Deep RF Microneedling vs. Regular RF Microneedling
At Balance Medical Spa by Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery, we offer both RF microneedling and deep RF microneedling, and while they share the same VirtueRF® technology, they serve different goals. The standard RF Microneedling treatment is a go-to for facial skin rejuvenation: tightening fine lines, reducing texture, and improving overall tone. Deep RF microneedling uses a specialized handpiece designed specifically for the body, reaching deeper layers of tissue to address concerns that require a bit more power. It’s the same trusted platform doing a different job. While RF microneedling focuses on the face, deep RF microneedling is built for the body — think upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and knees.
Deep RF Microneedling At A Glance
- Candidates:
- Deep RF microneedling is a good fit for anyone looking to address skin laxity, crepey skin, or excess softness on the body without surgery. It is not intended for patients who need significant volume removal or have a large amount of excess skin.
- Treatment:
- Deep RF microneedling is an in-office treatment using the VirtueRF® platform with a specialized body handpiece. Topical numbing is applied beforehand, and most sessions run between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the area being treated.
- Recovery:
- Downtime is minimal. Some redness, mild swelling, or tenderness is normal and typically resolves within a few days, and most patients return to their regular routine quickly.
- Results:
- Results are gradual and cumulative, with improvements in skin firmness and texture continuing to build for several months after the final session as new collagen forms. Most patients complete a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced several weeks apart.
- Cost:
- Deep RF microneedling starts around $800 and varies based on the treatment area and number of sessions needed. Your provider will give you a personalized quote at your consultation.
How Does Deep RF Microneedling Work?
Deep RF microneedling works on two levels at once. The microneedling component creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and kicking collagen and elastin production into gear. At the same time, radiofrequency energy is delivered into the deeper tissue layers, generating heat that causes immediate tissue contraction and sets off longer-term remodeling.
That combination is what makes this treatment effective for body contouring specifically. The RF energy goes deeper than what’s used in facial treatments, allowing it to target the kind of volume and laxity that tends to show up on the body after weight changes, aging, or pregnancy. Over time, the tissue firms up, excess softness is reduced, and the skin quality continues to improve as new collagen forms. Many patients see results building for several months after their last session.
What Can Deep RF Microneedling Treat?
Deep RF microneedling is designed for areas where skin laxity and tissue quality are the primary concerns. The most common treatment areas are the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and knees — basically anywhere loose or crepey skin has become a frustration.
It’s a popular option for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with skin that hasn’t fully bounced back. It’s also a go-to for anyone who feels like their skin has lost density or firmness over time and wants to address that without surgery. For patients dealing with both excess fat and loose skin, deep RF microneedling can be a strong complement to other body contouring treatments, such as CoolSculpting®, and your provider can help you think through what combination makes the most sense for your goals.
Am I a Candidate for Deep RF Microneedling?
Deep RF microneedling is worth considering if you want to address skin laxity or softness on the body without surgery, have realistic expectations about gradual improvement, and are looking for a treatment with minimal downtime. It’s not the right fit for patients who need significant volume removal or have a large amount of excess skin. In those cases, a surgical approach may get you further, which our providers strive to be very straightforward about.
What Is a Deep RF Microneedling Treatment Like?
Most deep RF microneedling sessions run between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. Numbing is applied beforehand, so the treatment is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe feeling mild warmth or pressure rather than significant discomfort.
Downtime is minimal. Some redness, mild swelling, or tenderness in the treatment area is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Most people are back to their regular routine quickly, which makes this a practical option for anyone who doesn’t have the time or desire for a longer surgical recovery.
What Results Can You Expect from Deep RF Microneedling?
Results from deep RF microneedling are typically gradual and cumulative, which is actually a good thing. It means the improvement looks natural rather than sudden. Most patients start noticing changes in skin firmness and texture within a few weeks of their first treatment, with results continuing to develop over the following months as collagen production ramps up.
For best results, most patients complete a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific goals and the areas being addressed. Individual results vary, but many patients describe feeling like their skin has genuinely changed in quality, not just on the surface, but in how it feels and holds up.
Schedule Your Deep RF Microneedling Consultation
The best next step is a consultation. Come in, tell us what’s been bothering you, and we’ll put together a plan that actually fits your goals. Contact Balance Medical Spa by Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery today!