Gold Needle (RF Microneedling)
What Is It?
Gold needle treatment delivers radiofrequency energy into the lower layers of the skin through insulated microneedles. Because the energy is released at the needle tip, heat is generated at the intended depth and the skin surface is relatively spared. The aim is to trigger collagen and elastin production through a controlled stimulus.
Sparing the surface means the treatment can also be considered in darker skin types, where methods that heat the surface carry a higher risk of pigment change. It comes up for pore appearance, textural irregularity, acne scarring and skin firmness; depth and energy are set separately for each area.
How Is It Done?
The skin is assessed first: thickness, pore structure, the type and depth of any scarring, and whether acne is active. If the complaint is pigmentation, its type is established separately — gold needle is not the primary option on its own for that heading; it enters the plan as support.
After topical anaesthetic cream, the handpiece is applied to the skin with needle depth and energy adjusted per area. A session averages 30-45 minutes. The protocol is usually 3-4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, with the number updated according to the skin’s response. It can be combined with mesotherapy or exosome treatments within the same plan if wanted.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people troubled by pore appearance, describing textural irregularity and superficial laxity, or with acne scarring. It is also considered in people with darker skin who are concerned about pigment change with heat-based methods.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection or an open wound at the site, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled chronic illness, a tendency to keloid scarring, implanted devices such as a pacemaker, and photosensitising medication all change the planning. In summer and on tanned skin the timing is decided by the doctor.
Process & Recovery
Skin assessment
Skin thickness, pore structure, scar type and whether acne is active are examined. Depth, energy and the number of sessions are planned accordingly, with photographs taken.
Session day
After topical anaesthetic cream the handpiece is applied, with depth and energy set separately per area. The session takes 30-45 minutes.
First 3-4 days
Redness, swelling and a slightly rough surface are the expected response. Make-up is postponed for a day; any crusting is left alone.
First month
Moisturising and sun protection are part of the result in this period. Sessions are usually 4 weeks apart, while the tissue continues its repair.
End of series
After the three-session protocol, assessment is made by photographic comparison. As the collagen response continues for months, the decision on further sessions is made here.
Results & Duration
The tightness felt in the first days is temporary; the real change comes with the collagen response and accumulates as the series progresses. Usually after the second session the texture reads as smoother and pore appearance softens.
The reported range of effect is around 12 months. As the skin continues to age the gain is not permanent; a maintenance interval is set at review. Sun protection and a regular routine directly affect that duration.
What Is Not Promised
Gold needle treatment is not a face lift; it does not gather pronounced laxity and does not replace surgery. It does not remove pores — pore structure is genetic, and the aim is to soften how they read.
In acne scarring the response varies with the type of scar; not every scar improves to the same degree. For pigmentation it is not the primary option on its own, and pigmentation treatment is a separate plan. No particular percentage of improvement, number of sessions or duration is guaranteed.
Key Benefits
- Pore tightening
- Less visible pigmentation
- Tissue renewal
Aftercare Notes
- in the first month. In summer and on tanned skin the timing is decided by the doctor. It can be combined with treatments such as exosome and mesotherapy within the same plan.
“What surprises patients most here is seeing nothing after the first session. This is the work of a series, not a session; collagen runs at its own pace and we simply stimulate it regularly.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
How does gold needle treatment work?
Radiofrequency energy is delivered into the lower layer of the skin through insulated microneedles. Heat is released at the intended depth, the surface is relatively spared, and the collagen response is stimulated.
How does it differ from laser?
Unlike methods that heat the surface, the energy is delivered deep. That is why it can be considered in darker skin types; which is suitable is decided by skin type and complaint.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually 3-4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. The number is updated according to the skin’s response.
Is the procedure painful?
Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand. Warmth and stinging are felt during treatment, and tenderness can follow for a few days.
How much redness follows?
Redness and swelling for the first 3-4 days are the expected response. Make-up is usually possible the next day.
Can I have it in summer?
In summer and on tanned skin the timing is decided by the doctor; sun protection is part of the plan.
Will it clear my acne scars?
The response varies with the type and depth of the scar. The aim is a reduction in how the scar reads; not every scar improves to the same degree.
How long does it last?
The reported range is around 12 months. As the skin continues to age, the repeat interval is set at review.