Acne scars can remain long after active breakouts have disappeared, affecting skin texture, smoothness, and confidence. While topical skincare can help improve certain concerns, deeper or depressed acne scars often require professional treatments that stimulate collagen remodeling.
RF microneedling for acne scars combines the controlled micro-injuries of traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered into targeted layers of the skin. This combination is designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production while gradually improving the appearance and texture of acne scars. The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes radiofrequency microneedling as one of the treatment options that may make acne scars less noticeable.
Glo & Glam offers VirtueRF microneedling in Arlington and Colleyville, with customizable treatment settings based on the patient’s skin, treatment area, and goals.
What Is RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling is a minimally invasive skin-resurfacing treatment that uses small needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency energy beneath the surface.
The microneedles create tiny controlled injuries that activate the body’s natural healing response. At the same time, RF energy heats targeted tissue to support collagen and elastin remodeling.
As new collagen develops, the skin may gradually appear smoother, firmer, and more even. Because collagen remodeling takes time, improvements usually develop progressively rather than immediately.
Glo & Glam’s VirtueRF system combines microneedling with controlled RF energy and offers customizable treatment depths for different facial and body concerns. Its SmartRF handpiece is specifically designed for facial rejuvenation and can be used for concerns including acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Does RF Microneedling Work on Acne Scars?
A common question is, does RF microneedling work on acne scars?
Research indicates that fractional RF microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scarring, particularly depressed scars associated with changes in collagen structure. A 2025 systematic review examining 16 studies involving 481 patients concluded that fractional radiofrequency microneedling is likely effective for acne scarring, while also noting that additional randomized trials are needed to determine the best treatment parameters.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that radiofrequency treatments can stimulate collagen and elastin, and that combining RF with microneedling can make acne scars less noticeable.
However, results depend on the type and severity of your scars. Rolling, boxcar, and certain other depressed scars may respond differently, while some scars may require a combination of procedures rather than one treatment alone.
An evaluation is therefore important before choosing RF microneedling.
How Does RF Microneedling Improve Acne Scars?
Acne scars often develop because the skin does not produce the right amount or arrangement of collagen while healing from inflammation. Depressed scars can occur when too little collagen is produced after an acne lesion heals.
RF microneedling works by encouraging a controlled remodeling response.
The process generally involves:
- Microneedling: Tiny needles create controlled microchannels in the skin.
- Radiofrequency delivery: RF energy is delivered beneath the surface at selected depths.
- Healing response: The skin responds by initiating repair and remodeling processes.
- Collagen remodeling: New collagen and elastin develop gradually over time.
- Texture improvement: As the skin remodels, scars may appear softer and less defined.
The goal is not to erase every scar completely, but to reduce the visibility of scarring and improve overall skin texture.
RF Microneedling vs Regular Microneedling
When comparing RF microneedling vs regular microneedling, the main difference is the addition of radiofrequency energy.
Regular microneedling relies primarily on controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production. RF microneedling adds controlled thermal energy beneath the skin while the needles are inserted.
The American Academy of Dermatology describes RF microneedling as microneedling that adds heat to the treatment. It notes that RF microneedling may enhance collagen production and can be used for acne scars.
That does not automatically mean RF microneedling is appropriate for every patient. Treatment depth, energy settings, skin type, scar characteristics, and desired outcome all influence which approach makes sense.
At Glo & Glam, the provider determines the appropriate handpiece, depth, and energy settings based on the individual’s skin and goals.
How Many RF Microneedling Sessions for Acne Scars?
Another major question is how many RF microneedling sessions for acne scars are needed.
There is no universal number because acne scars vary considerably. Treatment plans are often based on scar depth, skin condition, treatment intensity, and how the skin responds.
Glo & Glam states that many patients benefit from a series of three to four treatments, typically spaced about four to six weeks apart. Maintenance treatments may also be recommended depending on individual needs.
Multiple sessions are common because collagen remodeling is gradual. A series of treatments allows the skin to undergo repeated controlled stimulation rather than relying on one aggressive procedure.
Your provider may also recommend a different approach if your scars are particularly deep or if another procedure is better suited to the scar type.
RF Microneedling Results: When Will You See Improvement?
RF microneedling does not produce its full effect immediately.
You may notice temporary skin smoothness or an early glow after treatment, but more meaningful changes develop as collagen and elastin remodel.
Glo & Glam reports that results may become increasingly noticeable over approximately four to six weeks and can continue improving for several months.
A realistic timeline may look like this:
Immediately after treatment: Redness, warmth, mild swelling, sensitivity, or pinpoint marks may occur.
First few days: The skin gradually settles, although some dryness or light flaking may remain.
Several weeks: Early improvements in texture may become easier to see.
One to several months: Collagen remodeling can continue, allowing acne-scar texture and overall skin quality to progressively improve.
Individual results vary, and before-and-after photographs taken under consistent conditions can be useful for tracking progress.
RF Microneedling Downtime and Recovery
One of the advantages of RF microneedling is that it generally involves less downtime than some more aggressive resurfacing procedures.
The RF microneedling downtime and recovery period varies by treatment intensity and individual skin response. Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, sensitivity, pinpoint marks, dryness, and light flaking can occur. Glo & Glam states that redness often improves within several hours, although sensitivity or swelling can last longer after more intensive treatments.
After treatment, patients are generally advised to use gentle skincare, protect the skin from the sun, and avoid activities that create excessive heat or irritation for the recommended period.
Glo & Glam specifically recommends avoiding makeup for approximately 24 hours, using gentle cleanser and moisturizer, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, limiting direct sun exposure, and avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, excessive heat, retinoids, exfoliants, and acids until cleared by the provider.
Always follow the personalized aftercare instructions given for your skin.
Can RF Microneedling Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Some acne-scar patients benefit from combination treatment because different procedures address different aspects of scarring.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that microneedling may be combined with treatments such as radiofrequency, chemical peels, or platelet-rich plasma. It also notes that PRP may be used alongside microneedling to enhance results in some patients.
Glo & Glam also offers PRP/PRF EZ Gel as a separate regenerative treatment. Whether PRP or another combination approach makes sense depends on the patient’s skin, scar characteristics, medical history, and treatment goals.
The objective is to create a treatment plan that addresses the actual cause and appearance of the skin concern rather than automatically adding procedures.
RF Microneedling in Arlington, TX
For people searching for RF microneedling Arlington TX, Glo & Glam provides VirtueRF treatments at its Viridian/Arlington location.
The Arlington office is located at 4080 North Collins Street, Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76005. Glo & Glam also has a Colleyville location.
You can explore Glo & Glam’s locations to learn more about the Arlington and Colleyville offices.
You can also visit the dedicated RF microneedling treatment page to review the treatment process and available VirtueRF options.
For additional offers, you can check the Glo & Glam specials. Promotions can change, and eligibility may vary by treatment.
Is RF Microneedling Right for Your Acne Scars?
RF microneedling may be a useful option for people who want to improve depressed acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, or other signs of skin damage.
However, not every acne scar responds the same way. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an individualized approach based on scar type, severity, skin characteristics, and whether active acne is still present.
A consultation can help determine whether RF microneedling is appropriate and whether another procedure or combination treatment could provide a better fit.
To learn more about Glo & Glam’s aesthetic and skincare services, visit the Glo & Glam website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does RF microneedling work on acne scars?
RF microneedling can improve the appearance of many acne scars by stimulating collagen and elastin remodeling. Research supports its potential effectiveness, particularly for depressed acne scars, although results vary by scar type and patient.
2. How many RF microneedling sessions are needed for acne scars?
The number of treatments depends on scar severity, skin condition, treatment settings, and individual response. Glo & Glam states that many patients benefit from approximately three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
3. What is the difference between RF microneedling and regular microneedling?
Regular microneedling uses controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen, while RF microneedling combines those microchannels with radiofrequency energy delivered beneath the skin. The added energy provides another mechanism for controlled collagen remodeling.
4. What is RF microneedling downtime and recovery like?
Downtime is generally limited, but temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, warmth, pinpoint marks, dryness, or light flaking can occur. Glo & Glam notes that redness often improves within several hours, while some sensitivity or swelling may last longer.
5. When will I see results from RF microneedling?
Some people notice an early glow or smoother appearance soon after treatment, but collagen remodeling takes time. Glo & Glam states that more noticeable improvements may develop over four to six weeks and continue improving for several months.
6. Is RF microneedling safe for different skin tones?
The American Academy of Dermatology states that radiofrequency microneedling is considered safe for all skin tones. However, treatment settings should still be customized to the individual’s skin and condition by an appropriately trained professional.
7. Can RF microneedling completely remove acne scars?
RF microneedling is intended to reduce the appearance of acne scars rather than guarantee complete removal. The amount of improvement depends on the scar type, depth, age, skin condition, and treatment plan. Some patients may benefit from combining RF microneedling with other treatments.