Is RF needling really effective for pores and scars?

Yes, acne depressed scars (indented scars) are one of the main indications for RF needling. Clinical studies have confirmed a significant reduction in the depth of depressed scars. Depressed scars form when dermal collagen is destroyed during the inflammatory process and scar tissue pulls on the base. RF needling uses needle stimulation and thermal energy to remodel the hardened tissue beneath the scar and induce new collagen to fill the defect area.

In general, shallow rolling-type and boxcar-type scars tend to respond well to improvement. For ice-pick-type scars, which are narrow and deep, combining RF needling with other treatments is often necessary. Responses vary depending on the scar type, depth, and duration, so it is important to establish a treatment plan after an accurate diagnosis.

Generally, changes in skin texture are felt after 1–2 sessions, and improvement in pores and scars becomes noticeable around 3 sessions. Collagen regeneration progresses gradually over 1–2 months after treatment, so results are more apparent 6–8 weeks after the procedure than immediately afterward.

For mild pore and skin texture concerns, improvement can be seen with fewer sessions. However, for long-standing depressed scars, multiple treatments at 3–4 week intervals are often needed to achieve meaningful change. The required number of sessions varies greatly depending on scar depth and skin regeneration capacity, so it is advisable to monitor progress and adjust the number of sessions accordingly.

Yes, because RF needling uses insulated needles that preserve the epidermis, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is generally lower than with fractional laser treatments. Lasers pass energy through the skin surface, causing thermal damage to the epidermis as well. In contrast, RF needling uses insulated needles that pass through the epidermis and generate heat only in the dermis, resulting in less stimulation of the epidermal layer where melanocytes are concentrated.

In a study of 32 Asian individuals, scar improvement without noticeable pigmentation was reported after four sessions at one-month intervals, and it is therefore regarded as a relatively less burdensome option for skin prone to pigmentation. However, no procedure is entirely without risk, so it is important to follow post-treatment care guidelines, including sun protection.

Yes, when regenerative ingredients are delivered together through the micro-channels opened immediately after RF needling, a synergistic effect can be expected, so this combination is often used. The micro-channels created by needling increase the delivery rate of ingredients that are normally poorly absorbed when applied topically. Adding stimulation in the same direction as collagen regeneration can produce an additive effect.

Typically, collagen-inducing Skin Boosters such as JUVELOOK and regenerative ingredients like REJURAN® are combined; if the goal is to improve pores and scars, regenerative/collagen-type boosters are considered first. However, combining boosters is not essential in all cases, and the combination varies depending on skin condition, budget, and goals, so we recommend consulting with a dermatologist to determine the right combination for you.