Who Should Not Get Gold Needle?

Radiofrequency (RF) technology is widely used today in many aesthetic applications such as skin rejuvenation, blemish and scar treatment. However, RF treatments, like every application, have some side effects and contraindications. Especially in microneedle RF systems known as gold needle treatment, good evaluation of these conditions is of great importance for safe and successful results.

Side Effects of Radiofrequency Treatment

According to the manufacturer's data, among more than 300,000 patients treated with monopolar RF systems worldwide, side effects have been reported in less than 0.2% of the cases. Although this rate is quite low, some temporary and rarely permanent side effects are seen.

Acute and usually temporary side effects that may be seen in RF treatment are as follows:

Abrasion (2.3%),
Edema (13.9%),
Erythema (36.0%),
Hyperpigmentation (4–26%),
Bulla (water blister) formation (2.3%),
Lightening of color (hypopigmentation) (1.2%),
Purpura (bruising) (1.2%),
Scar formation (3.8%),
Ulcerations (2.3%).
Permanent edema has been reported in 3% of cases and this condition usually regresses with systemic corticosteroid treatment. In addition, side effects such as urticarial reactions, subcutaneous nodules or hematomas have been reported rarely.

It has been stated that numbness may occur along the nerve lines in the treated areas, but this is usually reversible.

Pain During Treatment

One of the most frequently reported complaints in RF treatment is pain felt during treatment. This situation may occur as a result of:

Insufficient anesthesia,
Using very high energy.
Topical anesthetics or tumescent anesthesia are not recommended as they may affect tissue resistance. Instead, it is recommended to use oral analgesics or anxiolytics.

Other Rare Side Effects

Persistent erythematous papules,
Superficial burns,
Vesicle formation (especially in cases of insufficient epidermal cooling),
Headache,
Development of fat atrophy,
Scar formation
are among the other possible side effects that can be seen rarely.

Contraindications of Gold Needle Treatment

Gold needle (microneedle RF) and general RF treatments should definitely not be applied to certain patient groups. These are:

Patients with electronic implants such as pacemakers or defibrillators,
Patients with heart failure,
Those with active or recent malignancy (cancer) history,
Those with metal implants such as hip prosthesis or fracture fixation,
Patients with active herpetic infection (preventive antiviral treatment may be necessary),
Those under immunosuppression,
Active local or systemic infections,
Increased photosensitivity (hypersensitivity to the sun),
Those with collagen-vascular diseases,
Those with diseases induced by heat,
Those prone to hypertrophic scar formation,
Those with coagulation disorders,
Those with wound healing disorders,
Pregnant women.
RF treatments should not be applied to patients in this group as they may carry serious complication risks.

Relative Contraindications of Gold Needle Treatment

Some situations may require careful application or postponement of RF treatment. These are:

Having undergone dermabrasion, chemical peeling or laser skin resurfacing within the last year,
Having undergone microdermabrasion within the last 3 months,
Using oral retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin) within the last 6 months,
Using topical retinoids within the last 2 weeks,
Using topical steroids within the last 2 months,
Using oral steroids within the last 12 months,
Atrophic skin condition (e.g. chronic radiation dermatitis),
Unrealistic patient expectations,
Obesity and frequent weight changes,
Diabetes,
Excessive skin laxity (sagging),
Severe photodamage or elastosis,
Poor general health or mental health status,
Application on tattoo or synthetic filler (silicone) areas.

In these cases, treatment may be postponed, pre-prepared or applied with different protocols according to the physician's evaluation.

Radiofrequency Application with Fillers

It has also been investigated whether RF treatments are safe, especially after facial filler applications. In an animal model conducted in England:

No significant negative interaction was observed between RF application and collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite and polylactic acid fillers.
According to the study by Alam et al.:

No short-term negative changes were observed in soft tissue fillers after RF treatment.
However, some points to note:

In some histological studies, mild inflammatory reactions have been reported around the fillers.
These inflammations did not cause clinically significant problems, but caution should be exercised.
Who Can Get Gold Needle Treatment?

Gold needle treatment:

It can be safely applied to patients who have previously had a facelift, blepharoplasty, laser surgery, botulinum toxin or fillers.
In addition, since RF treatment does not cause beard and moustache loss in male patients, it is also safe for this group.

Conclusion

Gold needle (microneedle RF) treatment is a safe and effective method for many aesthetic goals such as skin rejuvenation, scar treatment and wrinkle reduction. However, the best results are achieved when applied with the right patient selection, the right equipment use and personalized protocols.

In particular, caution should be exercised in people with serious health problems or certain contraindications, and alternative treatment options should be considered if necessary