- Performed by
- Dr. Shin or licensed clinical staff under his supervision
- Typical course
- Usually a series of sessions, planned for your skin
- Downtime
- Redness and swelling for a few days, sometimes up to a week
What is RF microneedling?
RF (radiofrequency) microneedling uses a handpiece with very fine needles. The needles enter the skin to a set depth and release radiofrequency heat. The tiny wounds and the heat prompt the skin to rebuild collagen, which can soften wrinkles over time.
We use the Infini system by Lutronic, now part of Cynosure Lutronic. The FDA cleared it in 2013 for “the percutaneous treatment of facial wrinkles,” along with general surgical uses. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that RF microneedling can be used on all skin tones, and that adding heat can increase collagen production, which can improve results.
Needles, ultrasound or surface heat: where each treatment works
- Focused ultrasound points
- RF microneedle heat
- Surface RF warming
- Microfocused ultrasound (Ultherapy®): transducers focused at 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm
- RF microneedling (Infini): heat released through fine needles, at a depth set by the clinician
- Non-invasive radiofrequency (Oligio®): warming of the skin through the surface, without needles
Who performs it
RF microneedling at our practice is performed by Dr. Shin or licensed clinical staff under his supervision. The FDA advises choosing a licensed health care provider with training and experience using RF microneedling devices, and it warns that these devices should not be used at home.
What to expect
Consultation
We review your health history, medicines and skin, confirm the treatment is appropriate, and explain on-label and off-label use.
Preparation
Your skin is cleansed, and a numbing cream may be applied, as your clinician decides.
Treatment
The handpiece is pressed across the area in a series of passes.
Aftercare
Expect redness and swelling. Follow our instructions on sun protection, skin care and when makeup is OK.
Your plan
Collagen rebuilds gradually, so treatment is usually planned as a series of sessions. We’ll recommend the number and spacing for you.
Downtime and results
Right after treatment, skin may look red on lighter skin tones or darker on deeper skin tones. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this usually fades within a few days to a week.
For microneedling in general, the AAD says some improvement may show within a few weeks, but full results usually take several months. How long Infini results last has not been well studied, so we don’t quote a timeframe. Results vary from person to person.
Side effects & risks
- Expected: redness, swelling and discomfort.
- Possible: infection, scarring and long-lasting changes in skin color.
- Serious, reported to the FDA: burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage with certain uses of RF microneedling.
If you have worsening pain, blisters, open sores or anything that worries you after treatment, call us promptly.
Who should not have it / talk to Dr. Shin first
RF microneedling is not recommended if you:
- have ever had a keloid (a thick, raised scar)
- took isotretinoin, a prescription acne pill, within the past month
- have active acne, such as deep or pus-filled pimples, or an infection in the area
- have a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other active implant
- have metal under the skin near the area from an implant or injury
Talk to Dr. Shin first if you:
- heal slowly or poorly, or have a weakened immune system
- are being treated for skin cancer or are receiving radiation treatment
Common questions
Is RF microneedling FDA-approved?
Devices like Infini are FDA-cleared, not FDA-approved. Clearance means the FDA found the device substantially equivalent to a device already legally sold. Infini is cleared for the percutaneous treatment of facial wrinkles. Using it for acne scars, pores or texture is off-label, so ask Dr. Shin about the evidence and risks first.
How much downtime is there after RF microneedling?
Plan for a few days of redness and swelling, sometimes up to a week, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. On deeper skin tones, the skin may look darker rather than red for a short time. We’ll tell you when you can wear makeup and how to protect your skin from the sun while it heals.
How many RF microneedling sessions will I need?
Most plans involve a series of sessions, because collagen rebuilds gradually. The number and spacing depend on your skin, your goal and how your skin responds. Dr. Shin will recommend a plan at your consultation. We don’t promise a set number of sessions or a specific result, because results vary.
Can RF microneedling help acne scars?
The American Academy of Dermatology lists acne scars among the concerns microneedling may improve. For Infini, though, treating acne scars is an off-label use, because the device is FDA-cleared for facial wrinkles. Treatment should not be done over active acne. See our acne and acne scar page for other options.
Can RF microneedling be used on darker skin tones?
The American Academy of Dermatology says RF microneedling can be used on all skin tones. Side effects are still possible, including long-lasting changes in skin color. Tell us if you have had dark spots after injuries, acne or other treatments, so we can plan your care carefully.
Important information
- Infini is FDA-cleared for the percutaneous (through-the-skin) treatment of facial wrinkles. Using it for acne scars, pores or skin texture is off-label. In October 2025, the FDA issued a safety communication stating that RF microneedling is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic treatment, and warning of reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage.
- On-label and off-label uses:
- FDA-cleared use: facial wrinkles.
- Off-label uses: acne scars, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture. The device is FDA-cleared, but not for these uses.
Sources & further reading
- INFINI Radiofrequency System 510(k) summary and indications for use, K121481 (2013) (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Potential Risks with Certain Uses of Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: FDA Safety Communication (October 15, 2025) (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more (opens in a new tab) — American Academy of Dermatology
- Non-Invasive Body Contouring Technologies (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Premarket Notification 510(k) (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- A prospective multicenter pilot study of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for lines and wrinkles of the décolleté (Fabi et al., 2015) (opens in a new tab) — Dermatologic Surgery
- Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization Induces Remodeling of Collagen and Elastin Within the Skin (Marquardt et al., 2024) (opens in a new tab) — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Last updated October 2026. This page is educational and does not replace a visit with a clinician.
