Microneedling Devices: Why Choose Potenza?

Microneedling is all the rage nowadays—but it’s important for patients to understand that this is just a general term for a treatment technique. Just like “laser” or “injectable,” the term “microneedling” includes a very broad range of devices and strengths, so understanding their differences will help patients recognize why one may be more suitable than another. Let’s start with the basics.

Microneedling involves a device holding a head of microscopic needles. These needles are stamped or rolled over the skin to create microscopic pin-prick wounds, just enough to trigger a reparative healing process in the skin tissue.

Microneedling is most commonly used to treat cosmetic skin concerns such as:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• Skin laxity
• Acne scars and skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Acne-prone skin
• Anti-aging
• Minimal discoloration

Microneedling Types

A dermapen, or mechanical microneedling, is a handheld device using a motorized pen that triggers an increase in blood flow. These microscopic punctures in the skin allow for hyper-absorption of topical products, such as active ingredients, serums, and growth factors. The goal is to target these products deeper into the skin than the outer dermis of the skin, reaching beyond what our hands and fingertips are capable of. The desired outcome is more advanced anti-aging and effectiveness of our topicals.

Dermapens are considered safe for all skin tones and use needles that are discarded after each treatment.

You may have also seen microneedling face rollers sold over the counter. We caution patients to proceed with care with the use of the over-the-counter devices to not cause damage to your skin barrier, but regardless, they cannot compare to the results that professional microneedling can create. The rollers sold over the counter are required to have a shorter needle length that is considered safe for consumer-use and can only be used with topical products.

PRP Microneedling involves the body’s natural growth factors and relies on the body’s restorative process to promote smoother, revitalized skin. PRP is platelet-rich plasma, which means the provider uses the patient’s own blood as the “topical” that is infused into the skin. Our blood contains natural growth factors and nutrients to improve discoloration, acne scarring, and provide firmer, healthier skin. It enhances the body’s ability to heal the skin being treated. (You may have also heard of this being referred to as a “vampire facial.”)

Radio frequency (RF) Microneedling is potentially the most effective and innovative microneedling technology on the market. As the device punctures the skin, radio frequency waves (heat) are sent layers beneath the skin to trigger collagen and elastin production through thermal coagulation of tissue. This process not only can trigger healing for acne scars, wrinkles, and texture, but also improve skin laxity—shrinking pores, reducing stretch marks, and providing a tighter appearance to the skin of the face, neck, or other areas of the body. It can also reduce acne due to its pore-shrinking benefits, therefore promoting clearer skin.

Professionals in the industry today agree that RF microneedling is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments on the market to reduce the appearance of pitted acne scars and provide a restored, youthful, rejuvenated appearance to the skin’s overall texture. Microneedling, just like lasers and lights, is still an overtime process that requires patience and maintenance. Microneedling can be thought of as a heavy dose of vitamins that trigger healthier skin—which does not mean they are one and done. Most microneedling treatments are visibly beneficial after a round of 3-6 total treatment sessions, depending on the severity of the concerns. It’s then important to remember that, as we continue to go on with life, we continue to age, expose ourselves to harmful environmental factors, sun damage, and more, which will require additional care. Microneedling, just like any other skincare product or treatment, is most effective long-term when received routinely (again, like taking your vitamins!). The reason we choose microneedling, and find it to now be our most popular treatment offered in our clinic, is because it can penetrate deeper than any other laser therapy can, beyond just the surface. It also guarantees your collagen is being triggered, whereas collagen supplements may not always reach the skin itself after it’s been consumed and absorbed into the blood and bones first. RF microneedling, specifically CynoSure’s Potenza, is our absolute favorite and most trusted device by Dr. Maria Al-Basha, Board-Certified Dermatologist for over 35 years.

So, let’s dive deeper into RF Microneedling and why our office loves Potenza, over many other brands offered, including Morpheus8, Vivace, Agnes and more.

Why Potenza™ RF Microneedling?

The biggest perk of choosing a device like Morpheus8 would be that it reaches deep enough to reduce fat cells. If you’re looking to reduce fat cells, our office prefers a laser such as SculpSure, but if you’re looking more to tighten and repair, we’d much rather select a device such as Potenza. Potenza allows us to tighten skin without risking volume loss in the face.

Potenza offers the most versatility out of all RF microneedling devices. We can adjust the power, needle depth, and frequency of the machine to cater to your needs, skin type, and skin sensitivity. The machine offers multiple settings to focus in on specific concerns as well, such as Rosacea (involves background redness), acne-prone skin, severe wrinkles, or stretch marks. Potenza offers both monopolar and bipolar settings as well as an extensive array of treatment heads. Customization is important to ensure the specific concern is being addressed.

Pinpoint bleeding is the most common side effect to experience with microneedling treatments. Tender, pink, swollen skin can occur and last for just a few hours, potentially up to a few days depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Minimal changes in the skin can be seen as early as 4-6 weeks after a treatment, but realistically, best results are seen 12 weeks after a full series of continued treatment, when the collagen and elastin has built up and resulted in the most visible impacts.

How can I start?

If a patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a pacemaker, they are likely not a candidate for RF microneedling. There are a few other factors we look at when selecting a treatment plan that involves Potenza, so it’s always advised to sit down with a consultant prior to receiving treatment.

Combine RF microneedling treatments with other anti-aging treatments to target anti-aging, volume loss, sun damage, hyper-pigmentation, and more. Create a cohesive, fully restored and rejuvenated appearance to the face with a combination of other services offered, such as injectables or laser therapy. Our consultants can help guide you towards the best treatments, number needed, order of operations, and package deals. Schedule an appointment today at (815) 229-9333 ext. 2.