11/02/2025
Some of you may have seen this alert from the FDA. Radiofrequency(RF) devices have become quite popular in recent years. They convert electricity into controlled heat to cause modest shrinkage of skin and reduction of superficial fat. They can either be used in conjunction with more extensive surgical procedures or as standalone minimally invasive treatments. The devices provide radiofrequency applications in different way-more invasive electrodes placed in the fat between skin and muscle or as clusters of needles that briefly puncture the skin a few millimeters.
The FDA alert specifically addressed the RF micro needling devices and mentioned risks such as “burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage, and the need for surgical repair or medical intervention.” I would add to that temporary or long term dark areas of skin (hyperpigmention).
We have been using RF both in the office as well as in the operating room for over give years now. Risks are real but every procedure carries risk. I believe RF microneedling was singled out among all the RF treatments because it has been cleared to be performed by nurses, physician assistants and physicians with no formal training in aesthetic medicine. While the technique can be taught in an afternoon session by a nurse hired by the company knowing who is and isn’t a good candidate takes years of experience and understanding the nuances of application comes with time and experience. They are generally safe when applied to the appropriate patient correctly but they don’t replace surgical procedures and complications are more common with more aggressive application when a surgical procedure would be more advisable. We are available for consultation is anyone needs specific advice. 619-583-4222
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/potential-risks-certain-uses-radiofrequency-rf-microneedling-fda-safety-communicationiane atieineru
FDA is aware of serious complications reported with certain uses of radiofrequency microneedling devices; asks for reports of injuries related these devices
