FDA warns popular skin treatment can cause serious complications

The FDA is giving a thumbs down to this celeb-loved glow-up procedure.

While it’s meant to help combat everything from wrinkles and hyperpigmentation to acne scars and stretch marks, there are no reports of some very scary unintended side effects.

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a popular rejuvenating treatment that uses small electrodes, or microneedles, to resurface the skin.

The process is similar to traditional microneedling, in which fine points are used to puncture the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and the production of collagen and elastin.

But according to the FDA, the addition of radio frequency adds another layer of intensity and a range of additional risks.

“The FDA is aware of reports of serious complications such as burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage, with use of RF microneedling devices for dermatologic and aesthetic skin procedures,” the agency explained in a warning published online.

The government agency cautions both patients and providers to be aware of these life-altering risks.

These words of warning are echoed by Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Rady Rahban.

“The number one thing that I dislike about plastic surgery is that we are a very fad-driven profession,” her said on TikTok.

“Whenever a new procedure comes on the market, everyone scrambles to get it done. Surgeons acquire it, market the crap of it, they peak — and then all of a sudden, all the complications begin to present,” he said.

RF microneedling is one such faulty fad, he cautioned.

“I love microneedling, but not radiofrequency,” he explained, saying that the FDA has noticed “a tremendous amount of complications and people presenting with burns, fat loss, nerve damage, loss of elasticity, etcetera.”

And those serious risks come with a steep price tag.

One to three sessions are required, with sessions spaced two to three weeks apart. Standard packages range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Demi Moore is allegedly a fan, with some reports suggesting the A-list actress routinely drops six figures a year on the treatment.

@radyrahbanmd

The aesthetic industry has a cycle — a new device launches, everyone rushes to buy it, marketing takes over, and patients line up… until the truth catches up. Radiofrequency microneedling is a perfect example of this. After years of hype, the FDA has now issued a warning following a surge in reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, nerve damage, and loss of elasticity tied to these devices. This is what happens when medicine chases trends instead of science. Devices are pushed long before we have real long-term data — and patients are the ones who suffer the consequences. Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s safe. Your face is not the place for experimentation. Choose expertise over excitement. Safety over hype. Always. #plasticsurgery #drradyrahban #boardcertifiedplasticsurgeon #rfmicroneedling #fdawarning

♬ original sound – Dr. Rady Rahban

Rahban, who does not offer RF microneedling to his patients, has been skeptical about the procedure since its introduction.

“I’ve been saying from the very beginning that I wasn’t a fan of heat-driven microneedling, and now finally, the FDA has caught up,” he said.

Commenters were quick to share their RF microneedling horror stories.

“It ruined my face. I lost all the good fat, and now my face sags and my skin has never looked worse,” wrote one TikTokker.

However, others noted that the safety and efficacy of the procedure rest solely on the provider.

“RF microneedling is only as good as the practitioner handling the device. Knowledge of the technology, in addition to experience, is crucial when determining the appropriate candidate,” said one.

Rahban underscored that he doesn’t want consumers to swear off the procedure, but rather to be fully aware of the risks and complications.

The FDA has also issued specific guidance for patients and caregivers:

• RF microneedling devices should not be used at home. If you want to use RF microneedling, see a licensed health care provider with training and experience with these devices.
• As with any procedure, discuss the benefits and risks with your provider.
• Be aware of reports of serious complications such as burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage. If you experience problems after getting the procedure done, see a licensed health care provider.
• Report any problems or complications experienced from skin procedures with RF microneedling to the FDA.