Adjustable needle penetration is the definitive technical requirement for treating acne scars because pathological damage occurs at vastly different depths depending on the scar subtype. By modulating needle length—typically between 1.5mm and 2.8mm—clinicians can bypass the skin's surface to deliver radiofrequency energy precisely into the specific dermal layer where the fibrotic tissue resides.
Core Insight: Successful scar revision relies on "matching" the treatment depth to the injury depth. Adjustable microneedles allow you to physically penetrate the epidermis to reach the reticular dermis, ensuring thermal coagulation occurs at the root of the scar to trigger remodeling, while leaving the skin’s surface virtually untouched.
The Physiology of Variable Depth
Addressing Heterogeneous Scar Types
Acne scars are not uniform; they are three-dimensional structures. Different subtypes, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, extend into the skin at different levels.
A static needle depth effectively treats only one type of damage. For example, boxcar scars average approximately 1500 micrometers (1.5mm) in depth.
An adjustable system allows the operator to dial in this specific length, ensuring the physical channel reaches the base of the scar without penetrating unnecessarily deep or falling short of the target.
Targeting the Reticular Dermis
For severe atrophic scarring, superficial treatment is insufficient. The pathological foundation often lies deep within the reticular layer of the dermis.
Depths of 2.0mm to 2.8mm are frequently required to reach these deep tissue layers.
Penetrating to this level allows the device to break down old fibrotic strands—the "anchors" pulling the skin down—and stimulate deep-layer collagen regeneration.
Optimizing Energy Delivery
Volumetric Heating and Contraction
The goal of Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency (FMRF) is not just mechanical puncture, but thermal remodeling.
By positioning the needle tip exactly in the mid-to-deep dermis, the device releases high-frequency electromagnetic radiation where it matters most.
This triggers neocollagenesis (new collagen production) and immediate tissue contraction, providing a structural "lifting and filling" effect for depressed scars.
Protecting the Epidermal Barrier
A critical advantage of adjustable depth is the preservation of the epidermis (the outer skin layer).
Because the RF energy is released only at the needle tip (often insulated), the heat bypasses the surface entirely.
This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common complication with ablative lasers that burn from the outside in.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Complexity of Treatment Planning
The flexibility of adjustable depth introduces a higher requirement for operator skill. Incorrectly assessing the scar depth can lead to suboptimal results.
If the setting is too shallow (<1.5mm): The energy may disperse in the papillary dermis, failing to break the fibrotic tethers of deep scars.
If the setting is too deep (>2.5mm): There is a risk of affecting subcutaneous fat or causing unnecessary pain, without adding benefit for superficial scarring.
The Necessity of Motorized Precision
Manual needle insertion is often inconsistent. To utilize adjustable depths effectively, the device must rely on a high-precision motor.
This ensures that when a 2mm depth is selected, the needles penetrate exactly 2mm vertically and retract quickly.
Without this mechanical precision, the "adjustable" feature becomes unreliable, potentially leading to tearing or uneven energy distribution.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The ability to adjust penetration depth transforms FMRF from a surface treatment into a structural remodeling tool.
- If your primary focus is treating Boxcar Scars: Set the depth to approximately 1.5mm to match the average depth of the lesion and stimulate remodeling at the scar's base.
- If your primary focus is Severe Atrophic/Rolling Scars: Utilize depths between 2.0mm and 2.8mm to penetrate the reticular dermis, break deep fibrotic strands, and induce significant tissue lifting.
- If your primary focus is Safety in Darker Skin Types: Leverage the adjustable depth to bypass the melanin-rich epidermis entirely, delivering heat only to the deeper dermis to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Precision depth control is the single most important factor in converting radiofrequency energy into safe, targeted tissue repair.
Summary Table:
| Scar Subtype | Target Dermis Layer | Recommended Depth | Primary Treatment Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxcar Scars | Mid Dermis | 1.5mm | Stimulate remodeling at the scar base |
| Rolling Scars | Reticular Dermis | 2.0mm - 2.8mm | Break fibrotic tethers and deep lifting |
| Ice Pick Scars | Deep Dermis | 1.5mm - 2.5mm | Cross-sectional collagen regeneration |
| Surface Texture | Papillary Dermis | 0.5mm - 1.0mm | Epidermal smoothing and pore reduction |
Elevate Your Clinic’s Results with BELIS Precision Technology
At BELIS, we specialize in professional-grade medical aesthetic equipment designed exclusively for clinics and premium salons. Our advanced Microneedle RF systems feature high-precision motorized depth control, allowing you to deliver targeted thermal coagulation exactly where your patients need it—from superficial rejuvenation to deep fibrotic scar revision.
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- Versatile Portfolio: From Diode Hair Removal and CO2 Fractional lasers to HIFU and body sculpting solutions like EMSlim and Cryolipolysis.
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- Expert Support: We help you select the right technology to treat complex skin concerns effectively and safely.
Ready to upgrade your treatment capabilities? Contact us today to discuss how our professional laser and RF systems can transform your practice.
References
- Hyung‐Min Kwon, G Park. Combined Fractional Treatment of Acne Scars Involving Non-ablative 1,550-nm Erbium-glass Laser and Micro-needling Radiofrequency: A 16-week Prospective, Randomized Split-face Study. DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2701
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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