Treatment guides from a clinic in Myeongdong, Seoul

Potenza in Korea

Microneedling radiofrequency places energy directly into the dermis through insulated needles. That makes it the treatment of choice when texture and pores matter as much as firmness.

A grid pattern in soft light on a pale surface

How it works

Fine insulated needles pass through the skin surface and deliver radiofrequency energy at a chosen depth. Because the energy is placed rather than passed through the surface, the dermis can be treated firmly while the top layer stays comparatively intact.

That combination is why it appears on menus for pores, acne scars, fine texture and firmness at once.

Who it suits

  • Enlarged pores and rough texture
  • Rolling and boxcar acne scars, usually alongside other methods
  • Mild laxity where skin quality is the larger complaint
  • People who want change over a course rather than one big session

It is not a lifting treatment in the way focused ultrasound is. For a dropped jawline, see ultrasound lifting.

The session

Numbing cream for about thirty minutes, then the handpiece is stamped across the area, depth and energy adjusted by zone. Fifteen to thirty minutes for a full face.

Afterwards: redness like mild sunburn, swelling for a day or two, and skin that feels tight. Keep the routine simple — cleanser, bland moisturiser, sunscreen — and skip actives for several days.

The course

Typical
Sessions 3
Interval 3–4 weeks
When to judge 2 months after the final session
Maintenance Once or twice a year

Combining it

Clinics often pair it with boosters immediately afterwards, on the reasoning that the channels close within hours and the skin is receptive. Whether that suits you is a clinical decision, not a package choice — ask what is being applied and why.

For scarring, the usual plan mixes methods: subcision for tethered scars, needling or fractional laser for the rest. That sequencing is set out in the acne scars page.

FAQ

How many sessions does it need?

Usually three, spaced three to four weeks apart. Texture keeps improving for a couple of months after the last one, so judge the course rather than the session.

Does it hurt?

Numbing cream is standard and the treatment is brief. Most people describe pressure and heat rather than sharp pain, with bonier areas being less comfortable.

What does recovery look like?

Pinpoint redness and mild swelling for one to three days, occasionally tiny scabs. Makeup is usually fine after a day, but ask for the clinic’s own instruction.

Is it suitable for active acne?

Sometimes, using settings aimed at the oil glands, but in general active acne is treated first and scarring afterwards. Treating scars while acne is still active wastes both time and money.