TL;DR
Microneedling uses very fine needles to create tiny controlled channels in the skin, and radio frequency (RF) microneedling adds gentle heat to the deeper layers. Comfort varies from person to person; a numbing cream is commonly applied first, and most people describe the sensation as tolerable rather than sharp pain. Some redness and warmth afterwards is normal and usually settles within a day or two. It is not suitable for everyone, and suitability is always confirmed at an in-person consultation and assessment. This guide explains what to expect.
If the idea of tiny needles makes you wince a little, you are not alone, and it is a completely reasonable thing to want to understand before booking. The honest answer is that RF microneedling is generally described as manageable rather than painful, and there is a lot a good clinic does to keep you comfortable. Here is what actually happens, in plain terms.
What microneedling and RF microneedling are
Microneedling uses a device with very fine needles to create tiny, controlled channels in the surface of the skin. The idea is that these micro-channels prompt the skin's natural repair response, which is associated with the gradual production of collagen over the weeks that follow.
RF microneedling, such as 3D Dermaforce, adds radio frequency energy to the process, delivering gentle heat into the deeper layers of the skin at the same time. It is often considered for concerns such as skin texture, fine lines, the appearance of scarring, and overall firmness. As with any skin treatment, results appear gradually rather than instantly, they vary between individuals, and a course of sessions is often suggested.
It is worth being clear that this is a cosmetic skin treatment, not a medical procedure, and it is not a treatment for any diagnosed medical skin condition. If you have a specific medical concern about your skin, that is a conversation for your GP or a suitably qualified professional.
So, does it hurt?
Comfort varies from person to person and depends on the area, the depth used and your own sensitivity. Most people describe RF microneedling as tolerable, with a sensation of prickling, heat or mild scratching rather than sharp pain.
Several things help keep it comfortable: numbing cream is commonly applied to the area beforehand and left to take effect, which makes a noticeable difference for most people; the settings are tailored to the area and to what you can comfortably manage, and you can ask to pause at any time; and some areas feel more sensitive than others, as skin over bonier areas such as the forehead or jawline can feel more intense than fleshier areas.
You should never feel that you simply have to endure it. A considered practitioner will check in with you throughout and adjust as needed.
What happens during a session
After a consultation and a little preparation, your skin is cleansed and numbing cream is usually applied. Once it has taken effect, the device is moved across the treatment area in sections. A session commonly takes somewhere in the region of half an hour to an hour depending on the area, and your practitioner will explain the timing for your treatment beforehand.
During the treatment you may feel warmth and a prickling sensation, and it is normal to hear the device working. Afterwards, a calming or soothing product is often applied to the skin.
What to expect afterwards
It is normal for the skin to look flushed, feel warm and be a little sensitive immediately after RF microneedling, rather like mild sunburn. This redness usually settles over the following day or two, though this varies between individuals. You may also notice some tightness, mild swelling or dryness as the skin recovers.
Typical aftercare advice includes keeping the skin clean and well moisturised, avoiding heavy make-up for a short period, staying out of strong sun and using a good sunscreen, and avoiding saunas, intense exercise and anything that overheats the skin for a day or two. You will be given specific guidance for your treatment, along with a point of contact if you have any questions as you heal.
Who is RF microneedling not suitable for?
RF microneedling is generally not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for anyone under 18, or for people with certain skin conditions, infections in the area, or particular medical conditions and medications. This is not a complete list, which is exactly why suitability is assessed in person rather than assumed. A patch test or careful assessment of your skin helps confirm whether it is appropriate for you.
A word on expectations
As with any skin treatment, it is sensible to be cautious about dramatic claims. RF microneedling is designed to support the skin's natural renewal gradually over a course of sessions, results vary from person to person, and they are not guaranteed. Realistic expectations, set at your consultation, make for a far better experience than hoping for an overnight transformation.
Every treatment starts with a conversation
At OSM Cosmetic Clinic, established in 2014, every treatment begins with an in-person consultation and suitability assessment. We take time to understand what you would like to improve, review your history and your skin, explain honestly what the treatment involves and whether it suits you, and answer your questions before you decide anything.
If you would like to explore your options, you can read more about our 3D Dermaforce microneedling treatment, or visit us at our Romford or Brentwood clinics. Consultations are booked with a £30 deposit, which goes towards your treatment. To ask a question first, call 07470 413 812 or email info@osmcc.co.uk.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you have health concerns, please speak to your GP or a suitably qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Written by OSM Cosmetic Clinic, established 2014, Romford & Brentwood.