layer of the skin due to its long wavelength. As a result, this causes minimal injury to the surface skin. The calm heating effect under the skin will cause microtrauma to the skin which in turn stimulates the skin to regenerate and remodel. This is especially helpful for the skin to remodel the scar tissue into new healthy skin. The new collagen and elastin laid down by the new cells will give your facial skin more volume, making your face smoother and more youthful. This will help reduce the dimples from your acne scars. Sometimes, radiofrequency can be used in combination with other techniques such as micro-needling or other microinvasive technique to stimulate the skin growth further.
Radiofrequency in acne
Studies show promising effect of radiofrequency in shrinking the oil glands on your face. As a result, this reduces the chance of them getting blocked and infected by Propionibacterium acnes, which is the bacteria commonly associated with your acne infection. Radio frequency treatment is a treatment option, effective for moderate to severe acne.
What to expect?
Your doctor will spent time with you to understand your concerns and offer advice and options best suited for your acne scar problem. In any event, this treatment is relatively quick and can be down under an hour. In short, you can go back home on the same day. During the treatment, you may feel a slight discomfort or a very little pain with micro-needling.
After the procedure, the recovery period is very quick. Although, you may experience redness and tingling with little swelling in your face that usually go away in days to weeks.
Depending on your acne severity, your doctor may schedule 3-4 treatment sessions. Thereupon, you shall see the result in a month time after completing your final treatment. Commonly, treatment results are most optimal in 3 months, and you will experience less acne infection, less acne scar and smoother skin.
Photo by Yashi Clinic on Flickr
Conclusion
Acne problem is disturbing and it affects our wellbeing and self-confidence. We’re often left helpless and frustrated with this chronic recurring problem. With a little bit of self-compassion, give yourself some time and patience to brave through this period with help and support from your family and doctor.
Find an Aesthetic Doctor and Dermatologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
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References:
- Kwon HH, Park HY, Choi SC, Bae Y, Jung JY, Park GH. Novel device-based acne treatment: comparison of a 1450-nm diode laser and microneedling radiofrequency on mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris and seborrhoea in Korean patients through a 20-week prospective, randomized, split-face study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Apr;32(4):639-644.
- Georgios K, Firas AN. A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 2: energy-based techniques. Scars Burn Heal. 2018 Jan;4:2059513118793420.
- Bhargava S, Cunha PR, Kroumpouzos G. Acne scarring management: systematic review and evaluation of the evidence. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Aug;19(4):459-477.
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
