Signature Treatments
| Treatment type | Fractional bipolar radiofrequency microneedling |
| Common treatment goals | Skin texture, selected acne scars, facial wrinkles and firmness |
| Common areas | Face, neck and selected body areas, depending on the device configuration and assessment |
| Comfort measures | Topical numbing is commonly used; the experience varies by area and settings |
| Recovery | Redness, swelling, sensitivity, dryness or pinpoint crusting may occur |
| Treatment course | The number and spacing of sessions are personalised (varies with individuals) |
RF Gold Microneedling is a fractional bipolar radiofrequency (RF) microneedling technology by InMode that we use at Alpha Asia Aesthetics for skin texture, selected acne scars, facial wrinkles and firmness concerns. An array of fine electrodes enters the skin and delivers radiofrequency energy at controlled depths, so the mechanical action of microneedling and the thermal effect of RF work together to create fractional treatment zones within the tissue.
InMode describes RF Gold Microneedling as a fractional radiofrequency technology intended for dermatological applications involving soft tissue contraction or coagulation. Current RF Gold Microneedling platforms may include different tips and functions, and the exact device, tip and settings we use are confirmed with you based on your assessment, since capabilities and approved uses can vary by model and country.
During treatment, the handpiece is applied to the treatment area and the needles are placed at selected depths before RF energy is delivered into the tissue. This produces localised areas of thermal energy while leaving surrounding tissue less affected. The resulting healing response may contribute to tissue remodelling over time.
The appropriate depth and energy depend on factors such as the concern being treated, tissue thickness, facial anatomy, skin condition and the need to protect structures beneath the skin. Higher energy or greater depth is not automatically more appropriate for every patient.
At Alpha Asia Aesthetics, RF Gold Microneedling is assessed and administered under the care of our medical director, Dr Jeanel Goh.
Depending on the device configuration and individual assessment, treatment may be planned for areas such as the face, lower face, jawline, neck and selected body areas.
For areas with limited soft tissue, particular attention is given to treatment depth and energy selection. Patients can ask which tissue layers are being targeted and why particular settings are appropriate for their anatomy.
Following medical assessment, RF Gold Microneedling may be considered for:
Not every scar or line is treated in the same way. Ice pick, rolling and boxcar acne scars, for example, have different structures and may require different treatment approaches or a combination of modalities.
Active acne is also assessed separately from acne scarring. During consultation, our doctor can discuss whether RF Gold Microneedling is appropriate for your particular concern or whether another treatment approach should be considered.
RF Gold Microneedling is not a surgical facelift and cannot remove significant excess skin. It does not replace surgery where substantial lifting or tissue repositioning is required. It is also not the right treatment for every type of pigmentation, active skin disease or scar.
A medical consultation should cover the expected benefits, limitations, potential risks, recovery considerations and available alternatives so that treatment can be planned according to your individual concern.
Depending on the device configuration and individual assessment, RF Gold Microneedling may be used on the face, lower face, jawline, neck and selected body areas. Treatment near delicate anatomical structures requires appropriate technique and careful treatment planning.
For a slim face or an area with limited soft tissue, depth and energy selection deserve particular attention. Patients should ask which layers will be treated and why those settings are appropriate for their anatomy.
RF Gold Microneedling may be considered by adults who are concerned about texture, scars, wrinkles or early laxity and who understand that results vary. Suitability depends on factors including the concern being treated, skin condition, general health, healing history, medication use and individual expectations.
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided in people with active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, certain medical or skin conditions, impaired healing, bleeding concerns or other contraindications. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, a history of keloid scarring, cold sores, recent isotretinoin use and medicines that affect bleeding should be discussed with the doctor. This is not an exhaustive list.
The timing and degree of any visible change vary between individuals. Some patients notice an early change once the initial swelling settles, but this is not the final result, since tissue remodelling continues over the following weeks and months, and the timing and degree of improvement vary with the concern, treatment settings, age, skin condition, healing response and number of sessions. Results are not permanent because the skin continues to age over time. Whether maintenance treatment is appropriate can be discussed during follow-up.
There is no universal number of sessions. The recommended treatment plan depends on the concern being addressed, treatment area, individual response and clinical assessment. Acne scarring may require different treatment approaches or a combination of modalities rather than RF Gold Microneedling alone. Our doctor can explain the intended treatment goal and how progress will be assessed.
A treatment recommendation should state what is being targeted, how progress will be assessed and when the plan will be reviewed.
Recovery varies between individuals. Short-term effects may include redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness, pinpoint bleeding or crusting. Bruising or temporary colour changes may also occur. The intensity and duration can vary depending on the treatment area, depth, energy, number of passes and individual healing response.
If you have an important event coming up, discuss timing with your doctor beforehand. Follow the clinic’s instructions regarding cleansing, skincare, makeup, exercise, heat and sun exposure.
RF Gold Microneedling: Safety and Possible Side Effects
RF microneedling is a medical procedure. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness, peeling, bruising or crusting can occur. Other possible complications may include infection, prolonged inflammation, pigment changes, scarring and cold sore reactivation.
In October 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication concerning serious complications reported with certain uses of RF microneedling devices. These reports included burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage. The FDA advised patients considering RF microneedling to discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider and seek care from a licensed healthcare provider with appropriate training and experience with RF microneedling devices.
The FDA communication concerns reported complications with certain uses of RF microneedling devices and does not state that every RF microneedling treatment causes these complications. It highlights the importance of discussing risks and benefits and seeking care from a licensed healthcare provider with appropriate training and experience.
| Treatment | Energy or method | Common treatment focus | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RF Gold Microneedling |
Needles plus bipolar RF |
Texture, selected scars, wrinkles and firmness |
RF is delivered through needles at selected depths |
|
Traditional microneedling |
Needling without RF |
Texture and selected scars |
No RF energy |
|
Fractional laser |
Light based fractional resurfacing |
Texture, scars and selected pigment concerns |
Uses laser energy rather than RF |
|
Monopolar RF |
RF delivered without needles |
Firmness and tissue heating |
RF energy delivered without microneedles |
|
Microfocused ultrasound |
Focused ultrasound energy |
Lifting and firmness at selected depths |
Uses focused ultrasound rather than microneedling |
These are broad distinctions, and treatments can differ depending on the device, settings and individual treatment plan. The appropriate treatment depends on the concern being addressed, anatomy, acceptable recovery time and treatment goals. Your doctor can assess whether RF Gold Microneedling or another approach is appropriate.
RF Gold Microneedling may be considered for adults concerned about skin texture, selected scars, wrinkles or reduced firmness. Suitability depends on medical assessment, including the concern being treated, general health, skin condition, healing history, medication use and individual expectations.
Treatment may not be appropriate in certain circumstances, including:
Please discuss the following with your doctor before treatment:
This list is not exhaustive, and your doctor will determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
The cost at our clinic varies according to the treatment area, complexity, tip used and number of sessions. If additional treatment is clinically appropriate, this can be discussed during your consultation. For information about suitability and fees, WhatsApp AAA at +65 83153188.
At Alpha Asia Aesthetics, RF Gold Microneedling begins with an assessment by Dr Jeanel Goh. The purpose is to determine whether RF microneedling fits the concern and, if it does, to plan the treatment according to the patient’s skin, anatomy and acceptable recovery time. The consultation also gives patients a chance to understand alternatives.
For information about suitability, possible risks, expected recovery and fees, patients may contact Alpha Asia Aesthetics to arrange a medical assessment with Dr Jeanel Goh.
No. Both treatments use needles, but RF Gold Microneedling also delivers RF energy into the tissue. This changes the treatment mechanism, settings, risks and recovery considerations.
RF Gold Microneedling may be considered for concerns including uneven skin texture, selected acne scars, visible pores, facial wrinkles and mild skin laxity. Your doctor will assess whether it is appropriate for your specific concern.
Topical numbing is commonly used. Patients may still feel pressure, heat or prickling. Comfort varies with the area, treatment depth, energy and individual sensitivity.
The procedure time depends on the treatment area and plan. Additional time is usually needed for consultation, cleansing and topical numbing.
Redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness and pinpoint crusting may occur. Recovery varies, so avoid arranging treatment immediately before an important event.
The timing and degree of any visible change vary between individuals. Tissue remodelling may continue over the following weeks and months, but the exact timeframe and extent of change cannot be predicted precisely.
There is no universal number of sessions. The recommended treatment plan depends on the concern being addressed, treatment area, individual response and medical assessment.
The longevity of any visible improvement varies between individuals and depends on factors including the concern treated and ongoing skin ageing. Whether maintenance treatment is appropriate can be discussed during follow-up.
RF Gold Microneedling is a medical procedure with potential benefits and risks. Temporary effects such as redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness, bruising or crusting may occur, while other complications are possible. Your doctor can discuss the risks relevant to your treatment plan.
Burns and fat loss are among the serious complications reported to the FDA with certain uses of RF microneedling. Appropriate patient selection, anatomy based settings and trained medical care are important risk controls.
RF microneedling is not primarily directed at pigment in the same way as certain light-based treatments. However, temporary or persistent pigment changes can still occur after treatment. Skin type, treatment settings, sun exposure, aftercare and individual healing response should be considered during assessment.
Active acne and acne scarring are assessed separately. Inflamed or infected skin may not be suitable for treatment at that time. Your doctor can advise whether the active acne should be addressed before considering treatment for scarring.
RF Gold Microneedling may sometimes form part of a broader treatment plan. However, the timing and sequence of treatments matter, and combining procedures may affect inflammation, recovery and overall risk depending on the treatments involved. Your doctor will advise whether combining treatments is appropriate.
The cost varies according to the treatment area, treatment plan, tip used and number of sessions. Contact Alpha Asia Aesthetics for a consultation and individualised quote.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment suitability, response, downtime, risks and duration of effects vary between individuals. No specific outcome can be guaranteed. Please consult our doctor for an individual assessment before undergoing treatment.
