Does RF Microneedling Hurt? What a Secret RF Session Really Feels Like
What a Secret RF session actually feels like, how we keep you comfortable, and the mild soreness to expect afterwards.
One of the first questions we hear about RF microneedling is a fair one: does it hurt? The honest answer is that most people find it very manageable, and comfort is something we plan for, not leave to chance.
Here is exactly what a Secret RF session feels like at our Coquitlam studio, from the numbing beforehand to how your skin feels in the days after.
It starts with numbing
Before we begin, we apply a topical numbing cream and give it time to take effect. This is the single biggest reason most clients find the treatment comfortable. By the time the session starts, the surface of your skin is already much less sensitive.
What it feels like during the treatment
As the Secret RF device moves across your skin, most people feel a warm, prickling sensation, more a combination of gentle pressure and heat than a sharp pain. Most clients describe it as very manageable. Areas where the skin sits closer to bone, such as the forehead or jawline, can feel a little more noticeable, and we simply go at your pace.
Because the device lets your therapist adjust the needle depth and energy for each area, the treatment is tailored to your comfort as well as your concern. If anything feels uncomfortable, we adjust straight away.
Does it feel different on the body?
Body areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms, often treated for stretch marks or skin laxity, are usually well tolerated. The sensation is similar to the face, over a larger area, and the same numbing and adjustable settings keep it comfortable.
How your skin feels afterwards
Afterwards, it is normal for the skin to feel warm and look flushed, much like a mild sunburn, for one to three days. You may notice slight tightness or tenderness as your skin renews itself. This is usually more of a sensitivity than genuine pain, and makeup can typically be applied after the first 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is RF microneedling more painful than regular microneedling?+
The needle sensation is similar, with the added warmth of the radiofrequency energy. Because we numb the skin first and adjust the settings to your comfort, most clients find both very manageable.
Will I be sore afterwards?+
Mild tenderness or tightness for a day or two is normal, similar to how skin feels after a light sunburn. It usually settles quickly and is not typically painful.
What if I have a low pain tolerance?+
Let us know. We can allow extra time for the numbing cream to work and adjust the treatment settings, and we check in with you throughout the session. Your comfort guides the pace.
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Ready to talk to us about your skin?
Book a complimentary consultation at our Coquitlam studio. We assess your skin honestly and recommend the right plan for you.