How long is the downtime after RF microneedling?
After microneedling, the skin usually needs a few days to a week for redness and swelling to settle. With radiofrequency it can take longer depending on the device, needle depth and treatment intensity; ask your doctor what to expect for your session's settings. Redness fading does not mean the result is complete: texture and scars improve gradually over the following weeks and months.
Key numbers
When can I go back to work?
You may be able to go back quickly if the redness is mild, but the skin can take several days to settle. The time before an event or a photo shoot may be longer than the time before returning to work. Ask the clinic for an estimate that fits the device and the session settings.
How do I care for my skin after the session?
- Use gentle care as the doctor instructs, and avoid removing crusts or rubbing the skin.
- Protect the area from the sun, and do not go back to exfoliants or retinol until the doctor allows it.
- Do not wear makeup for at least the first 24 hours; you may need to wait longer if the skin has not healed or the doctor advises it.
When should I contact the doctor?
Increasing pain, blisters, discharge or an unusual change in skin color need prompt contact with the doctor. Serious complications have been described with some uses of radiofrequency devices, including burns, scarring, nerve injury and fat loss. So worsening symptoms should not be treated as normal recovery.
Key takeaways
- Redness and swelling may take a few days to a week, and longer with radiofrequency.
- The result improves gradually after the skin settles.
- Symptoms that get worse instead of better need a medical assessment.
Microneedling and RF Microneedling for Scars and Pores