Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF) is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that combines microneedling with controlled radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and promote deep skin repair. This treatment is particularly effective in reducing acne scars, improving skin texture, and enhancing overall skin quality. Acne scars form due to inflammation and collagen damage, leaving behind depressed scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture. MNRF helps smoothen, tighten, and regenerate the skin, making it a highly effective solution for acne scar revision.

Acne scars form when inflamed breakouts damage the collagen matrix beneath the skin's surface. Depending on the severity of the original lesion, the body either produces too little collagen — creating depressed scars like ice picks and boxcars — or too much, resulting in raised hypertrophic tissue. At Claire Derma, our dermatologists classify your scars using the Goodman and Baron grading system before selecting needle depths and session frequency.

MNRF uses a device with ultra-fine needles that deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy into the deeper layers of the skin. This process:

Creates micro-injuries - that stimulate the body's natural healing response.

Delivers controlled RF energy – to boost collagen and elastin production.

Tightens and firms the skin -   while improving texture and tone.

Reduces deep scars –  by encouraging new skin cell formation.

Rolling Scars – Broad, shallow depressions caused by fibrous bands pulling the dermis downward. Microneedling at 1.5 to 2.0 mm breaks these tethers effectively, and most patients see noticeable flattening within three to.

Boxcar Scars – Wider depressions with sharply defined edges that give the skin a pitted appearance. Our dermatologists use 2.0 to 2.5 mm depths with denser needle passes along the scar borders to.

Ice Pick Scars – Narrow, deep channels extending into the dermis that are the most stubborn to treat. At Claire Derma, we pair microneedling with targeted TCA cross application at 70 to 100 percent.

Unlike traditional microneedling, RF energy penetrates deeper, making it more effective for stubborn acne scars.

Not all acne scars respond equally to microneedling, which is why accurate scar classification drives the treatment plan at Claire Derma. Rolling scars with their undulating, wave-like appearance are the most responsive — the needles break up fibrous bands tethering the skin downward, releasing the depression and allowing new collagen to fill the gap.

Acne scars develop due to severe inflammation, leading to collagen degradation and tissue damage. MNRF helps by:

Breaking down scar tissue - allowing fresh collagen to remodel the skin.

Plumping depressed scars – making them less visible.

Reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) -   for a more even skin tone.

Smoothing rough skin texture –  by encouraging new cell turnover.

Minimizing pore size –  preventing future breakouts.

PRP Enhancement – Applying platelet-rich plasma immediately after microneedling floods the micro-channels with concentrated growth factors. Studies show PRP-assisted sessions improve scar appearance by an additional 15 to 20 percent compared to microneedling.

Topical Serum Infusion – The open channels created during treatment allow deeper absorption of active serums. Our team applies hyaluronic acid and peptide blends post-needling to speed up hydration and support the early stages.

Subcision Pre-Treatment – For tethered scars, our dermatologists may perform subcision with a Nokor needle before running the microneedling device.

The microneedling device used at Claire Derma for acne scars is a motorised pen system with adjustable depth settings from 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm. Unlike derma rollers, the pen drives needles vertically into the skin, reducing drag and tearing — a distinction that matters when treating irregular scar surfaces where angled entry could worsen trauma.

Effective for Deep Acne Scars - Helps improve boxcar, rolling, and ice-pick scars.

Stimulates Natural Collagen Production – Encourages skin healing from within.

Tightens & Firms Skin -   Reduces sagging and enhances elasticity.

Improves Skin Texture & Tone –  Creates smoother, clearer skin.

Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery –  No need for surgery, minimal downtime.

Long-Lasting Results –  With proper skincare, results last for years.

Benefit – Progressive texture refinement with each session as new collagen matures over 8 to 12 weeks. Most patients notice smoother skin after session two, with peak results visible around three months.

Benefit – Minimal disruption to daily routine compared to ablative resurfacing. Redness and mild swelling resolve within two to three days, and most patients return to work the day after treatment with.

Benefit – Safe and effective across all skin tones, including Fitzpatrick types V and VI where laser treatments carry significant pigmentation risks.

Patients who pursue microneedling for acne scars at Claire Derma benefit from a treatment that improves skin texture without removing the epidermis or causing significant pigmentation risk. This matters especially for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV to VI), where ablative lasers carry a higher chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who:

Have moderate to severe acne scars that have not responded to topical treatments.

Want a non-surgical approach to scar revision.

Seek skin tightening and rejuvenation along with scar reduction.

Prefer a gradual, natural improvement in skin quality.

Recovery after microneedling for acne scars follows a predictable pattern. Expect redness similar to moderate sunburn for 24 to 48 hours, with mild swelling that peaks on day one and resolves by day three. Pinpoint bleeding during the session itself is normal and stops within minutes. Our team at Claire Derma provides a post-treatment kit with gentle cleanser, barrier-repair moisturiser, and SPF 50 mineral sunscreen.