Genius RF microneedling for active acne and acne scars
Acne most commonly affects adolescents, but also extends into adulthood for many. It can be frustrating to manage, as it can lead to pigmentation changes and pitted scarring.
What causes acne?
Acne forms when hair follicles become clogged, trapping dead skin cells, bacteria and oil underneath the skin. Whiteheads will form when the excess oil mixes with the dead skin cells to form a plug close to the skin’s surface. Blackheads will form if the follicle is open to the skin. The usual bacterial culprit is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which can multiply when trapped within the pores, leading to inflammation, redness, and infection. Sometimes pus will form deep underneath the skin, causing pitted scars.
How can Genius RF Microneedling help with Active acne and Acne scarring?
Genius RF combines Radiofrequency heat with microneedling to reduce pore size, reduce oil production and stimulate collagen production. The reduced oil production and pore size leads to fewer acne outbreaks, while the improved collagen and elastin will help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
What is the recovery like after Genius RF microneedling treatment?
Because the needles with Genius RF are ultra-fine, there is minimal injury to the skin surface. You can expect some redness and minor swelling following the treatment. The swelling resolves quickly (within 1-3 days). The redness peaks during the first 3-5 days and typically fades over the coarse of 1-3 weeks. You want to avoid soaking your treated skin under water (i.e. avoid saunas, swimming) for 2 weeks. You will also want to avoid strenuous workouts (sweating). But otherwise, you can return to normal activity within 1-2 days.
How can adding LaseMD or co2 laser help with Acne scars?
While Genius RF works underneath the skin to boost collagen, lasers work on the surface of the skin to smooth skin texture and remove pigment. Two of our favorite lasers to combine with Genius RF microneedling for acne scars include LaseMD Ultra and Ecotone eCO2 Laser.
Acne scar subcision may be needed for deeper acne scars
Deeper acne scars have thick fibrous bands of scar tissue below the skin, as well as loss of collagen at the skin surface. These scars respond better to subcision (using a needle to cut the scar bands beneath the skin).
What skincare products should I use after RF microneedling?
Protection against sun damage is important to prevent pigmentation (darkening of skin). 100% mineral sunscreen is recommended. For the first 3 days, it’s a good idea to avoid creams that could potentially clog pores and lead to acne outbreaks. Gentle cleansers are also recommended. Avoid retinol/tretinoin, glycolic or exfoliating cleansers for two weeks. At Rejuve Medspa, we have a variety of advanced skincare products that help to speed recovery, prevent complications, as well as enhance results.
Before and After photos of Genius RF for acne scars:
6 weeks after 1 session of acne scar subcision with PRFM injection, and 2 sessions of Genius RF/LaseMD combo.
2 months after 1 Genius RF session
6 weeks after acne scar subcision with PRFM injection plus 2 sessions of Genius RF/LaseMD combo
What is the difference between RF microneedling and regular microneedling?
Regular microneedling pens have no added radiofrequency. The needles on a typical microneedling pen are shorter and stiffer, potentially causing more surface injury to the skin depending on how aggressive the treatment is. Although great results can be achieved with regular microneedling, more sessions will be required for a similar result compared with one session of RF microneedling.
How does Genius RF microneedling compare with other RF devices such as Morpheus 8 or Pixel 8?
The needles with Morpheus 8 and Pixel 8 are thicker and stiffer, causing more surface injury (more risk for bleeding, bruising, pain, and prolonged healing times), as well as higher risk for hyper pigmentation (darkening of skin). Genius RF has 49 gold-plated ultra fine needles compared with 28 needles on Morpheus 8, so Genius RF can provide more aggressive energy delivery. Despite being more aggressive, Genius RF has less associated downtime. There is more precision and control possible with Genius RF due to the intelligent feedback
Genius RF Microneedling - Why Its So Effective For Skin Tightening and Acne Scars
Lutronic Genius RF Microneedling combines Radiofrequency with Microneedling to target multiple depths of your skin to stimulate collagen & elastin production. Both mechanisms of Microneedling & heating tissue with Radiofrequency causes injury to the tissue beneath the epidermis. Injury triggers the body’s natural healing cascade which in turn promotes the building of new collagen & elastin.
After the age of 20, we lose about 1% of collagen every year. To keep skin appearing youthful and healthy, it is important to maintain abundant levels of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids and makes up about a third of all of the protein in your body. Collagen is often referred to as the “glue that holds everything together.” It keeps the skin elastic and firm.
Lutronic Genius RF Microneedling combines Radiofrequency with Microneedling to target multiple depths of your skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Both mechanisms of Microneedling and heating tissue with Radiofrequency causes injury to the tissue beneath the epidermis (top layer of the skin). Injury triggers the body’s natural healing cascade which in turn promotes the building of new collagen and elastin.
What does genius do?
Builds collagen and elastin
Tightens skin (reduces wrinkles and improves loose skin)
Improves acne by reducing pore size and sebum (oil) production
Improves acne scars
Improves appearance of cellulite and stretch marks
Genius RF for Acne Scars:
Genius RF for wrinkles:
how does genius work?
There are 4 different tips to choose from depending on what target areas are desired. The face tip has 49 very fine needles which can be programmed to target specific depths. Deeper depths achieve facial contouring and fat reduction where desired (such as in the jowl’s or under eye bags). Emitting radiofrequency at more superficial depths cause skin tightening which has greater effects on reducing wrinkles. The goal of treatment with Genius is to target multiple depths to achieve various desired effects.
Genius is safe for all skin types because it avoids injury to the epidermis (top layer of skin) where the melanocytes (pigment cells) reside. Although there is still a rare chance of hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration of the skin), it is unlikely.
How Does Genius compare with Morpheus 8 or Other RF Microneedling Devices on the Market?
Genius RF Microneedling by Lutronic distinguishes itself from other RF microneedling devices on the market by the superior effectiveness of the treatments without the associated downtime. Because there are 49 needles per tip (compared with 24 needles with Morpheus 8), more energy can be emitted, producing a higher level of skin tightening. In addition, the Genius needles are finer and more flexible, causing less epidermal injury, less risk for bruising, bleeding, or scratches often seen with Morpheus 8 treatments.
1 week after Morpheus 8 Treatment
Immediately after Genius + Ultra Laser
Combining Genius RF Microneedling with LaseMD Ultra:
While Genius RF Microneedling affects the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production resulting in skin tightening and reduced appearance of scars, LaseMD Ultra is a resurfacing laser that works on the more superficial layers of the skin to improve fine lines/wrinkles, smooth texture, and remove unwanted pigment. Both treatments can be performed on the same day for optimal results.
Genius pre-treatment: What should I do to prepare?
Before your Genius treatment, it is important to take these steps:
Medical Clearance and Consent: The Rejuve Medspa team will make sure to answer your questions and address any concerns.
Stop any Retinols or Tretinoin (Retin-A) products 1 week before Genius
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning (wear daily sunscreen) 3-4 weeks before treatment.
Tell your provider if you have any history of herpes simplex or shingles in the treatment area - this will require that you take anti-viral medications to prevent a break-out.
Clean skin: avoid applying make-up, ointments or creams to the treatment area.
Avoid aspirin or Motrin (ibuprofen) 1 day prior to Genius treatment. You may not be a candidate for Genius if you are taking blood thinners.
what can i expect during Genius treatment?
Topical numbing medication will be applied after your skin has been thoroughly cleansed. The numbing medication is left on the skin for 1 hour before treatment begins. A section of your treatment area will be cleansed before microneedling on that section begins.
The microneedling tip has very fine needles that make the procedure tolerable. The providers at Rejuve Medspa will answer all your questions and take you step by step through the process.
genius post-treatment: what should I do after treatment?
Avoid any skin products or cleansers to treated area for 12 hours. Then use gentle cleanser for 2 weeks.
Avoid any strenuous activity for 24 hours (sweating increases risk for infection).
Avoid wearing Make-up for 2-3 days.
Use mineral-based sun screen daily.
Avoid excessive heat or sun exposure for 1 week.
Avoid Tretinoin or Retinol for 1 week.
Avoid Lasers, BBL or IPL for 4 weeks.
Recommend DefenAge 8:1 bioserum twice daily to help regenerate new skin cells.
Your providers at Rejuve Medspa can answer your questions about other skin care products or concerns you may have.
what to expect after genius treatment:
1 day Post-Treatment: Redness and transient edema, skin begins to turn to a condition similar to before treatment.
3 days - 1 week Post-Treatment: Brighter skin tone and significant reduction in sebum secretion in oily skin types.
1 month Post-Treatment: Improvement of fine wrinkles and skin laxity.
1-3 months Post-Treatment: Continuous improvement of fine wrinkles, pores size, scars and skin laxity.
Common expected skin reactions include erythema (redness), edema (swelling), transient pin-point bleeding, and very slight discomfort after treatment. Pin-point bleeding should stop within minutes after application, discomfort within a few hours and erythema and edema gradually diminishes to normal in 1 to 3 days.
Crusting begins to appear 1 – 2 days after treatment and sloughs off in 3 – 5 days.
Other less common skin reactions include petechia which fade in a few days or bruising (purpura) which can take up to a week to disappear.
Other skin reactions include irritation, itching, and burning sensation. These typically subside in a few hours to 1 day, but may get aggravated with heat or sweating. If these reactions continue consider evaluating for possible infection, changing their skin care regimen and/or short-term use of mild topical steroid.
when should i follow up?
It is best to wait 4-6 weeks before seeking another Genius treatment.
