Monopolar RF pen for chronic acne treatment

  Currently, there is a new radiofrequency (RF) tool for treating acne called monopolar RF Pen. This tool is suitable for many patients who have hormonal acne, chin and jawline acne, and chronic inflammatory acne that doesn’t heal. These types of acne often recur in the same spots. Traditional treatments involve taking medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and vitamin A acid derivatives, which can cause dryness across all pores, even those without acne problems. Today, I introduce monopolar RF Pen, an innovative tool that specifically targets and treats problematic pores without affecting normal areas, reducing the need for medications and preventing acne recurrence, so patients no longer have to suffer from this issue.

What is monopolar RF Pen?

  monopolar RF Pen is an innovative tool that treats acne at its root by using radiofrequency (RF) waves through a special small needle that directly targets problematic sebaceous glands. This causes the sebaceous glands to shrink, reducing oil production and effectively addressing acne at its source..

Understanding the Mechanism of Acne Formation

  Before understanding the mechanism of monopolar RF Pen, it’s important to understand the three main factors that contribute to acne formation:

1. Excessive sebaceous gland activity leading to overproduction of oil, causing oily skin. If oil discharge is not timely, it accumulates in the pores.
2. Abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum around the pores due to stimulation by the excess oil, leading to excessive production of keratin that blocks the pores, resulting in comedones (clogged pores).
3. Increased number of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria that use oil as a food source, releasing enzymes that break down oil, increasing inflammatory substances, and causing inflammation. Clogged pores can thus turn into inflammatory acne.

  From these three factors, it is evident that excessive sebaceous gland activity and oil production exacerbate keratinization and increase the population of C. acnes bacteria.

How Does monopolar RF Pen Treat Chronic Acne?

  The working principle of monopolar RF Pen involves addressing excessive sebaceous gland activity, a key factor in acne formation. monopolar RF Pen delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to problematic sebaceous glands. The RF energy transforms into heat, destroying the targeted sebaceous glands, reducing oil production, and tackling acne at its root.
  monopolar RF Pen releases RF energy through a special microinsulated needle, allowing energy delivery only at the needle tip directly to the sebaceous gland without affecting the upper skin. This prevents scabbing post-treatment. Additionally, it selectively targets problematic sebaceous glands without affecting normal sebaceous glands on the face.

What Types of Acne is monopolar RF Pen Suitable For?

  monopolar RF Pen has three types of needle tips, each designed to address different types of acne, including comedones, inflammatory acne, and blackheads. However, it is highly recommended for:

1. Chronic inflammatory acne cases
2. Acne that frequently recurs in the same spots
3. Hormonal acne around the mouth, chin, and jawline
4. Preventing acne in individuals prone to scarring

Does Radiofrequency Treatment Cause Dry Skin?

  The answer is “No.” A key strength of monopolar RF Pen is its selective treatment of problematic sebaceous glands without affecting normal skin areas. Experienced and knowledgeable practitioners can prevent excessive destruction of sebaceous glands, avoiding dryness in unaffected areas.

What Are the Advantages of Acne Treatment with monopolar RF Pen?

• Treats acne at the root within the problematic pores.
• Reduces the quantity and duration of medication.
• Does not cause dryness like vitamin A acid medications, as it only targets problematic sebaceous glands.
• No scabbing, unlike laser treatments that open acne heads but do not address the root problem and may cause scabs.

What is the Procedure Like?

1. The assistant cleans the skin with cleansing milk.
2. Apply topical anesthetic for 30-45 minutes (In my opinion, it’s less painful than acne injections. If there isn’t much acne, skipping the anesthetic is manageable).
3. The doctor applies monopolar RF Pen to problematic areas.

What Happens to Acne After monopolar RF Pen Treatment?

1. Immediately after treatment, acne may appear slightly swollen.
2. The next day, acne will appear 70-80% drier.
3. By day 3, acne will be completely dry, and the head of the acne will be ready to shed.

Is Medication Required After monopolar RF Pen Treatment?

  In my opinion, it depends on the case. For severe cases that need a quick resolution, I will prescribe medication. The advantage of monopolar RF Pen is that it reduces the duration and amount of medication needed. Details on acne medication treatment can be found here.

How Many monopolar RF Pen Sessions Are Needed?

  One session per month for 3-5 months.

Is monopolar RF Pen Safe?

  monopolar RF Pen is a safe device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand and South Korea.

Why Choose Mingkwan Clinic for monopolar RF Pen Treatment?

1. We specialize in acne treatment, providing comprehensive care from prevention to treating acne and its side effects, such as scars and dark spots. We know how to select the right cases for the best treatment outcomes.
2. Every case is diagnosed, treated, and followed up by doctors only. The treatment plan is tailored to each patient. We do not have a one-size-fits-all medication system. Treatment is customized for each individual.
3. We use innovative treatments supported by research and medical data.
4. Doctors use high-power magnifying glasses (loupes) during treatment, ensuring precise targeting of problematic sebaceous glands with monopolar RF Pen.
5. Reasonable and straightforward pricing, no hidden costs, and no sales pressure.

Monopolar RF Pen : Before and After

***Results vary by individual*** ***No photoshop used on acne***

Cost of Treatment

  The cost depends on the number of shots used for treatment. Generally, large inflammatory acne requires 6 shots, small inflammatory acne requires 2-5 shots, and comedones require 1-2 shots.

• Up to 50 shots: 1,500 THB per session – Suitable for mild inflammatory acne
• Up to 100 shots: 2,000 THB per session – Suitable for mild to moderate inflammatory acne
• Up to 200 shots: 3,000 THB per session – Suitable for moderate inflammatory acne
• monopolar RF Pen unlimited shots + Acne free treatment (includes acne extraction, laser treatment for specific sebaceous glands, blue light therapy)
  • Cost: 8,900 THB per session
  • 3-session package: 22,900 THB
  • 5-session package: 29,900 THB
  • The procedure takes 2 hours (1 hour for anesthetic application + 1 hour for the procedure)
• At Mingkwan Clinic, only doctors perform the procedure.