Treatment Guide

Microneedling vs. RF Microneedling — We Offer Both. Here's How to Know Which One You Need.

Q: Does microneedling hurt?

Traditional microneedling is generally well-tolerated with a topical numbing cream applied before treatment. RF microneedling adds heat from the radiofrequency energy, which can increase discomfort — though BTL Exion uses AI-driven energy delivery to monitor skin response in real time and minimize discomfort significantly compared to older RF devices.

The main difference between traditional microneedling and RF microneedling is depth and heat. Traditional microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries at the skin's surface to trigger your natural collagen response. RF microneedling does the same — then adds radiofrequency energy through the needles into the deeper dermis, layering heat-driven collagen stimulation on top of the mechanical one. The result is deeper treatment, more collagen production, and faster visible results — at a higher price point. SkinRx offers both, because not every patient needs the most aggressive option to get the result they're after.

The Basics

How Each Treatment Works

Both start with the same foundation. The difference is what happens next.

Traditional

Microneedling

Also called collagen induction therapy (CIT)

A pen-like device moves across the skin, creating thousands of microscopic channels. These controlled micro-injuries trigger the body's wound-healing response — producing new collagen and elastin to repair and remodel the skin.

1Fine needles create micro-channels in the skin surface
2Body detects micro-injuries and activates healing response
3Collagen and elastin production increases
4Micro-channels also enhance absorption of topical serums applied during treatment
5Skin gradually remodels over 4–8 weeks

RF Microneedling

BTL Exion at SkinRx — AI-driven

Everything traditional microneedling does — plus radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles directly into the dermis. The heat causes immediate collagen contraction and triggers a significantly more intensive healing response at a deeper level.

1Fine needles create micro-channels (same as traditional)
2RF energy is delivered through the needles into the deep dermis
3Heat causes immediate collagen contraction — some tightening is visible right away
4Deeper thermal injury triggers more intensive, longer-lasting collagen remodeling
5AI (in BTL Exion) monitors skin temperature in real time to optimize safety and comfort

Where Each Treatment Reaches

The Depth Difference, Visualized

The skin has distinct layers. What each treatment reaches — and what it stimulates there — determines what it can realistically improve.

Skin layer

Traditional Microneedling

RF Microneedling (Exion)

EpidermisSurface layer

Micro-channels created, serums absorbed

Micro-channels created, surface also treated

Upper dermisWhere fine lines live

Collagen stimulated via healing response

RF heat + needle injury — stronger collagen response

Deep dermisLaxity & structure

Limited reach at this depth

RF energy penetrates here — tightening and remodeling

SubcutaneousBeneath skin

Not targeted

Not targeted (by design with BTL Exion)

Side by Side

Full Comparison

Factor	Traditional Microneedling	RF Microneedling (Exion)
Available at SkinRx	✓ Yes	✓ Yes — BTL Exion
How it works	Micro-injuries trigger collagen via wound healing	Micro-injuries + RF heat — dual collagen stimulation
Treatment depth	Epidermis and upper dermis	Epidermis through deep dermis
Collagen stimulation	Mechanical — gradual, natural	Mechanical + thermal — deeper and faster
Skin tightening	Mild — best for texture and tone	Significant — addresses laxity at depth
Sessions needed	3–6 sessions, 4 weeks apart	3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
Results timeline	Gradual over 4–8 weeks per session	Faster — some immediate tightening, full results over 3 months
Downtime	24–48 hrs redness, minimal	Minimal — mild redness, resolves quickly with BTL Exion
Comfort level	Well-tolerated with numbing	More comfortable than older RF devices — AI controls heat in real time
Best for	Texture, tone, mild scarring, fine lines, maintenance	Laxity, deeper wrinkles, significant scarring, tightening
Price point	Lower per session	Higher per session — fewer sessions needed
Skin type safety	All skin types	All skin types

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing Between the Two

The right answer depends on what you're trying to address, how quickly you want results, and your budget. Here's a practical guide.

Traditional Microneedling

A great fit if you're addressing…

Uneven skin texture or tone
Mild acne scarring
Fine lines and early wrinkles
Enlarged pores
Dull or lackluster complexion
Maintenance between RF treatments
A lower budget per session
First-time microneedling patients

RF Microneedling — BTL Exion

The stronger choice if you're addressing…

Skin laxity or sagging
Deeper wrinkles and folds
Significant or deep acne scarring
Crepey skin on neck or body
Patients who want faster, more dramatic results
Fewer sessions for similar improvement
Combined face and body treatment
Anyone who wants the deeper collagen remodel

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Not sure? That's exactly what consultations are for.

SkinRx offers both treatments because patients genuinely have different needs. We don't default to the most expensive option — we recommend what's right for your skin, your goals, and your budget. Your provider will assess your skin during a consultation and tell you exactly which approach makes sense.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?

Traditional microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural collagen production. RF microneedling does the same thing but also delivers radiofrequency energy through the needles into the deeper dermis, adding heat-driven collagen stimulation on top of the mechanical response. The result is deeper treatment, more collagen production, faster visible results, and improved skin tightening — at a higher price point.

Which is better — microneedling or RF microneedling?

Neither is universally better — they serve different skin concerns and budgets. Traditional microneedling is excellent for texture, tone, mild scarring, and fine lines with minimal downtime and a lower cost per session. RF microneedling is the stronger choice for skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, significant scarring, and patients who want faster, more dramatic results with fewer sessions. SkinRx offers both so patients get the right treatment for their goals.

How many sessions of microneedling do I need?

Most patients see optimal results from traditional microneedling after 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. RF microneedling typically requires 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve similar or greater improvement.

Does microneedling hurt?

Traditional microneedling is generally well-tolerated with topical numbing cream applied before treatment. RF microneedling adds heat from the radiofrequency energy, which can increase discomfort — though BTL Exion uses AI-driven energy delivery to monitor skin response in real time and minimize discomfort significantly compared to older RF devices.

Can microneedling be used on all skin types?

Yes. Both traditional microneedling and RF microneedling are generally safe for all skin types and tones. Unlike some laser treatments, neither relies on light energy that can affect pigmentation differently across skin tones.

Does SkinRx offer both microneedling and RF microneedling?

Yes. SkinRx by Burds Family Practice offers both traditional microneedling and RF microneedling via BTL Exion at our Peosta and Dyersville, Iowa locations.

Not Sure Which One You Need?

Let's figure it out together. A quick consultation is all it takes to know which treatment is actually right for your skin.

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