RF Microneedling in Apgujeong, Gangnam, SeoulRadiofrequency microneedling · Fractional RF · RF needling · Five devices
RF microneedling (radiofrequency microneedling, also called microneedling with RF or fractional RF microneedling) sends radiofrequency heat straight into the dermis through ultra-fine needles. It tightens enlarged pores, smooths acne scars, refines texture and firms skin, all in the same treatment. At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, your doctor chooses the right device for your skin from five microneedle devices: EXION, Sylfirm X, Scarlet S, re:H and Ballerina.
I choose the device first, depending on whether your pores are enlarged, your scars are deep or redness is part of the picture.
Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho Conference speaker on fractional microneedle RF- Results
- Gradual improvement
- Duration
- Lasts around 6 months
- Comfort
- Needle-like prickling
- Recovery
- Redness for a few hours to 3 days
- Treatment time
- 5–30 minutes
- Treatment areas
- Pores, scars, texture and firmness
Skin keeps improving over time
Numbing cream before treatment
Fine scabs for a few days, depending on device and intensity
Varies by device; numbing time is extra
Full face, eye area and scalp line
RF energy
delivered inside
the skin
RF microneedling combines fine needles (microneedling) with radiofrequency (RF) energy. You may also see it called radiofrequency microneedling, microneedling with RF, fractional RF microneedling, RF needling or microneedle RF. The needles pass through the epidermis into the dermis and release RF heat right there, so energy reaches the layer where collagen is made while the skin surface is largely spared.
As the tiny channels heal, your skin builds new collagen and elastin. Enlarged pores, depressed acne scars, rough texture, fine lines and loss of firmness all improve together, and keep improving over time. Each device uses a different needle depth and RF method, so the device your doctor chooses shapes your result.
In his column for the medical journal D&PS, Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho explains that because needle RF delivers energy straight into the dermis, it works at lower power than monopolar RF applied from the skin surface. It was first used for acne, pores and scars. Today it also treats pigmentation such as melasma and aging skin around the eyes and eyelids.
Five microneedle devices at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic,
matched to each skin concern
Dong-An Joongsim Clinic has five microneedle devices, including RF microneedling systems. Instead of fitting your skin to one machine, your doctor first looks at your skin condition and goals, then picks the device that fits best.
| Device | Technology | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXION | Microfractional RF + monopolar RF | Deep firmness, wrinkles, pores and scars | Dong-An Joongsim Clinic was the first in Korea to introduce it. AI reads skin impedance and adjusts energy automatically, delivering it to deep layers in a single pass |
| Sylfirm X (Silk Toning) | Dual-wave RF (pulsed and continuous) | Melasma, redness and sensitive skin | Bipolar RF in pulsed or continuous mode treats pigment and vascular concerns such as melasma and redness. It also regenerates the skin's basement membrane, targeting the root cause so concerns are less likely to return |
| Scarlet S | Bipolar RF + microneedles | Texture, pores, fine lines and scars | Needle depth adjusts within 0.5–3.5 mm in 0.1 mm steps. Hydraulic insertion is quiet and impact-free with less bleeding, and RF fires only while the needles are inside the skin, reducing damage to the epidermis |
| re:H | SSCM microneedling (solution delivery with negative and positive pressure) | Pores, acne scars, texture and scalp firmness | Negative pressure opens the pores, then positive pressure drives active solutions deep into the skin. Two tips, a balloon tip and a blow tip, are matched to your concern, and the treatment is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Treatment takes about 5 minutes |
| Ballerina | Needle RF lifting | Drooping eyelids, sagging scalp line and fine lines | Delivers RF along the scalp line for a lift that rivals surgical lifting, without surgery. Also treats above the brows, under the eyes, the neck, elbows and knees, and leaves no scabs |
Pores, acne scars, texture: what RF microneedling improves
Enlarged pores
Tightens enlarged pores. New collagen builds up in the dermis around each pore and supports the stretched pore walls.
Acne scars
Makes depressed acne scars shallower. The needles reach the dermis beneath each scar, where RF builds new collagen that fills the scar from below. The microneedles also help clear excess oil, so it helps manage active breakouts too.
Skin texture
Smooths rough texture and brightens your tone. The skin renews itself at every tiny treatment point, evening out the surface.
Firmness and fine lines
Firms the skin and softens fine lines around the eyes and mouth. RF heat delivered directly into the dermis stimulates collagen and elastin.
Melasma and redness
Treats skin with melasma and redness too. Sylfirm X switches between pulsed and continuous RF to target pigment and vascular concerns with precision.
Sagging contours
Lifts drooping eyelids and refines the jawline. EXION spreads heat to deeper layers, while Ballerina and re:H tighten from the scalp line to lift heavy eyelids and the jawline from above.
Choosing an RF microneedling clinic:
five devices, chosen for you by your doctor
The same RF microneedling treatment can give different results depending on the device, the needle depth and how it is planned. We take time with every patient. A doctor, not a coordinator, handles your consultation and performs your treatment personally.
Using RF microneedling since 2010
Scarlet arrived in 2010, Sylfirm and Ballerina in 2016, and in 2026 we became the first clinic in Korea to introduce EXION. Today all five devices are in one clinic: EXION, Sylfirm X, Scarlet S, re:H and Ballerina. Whatever your concern, you are treated with the device that fits your skin best.
Planned by a doctor who has lectured on RF microneedling
In 2012, Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho lectured on volumetric lifting and tightening at an aesthetic medicine symposium in Jakarta, Indonesia, using Scarlet, introduced there as the first fractional microneedle RF system. He has taken part in research and presentations on four fractional needle RF devices. In 2015, Dr. Soyoun Koo exchanged clinical insights on fractional microneedle RF with Dr. Matteo, an internationally renowned scar treatment expert.
Your doctor sets the depth and combination
Dermal depth for scars and pores, shallow and precise for fine lines and the eye area, deeper layers for sagging contours. Your doctor divides needle depth and energy by area and, as in our 4-step pore structure program, layers re:H and EXION in stages alongside skin boosters and lasers.
Looking for a Potenza alternative?
We match the device to your skin
Potenza is a versatile RF microneedling device used for many skin concerns, but no single device is the best fit for every skin. Dong-An Joongsim Clinic keeps a dedicated microneedle device for each type of concern, so instead of fitting every skin to one machine, your doctor first assesses your skin condition and goals and then chooses the device.
| Device | Best for | How it differs from Potenza |
|---|---|---|
| EXION | Deep firmness and wrinkles | AI-controlled radiofrequency energy is delivered to deep layers in a single pass for strong collagen remodeling, with a design that reduces repeated needle stimulation |
| Sylfirm X | Melasma, redness and sensitive skin | Dual-wave technology switches between pulsed and continuous radiofrequency, treating pores and firmness as well as pigment and vascular concerns such as melasma and redness |
| Scarlet S | Texture, pores, fine lines and firmness | Needle depth adjusts in 0.1 mm steps to match skin thickness, and stable bipolar radiofrequency gives precise care for texture and pores |
| re:H | Pores, acne scars, texture and scalp firmness | Instead of RF, negative and positive pressure drive active solutions into the dermis. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and takes about 5 minutes |
| Ballerina | Drooping eyelids, sagging scalp line and fine lines | Delivers RF where other lifting treatments struggle to reach, such as the scalp, above the brows and under the eyes, lifting from above. It leaves no scabs, so you can get back to your day right away |
Who gets the best results from RF microneedling?
Your doctor will assess whether it is right for you
- Enlarged pores on your nose and cheeks bother you
- You have depressed acne scars
- You want to smooth rough texture and brighten dull skin together
- Fine lines and loss of firmness around your eyes and mouth concern you
- You have melasma or redness as well as enlarged pores
- Heavy eyelids or a sagging scalp line bother you
- Your skin is sensitive and you worry about irritation from treatment
How RF microneedling works
Your doctor explains it simply
How does RF microneedling renew the skin? It works in four stages, from the moment the needles enter the skin to the growth of new collagen.
Micro-channels
Ultra-fine needles pass through the epidermis to the planned depth in the dermis.
Heating the dermis
RF is released only while the needles are inside the skin, delivering heat directly to the dermis.
Repair response
The skin starts repairing itself at every tiny treatment point.
Collagen production
New collagen and elastin build up, improving pores, scars and texture.
Planning RF microneedling depth
Your doctor sets needle depth for each area
RF microneedling results depend on how deep the needles go: shallow and precise where skin is thin, such as around the eyes; dermal depth for scars and pores; deeper layers for sagging contours. Our experienced doctors set the depth according to the treatment area and your skin thickness.
- Scarlet S
Needle depth adjusts within 0.5–3.5 mm in 0.1 mm steps to treat the epidermis and dermis together.
- EXION
With the needles inserted to 4 mm, extended mode spreads heat up to 8 mm deep.
- About this diagram
Layer thicknesses are simplified for illustration. Actual depths vary with the treatment area and skin thickness.
RF microneedling at Dong-An Joongsim Clinic
A plan for each treatment area
ForeheadAround the eyesCheeksAround the mouthJawlineNeckTreatments similar to RF microneedling
Results, comfort and recovery at a glance
Compare treatments for pores, scars and texture side by side. The right choice varies from person to person, so your doctor will help you decide at your consultation.
| Treatment | Results | Duration | Comfort | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF Microneedling | Gradual improvement | Lasts around 6 months | Needle-like prickling | Redness for a few hours to 3 days |
| EXION | Visible right away | Lasts around 6 months | Needle-like prickling | 1–3 days of redness or roughness |
| JOULE ProFractional | Gradual improvement | Lasts 6 months or more | Mild discomfort | 1–2 days of downtime |
| UltraPulse | Gradual improvement | Lasts 6 months or more | Mild discomfort | 6 days of downtime |
| Opus | Gradual improvement | Lasts around 6 months | Mild discomfort | 5–10 days of downtime |
RF microneedling results reported in research
Reduction in acne scar scores (ECCA)
RF microneedling alone, after 20 weeks, 24-patient study
Niaz et al., Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2025: Sirithanabadeekul et al., a study included in the systematic review ↗Patients whose acne scars and pores improved
Clinical assessment of 30 patients
Cho et al., Dermatol Surg 2012 ↗Fewer days of redness than CO₂ laser
Meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials
Argobi et al., J Cosmet Dermatol 2026: meta-analysis ↗Patients satisfied with EXION results
After 4 sessions, manufacturer data (results vary)
BTL EXION Fractional RF: clinical results ↗RF microneedling before an important date
Treatment timed around your plans
From actors and TV personalities preparing for filming to patients planning a wedding or presentation, many people visit us ahead of an important date. Your doctor plans the timing and combination of treatments around your schedule and skin condition.
If your event is tomorrow
RF microneedling needs time for redness and fine scabs to settle, so we schedule it well ahead of your event. If the date is very close, your doctor will switch to a combination of treatments with no downtime.
If your event is a month away
We work backward from your event date to plan a step-by-step program built around RF microneedling. With nearly every major device in one clinic, we can choose the combination that suits your skin best.
Your RF microneedling day,
from numbing to treatment by your doctor
Your doctor handles both your consultation and treatment. A patient coordinator can help with pricing.
Doctor consultation
Your doctor reviews your concerns about pores, scars and firmness.
Skin analysis
We check skin thickness, pores, scars and redness.
Choosing the device
Your doctor picks the best of five devices for your skin.
Numbing cream
Numbing cream reduces needle discomfort.
RF microneedling
Your doctor treats each area with its own depth and energy.
Soothing care
Soothing, regenerating care calms redness and heat.
Aftercare that minimizes RF microneedling side effects
Aftercare
- When you can wash your face and wear makeup depends on the device, so your doctor will give you instructions after treatment.
- Redness and swelling usually settle within a few hours to 3 days. Let fine scabs fall off on their own.
- Avoid saunas, heat treatments and strenuous exercise for 1 week, and cut back on alcohol and smoking for a while.
- Reapply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2–3 hours and moisturize well.
Our doctors stay informed about the latest RF microneedling research
From a 2012 symposium lecture in Jakarta to clinical exchange with leading experts from abroad, our doctors keep sharing RF microneedling expertise.
Combinations that boost RF microneedling results
The micro-channels left by the needles kick-start skin renewal, and Re2O replenishes the extracellular matrix. We pair re:H with pore-focused Re2O.
Explore Re2O →Enlarged pores usually have more than one cause, so one device is rarely enough. JOULE ProFractional refines the surface while RF microneedling rebuilds the dermis. Our 4-step pore structure program also builds in re:H and EXION at separate stages.
Explore JOULE ProFractional →Before RF microneedling: insights from our doctors
Our doctors explain concerns closely related to RF needling in clear, practical terms.
Forehead Lines and Drooping Eyelids: Why They Develop (The Evolution of EBD VIII)
The delicate skin around the eyes often shows age-related changes early.
Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho
Radiofrequency vs. Ultrasound Lifting (The Evolution of EBD VI)
The column describes RF target temperatures of 45–65°C for changes in collagen structure and longer-term collagen production.
Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho
Enlarged Pores: How Much Can Treatment Help?
To reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, first identify the cause: excess oil, loss of firmness or the size of the hair follicles.
The doctors at Dong-An Joongsim ClinicRF microneedling results, pain and cost:
Answers from our doctors
How do I choose an RF microneedling clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
The same RF microneedling treatment can give very different results depending on the device, the needle depth and who plans it. Check whether a doctor handles both your consultation and treatment, whether the clinic has several devices to match different skin concerns, and whether genuine equipment and consumables are used. We take time with every patient: a doctor, not a coordinator, leads your consultation and performs your treatment personally.
Which RF microneedling devices do you offer? Do you have Potenza?
We have five microneedle devices: EXION, Sylfirm X, Scarlet S, re:H and Ballerina. We do not offer Potenza. Potenza is versatile, but no single device suits every skin, so we match the device to your concern: EXION for deep firmness, Sylfirm X for skin with melasma or redness, and Scarlet S for precise work on texture and pores.
When will I see RF microneedling results?
Pores, scars and firmness keep improving as new collagen fills in where the needles worked, so the before-and-after difference becomes clearer with time. Most people notice a change within 1 week of re:H, and skin keeps getting better in the weeks after Sylfirm X. When results show depends on the device and your skin.
Does RF microneedling hurt?
Because needles enter the skin, you may feel some prickling, so we apply numbing cream first. Scarlet S uses hydraulic insertion for smoother needle entry, and 30 minutes of numbing cream greatly reduces discomfort. Sedation is also available for EXION.
What is the downtime for RF microneedling, and are there side effects?
Redness and swelling right after treatment usually settle within a few hours to 3 days. At higher intensities, fine scabs may form for a few days, and mild bleeding or bruising may occasionally show for 1–3 days. Letting scabs fall off on their own and keeping up with sunscreen and moisturizer helps reduce side effects.
How many RF microneedling sessions will I need?
It depends on the device and your concern. re:H starts with 3 sessions 2 weeks apart, followed by sessions every 1–2 months. EXION is recommended 1–2 times a year. Deeper concerns such as acne scars respond best to a series of sessions, so your doctor sets the number and interval after examining your skin.
Can RF microneedling treat the eye area and eyelids?
Yes. In his medical journal column, Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho explains that needle RF is well suited to improving aging around the eyes and eyelids. For the thin skin around the eyes, Scarlet S sets a shallow needle depth in 0.1 mm steps, and for heavy eyelids, Ballerina lifts from above the brows and along the scalp line.
Can I have RF microneedling if I have redness or sensitive skin?
Yes. Sylfirm X switches between pulsed and continuous RF to treat pigment and vascular concerns such as melasma and redness with precision, and re:H is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Your doctor examines your skin first, then sets the device and intensity.
Can RF microneedling treat the neck, arms or knees?
Yes. Ballerina delivers RF to areas that conventional lifting struggles to reach, such as the neck, elbows and knees. In his column, Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho explains that when the upper arms lose firmness, he combines a collagen stimulator with RF microneedling.
How much does RF microneedling cost?
Cost depends on the device, the treatment area and the intensity, so we provide pricing after your consultation. Your doctor examines your skin first and recommends only the devices and sessions you actually need.
RF microneedling vs. microneedling or laser: what is the difference?
Regular microneedling creates tiny channels that trigger the skin's natural repair. RF microneedling (microneedling with RF) adds radiofrequency heat released inside the dermis, a second stimulus for collagen that targets pores, scars and firmness. A laser works from the skin surface, so much of its energy lands on the epidermis, while fractional RF microneedling delivers energy at the chosen depth in the dermis, where pores and scars form, with less heat damage to the surface. Some patients combine both: a laser for surface texture and RF needling for the dermis.
Our RF microneedling equipment
| Devices | EXION · Sylfirm X · Scarlet S · re:H · Ballerina |
|---|---|
| Technology | Microneedles + RF (monopolar · bipolar) |
| Needle depth | Scarlet S 0.5–3.5 mm · Sylfirm X 0.3–4.0 mmAdjustable in 0.1 mm steps |
| Extended mode | EXION needles at 4 mm, heat delivery up to 8 mm |
| Manufacturers | BTL Industries (EXION) · VIOL (Sylfirm X · Scarlet S) |
| Anesthesia | Numbing creamSedation available for EXION |
RF microneedling, planned for your skin by your doctor
We take time with every patient. Your doctor leads the consultation and performs the treatment, with a plan built around your skin.
Sources
- Tan et al., Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review, Dermatol Surg 2021 ↗
- Niaz et al., Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling as a Monotherapy in Acne Scar Management: A Systematic Review, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2025 ↗
- Argobi et al., Fractional CO2 Laser Versus Micro Needling Radiofrequency for Post Acne Scarring: A Meta-Analysis, J Cosmet Dermatol 2026 ↗
- Cho et al., Dermatol Surg 2012: fractional radiofrequency microneedle treatment for acne scars and enlarged pores ↗
- BTL EXION Fractional RF: clinical results ↗
- VIOL SYLFIRM X product information ↗
- VIOL SCARLET S product information ↗
- BTL EXION: official healthcare professional page, AI energy control and heat delivery up to 8 mm ↗