Why Settle for Traditional Microneedling When Your Skin May Benefit from More?
Not all microneedling treatments are the same.
Traditional microneedling treatments, such as SkinPen, have become popular for improving skin texture, fine lines, and acne scars. But what if your skin concerns go beyond the surface?
At APS Medical Spa by Advanced Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we offer advanced Pixel RF microneedling technology, combining the benefits of traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to support collagen remodeling and improve the appearance of aging skin.
For patients concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, acne scarring, and early skin laxity, RF microneedling offers an additional level of treatment that traditional microneedling alone cannot provide.
Our approach is guided by the expertise of Dr. Ewa Komorowska-Timek, a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience.
What Makes RF Microneedling Different from SkinPen?
Both SkinPen and RF microneedling create controlled microinjuries in the skin to stimulate its natural repair response and encourage collagen production.
The difference is what happens beneath the skin.
SkinPen Traditional Microneedling
SkinPen uses tiny needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. This stimulates natural healing and collagen production, helping improve skin texture, fine lines, and certain acne scars.
Pixel-8 RF Microneedling — Advanced Collagen Remodeling
RF microneedling takes this process further by combining microneedles with radiofrequency energy.
As the needles penetrate the skin, RF energy delivers controlled heat to targeted tissue, creating an additional stimulus for collagen remodeling.
This combination may offer greater improvement in certain concerns, particularly mild skin laxity and wrinkles, depending on the patient’s skin condition and treatment settings.
Think of it this way: SkinPen stimulates collagen through microneedling. RF microneedling combines that stimulation with targeted thermal energy for an additional remodeling effect.
RF Microneedling vs. SkinPen: Which Is Better?
The answer depends on what you want to improve.
| Skin Concern | SkinPen | RF Microneedling |
| Fine lines | Effective | Effective |
| Acne scars | Effective | Effective |
| Uneven skin texture | Effective | Effective |
| Enlarged pores | May improve appearance | May improve appearance |
| Mild skin laxity | Limited tightening effect | Greater tightening potential |
| Collagen stimulation | Mechanical | Mechanical + thermal |
| Treatment intensity | Generally gentler | More intensive |
For patients primarily concerned with skin texture and superficial imperfections, traditional microneedling may be sufficient.
For those experiencing early signs of skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, or more advanced skin changes, RF microneedling may offer additional benefits.
More Than Skin Rejuvenation: Supporting Healthy Aging
At APS Medical Spa, we believe healthy aging is about maintaining the health, quality, and function of your skin over time.
Collagen and elastin naturally decline with age. These structural proteins help support skin firmness, elasticity, and smoothness.
RF microneedling is designed to stimulate collagen remodeling and improve the appearance of aging skin without surgery.
Our philosophy isn’t about changing how you look. It’s about helping you maintain and restore the natural qualities of your skin through thoughtful, individualized treatments.
Healthy aging begins with the choices we make today.
– Ewa Timek, MD
What Can Pixel-8 RF Microneedling Improve?
Depending on your skin type, anatomy, and treatment plan, RF microneedling may help improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity
- Acne scarring
- Uneven skin texture
- The appearance of enlarged pores
- Crepey-looking skin
- Overall skin smoothness and firmness
Improvements develop gradually as the skin responds to treatment. Multiple sessions may be recommended, and results vary.
What to Expect During RF Microneedling
Your treatment begins with a consultation to evaluate your skin and determine whether RF microneedling is suitable for you.
A topical numbing medication and Chiller device are used to improve comfort.
During the procedure, the device delivers controlled microneedling and RF energy according to the selected treatment settings.
Following treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, warmth, or sensitivity.
RF microneedling also carries risks, including burns, pigmentation changes, infection, scarring, unwanted fat loss, and nerve injury. Our team will discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and risks before treatment.
How Many RF Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns, the area being treated, and your response.
Some patients may notice improvement after a single session, while others benefit from a series of treatments.
Because collagen remodeling takes time, results often develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
A personalized treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.
Why Choose APS Medical Spa for RF Microneedling in Grand Rapids?
Advanced Technology. Plastic Surgeon-Led Care. Personalized Results.
At APS Medical Spa, we don’t believe every patient needs the same treatment or that more aggressive treatment is always better.
Under the direction of Dr. Ewa Komorowska-Timek, our team approaches skin rejuvenation with an understanding of facial anatomy, natural aging, skin quality, and individual treatment goals.
Our approach includes:
Personalized Skin Assessment
We evaluate your skin concerns, treatment history, and goals before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
Advanced RF Technology
Our Pixel RF microneedling system combines mechanical microneedling with radiofrequency energy to provide an additional approach to collagen remodeling.
Attention to Facial Volume
Not every patient benefits from aggressive energy-based treatments. We consider facial volume, skin thickness, and the risk of unwanted fat loss when determining whether RF microneedling is appropriate.
Comprehensive Skin Rejuvenation
RF microneedling may be incorporated into a broader plan that includes professional skincare, laser treatments, or other aesthetic services when appropriate.
A Focus on Natural Results
Our goal is to help you achieve healthier-looking, smoother, firmer skin while preserving your natural facial features.
Become a Patient
contact us
If you are interested in how RF Microneedling can help you, Advanced Plastic Surgery wants to help you in any way that we can. Call us at (616) 323-3102 to schedule your consultation with one of our certified technicians or request an appointment through our website and one of our team members will be in touch with you soon.
RF Microneedling FAQs
Patient Resources
Advanced Plastic Surgery
We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out.