RF Microneedling in London
Firmer, smoother skin and softened scarring, combining microneedling with radiofrequency.
RF microneedling combines fine-needle microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered into the deeper skin, stimulating collagen to tighten skin, soften acne scarring and refine texture and pores. At the West Hampstead clinic a session takes 30 to 60 minutes, you see an early glow within days, and the full result builds over 3 to 6 months and lasts around 12 to 18 months. It is given as a short course. Treatment starts from £300.
RF microneedling is one of the most versatile skin treatments available, because it works on two levels at once: the needling triggers surface repair, while the radiofrequency heats the deeper skin to tighten and remodel it. That combination makes it effective for acne scarring, early laxity, pores and texture in a way that needling or energy alone often cannot match.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
202 Google reviews
GMC
Registered Doctor
MRCS
Royal College of Surgeons
Every treatment
REAL RESULTS
RF microneedling before and after
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Acne scarring and breakouts
RF microneedling · 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart · photos before, 5 days and 2 weeks
Calmer, smoother skin with fewer red marks by two weeks. Collagen keeps building for around three months.
Results vary.
Acne scars
RF microneedling · manufacturer example
Scarring and redness visibly softened.
Results vary.
Crepey skin around the eye
RF microneedling · manufacturer example
Finer lines and firmer-looking skin around the eye.
Results vary.
ABOUT RF MICRONEEDLING
What is RF microneedling?
RF microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin while delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis through those same needles. The micro-injuries trigger the skin’s natural healing and collagen response, and the radiofrequency adds heat that tightens existing collagen and stimulates more. The result is firmer, smoother, more even skin.
It differs from standard microneedling, which works only at the surface, because the added radiofrequency reaches deeper and adds a genuine tightening effect. That makes it a strong option for acne scarring and early skin laxity as well as texture and pores. For people focused on lifting rather than texture, Sofwave or HIFU may suit better, and the clinic offers both.
HOW IT WORKS
How RF Microneedling treatment works
Treatment starts with a tailored plan based on your skin and concern. A numbing cream is applied for comfort, then a device passes over the skin, inserting the fine needles to a set depth and delivering bipolar radiofrequency energy at the tip. The micro-channels and the heat together drive the collagen response. A session takes 30 to 60 minutes and no injectable anaesthetic is needed.
Depth and energy are adjusted to the area and concern, deeper and stronger for acne scars on the cheeks, gentler around the eyes. You will usually leave with a visible glow, and the deeper firming develops over the following months as new collagen forms.
“RF microneedling is two treatments in one: needling repairs the surface, the radiofrequency tightens underneath. For acne scarring and early laxity together, few treatments do as much, especially when the depth and energy are set properly for each zone.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
TREATABLE CONCERNS
What it treats
Acne Scars
Including rolling and ice-pick scars
Fine lines & wrinkles
Including static lines
Enlarged Pores
Uneven skin textures
Pigmentation
Uneven skin tone
Early skin Laxity
Includes face neck & jawline
Jowls & sagging
Mild/Early stages
PRICING
RF Microneedling Pricing
| RF Microneedling - doctor-led lifting & tightening | per session | course of 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
RF Face |
£500 |
£1300 (save £200) |
|
RF Face & Neck |
£700 |
£1800 (save £300) |
|
RF Eyes (peri-orbital) |
£300 |
£750 (save £150) |
|
RF + Exosomes Face |
£750 |
£1950 (save £300) |
|
RF + Exosomes (face & neck) *The Dr Chike signature* |
£950 |
£2500 (save £350) |
|
RF + Exosomes Face, neck & decolletage |
£1150 |
£3000 (save £450) |
|
RF + Polynucleotides Face |
£650 |
£1700 (save £250) |
|
RF + Polynucleotides Face & Neck |
£850 |
£2250 (save £300) |
|
RF – Acne Scar Reconstruction |
£550 |
Course of 6 £2700 (save £600) |
|
RF Body (abdomen, arms, knees and more) |
£700 |
£1900 (save £200) |
HONEST COMPARISON
How it compares to other skin treatments
RF microneedling sits between surface treatments and deeper lifting devices.
| Treatment | Best For | Dept / Action | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RF Microneedling |
Acne scars, texture, pores, early laxity |
Needling plus deep radiofrequency heat |
1-2 days |
|
Texture, glow, mild scarring |
Surface micro-channels only |
1 day |
|
|
HIFU / Sofwave |
Lifting and tightening laxity |
Deep focused ultrasound, no needles |
None |
|
Deeper resurfacing, more pronounced scarring |
Ablative resurfacing |
Several days to a week |
Many faces benefit from a combination. Lines that are still forming respond well to Botox, while folds that are visible at rest usually need filler. Dr Chiké will give you an honest plan rather than treating everything with one tool.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Results and what to expect
You will usually notice an immediate glow and smoother feel after the first session, with the meaningful change, tighter skin, softer scars and refined texture, developing over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms. Acne scarring in particular improves gradually across a course rather than in one visit.
Results typically last 12 to 18 months, with maintenance every 6 to 12 months. Most people need a course of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the concern, with deeper scarring needing more. Dr Chiké will set realistic expectations and a plan at consultation.
YOUR RECOVERY EXPLAINED
Recovery, downtime and aftercare
Downtime is short. Mild redness and a warm, tight feeling, a little like mild sunburn, are normal for a few hours to a day or two, sometimes with slight swelling or pinpoint marks. Most people return to normal activities the next day, and makeup is usually fine after 24 hours.
- Keep the skin clean and use only gentle, recommended products for a few days.
- Avoid make-up for 24 hours, and avoid saunas, heavy exercise and direct sun briefly afterwards.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily, which matters most after any collagen treatment.
IS THIS FOR ME?
Am I a suitable candidate for RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling suits most healthy adults with acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, early lines or mild laxity, and it is safe for most skin types and tones, including sensitive skin. It is a good non-surgical option for people who want to improve the quality and firmness of their skin.
It is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active acne or skin infection, with certain skin conditions, or where there is a metal device in the treatment area. If your main concern is significant sagging rather than texture, Dr Chiké may recommend a lifting treatment instead or alongside.
WHY US
Why choose Hampstead Aesthetics
With RF microneedling, the depth, energy settings and protocol decide the result, so clinical judgement matters. Dr Chiké Emeagi is Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, and each session is set to your skin and concern rather than a fixed template.
Every treatment is carried out personally by Dr Chiké, who can combine RF microneedling with exosomes or polynucleotides for deeper repair where it helps. The clinic is on West End Lane in West Hampstead, NW6, a short walk from West Hampstead station and easy to reach from Swiss Cottage, Camden, St John’s Wood and across North London.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What patients say
Google 4.9 ★★★★★
TRUSTED BRANDS
Clinically validated products we use
We work exclusively with clinically validated, CE-marked brands across every treatment we offer, from Botox to dermal fillers, biostimulators and skin boosters. Every product is sourced from authorised UK distributors, so you get predictable outcomes, genuine ingredients and full regulatory traceability on everything that touches your skin.
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
At Hampstead Aesthetics, every RF microneedling treatment is overseen by Dr Chike Emeagi — a fully registered medical doctor whose qualifications and licence to practise are publicly verifiable. Treatment begins with a skin assessment and is carried out by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use technique.
MRCS - Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP - Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine - Postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC Licensed - Full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration directly on the https://www.gmc-uk.org/
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Why Medical Oversight Matters
RF microneedling does two things at once: it breaks the skin with fine needles and drives radiofrequency energy — heat — into the dermis. That means it carries the risks of both. Without sterile technique there is an infection risk; with the wrong depth, energy or settings there is a risk of burns or a change in pigmentation. It is a device- and operator-dependent treatment, and results and safety depend heavily on the machine used and the hands using it. In a doctor-led clinic you are treated with a medical-grade, CE-marked device, with settings matched to your skin, sterile single-use tips, proper screening beforehand, and medical oversight if a reaction needs managing
Safety & Suitability
- Single-use, sterile needle tips — never reused between clients
- Contraindication screening before every session — including active skin infection or cold sore, an acne or eczema flare in the treatment area, a tendency to keloid scarring, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication, pregnancy, recent oral isotretinoin or sunburn, and — for the radiofrequency element — a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or metal implants in the treatment area
- Energy and depth matched to your skin — settings chosen to reduce the risk of burns or post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Clear written aftercare — including sun protection while the skin recovers
- Medical oversight on site — Dr Chike is available where a concern needs a medical approach
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Before treatment you will have a skin consultation covering your skin history, any contraindications, realistic outcomes and aftercare. RF microneedling is planned as a course tailored to your skin rather than a one-off, and treatment will not proceed without your informed consent.
If you have a concern about your treatment, you are entitled to raise it directly with the clinic and, if it concerns Dr Chike’s professional conduct as a doctor, to escalate to the General Medical Council.
Reviewed June 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC No. 4418489.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does RF microneedling cost in London?
At the West Hampstead clinic it starts from £300 for the eye area. Bio-stacking protocols that add exosomes or polynucleotides, and dedicated acne-scar courses, are priced separately. Your plan and cost are confirmed at consultation.
Is RF microneedling safe?
Yes, it is safe and well tolerated when performed by an experienced practitioner. Because the radiofrequency works below the surface, it is also suitable for a wide range of skin tones, with a lower risk of pigmentation issues than some lasers. The common effects are short-lived redness and mild swelling.
How long do RF microneedling results last?
Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on your skin and the area treated. Because it stimulates your own collagen, the improvement builds over months and then gradually softens. Maintenance every 6 to 12 months keeps the result, and good skincare and SPF help it last.
How soon will I see results?
Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on your skin and the area treated. Because it stimulates your own collagen, the improvement builds over months and then gradually softens. Maintenance every 6 to 12 months keeps the result, and good skincare and SPF help it last.
Does RF microneedling hurt?
Most people find it very manageable. A numbing cream is applied first, so the treatment is generally comfortable, with a warm or prickling sensation as the energy is delivered. Any discomfort is brief, and there is no injectable anaesthetic needed. The eye area can feel slightly more sensitive.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a course of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the concern. Texture and pores may need three; deeper acne scarring often needs five or six. Dr Chiké will recommend the right number at consultation and reassess as the course progresses.
Is there downtime?
Minimal. Mild redness and a warm, tight feeling like mild sunburn are normal for a few hours to a day or two, sometimes with slight swelling. Most people return to normal activities the next day and can wear makeup after 24 hours. Avoid heat, heavy exercise and direct sun briefly afterwards.
RF microneedling or standard microneedling?
Standard microneedling works at the surface and is great for glow, texture and mild scarring. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat that reaches deeper and adds tightening, so it is stronger for acne scarring and early laxity. Dr Chiké will advise which suits your skin and goals.
RF microneedling or HIFU?
They do different jobs. RF microneedling is best for texture, scarring, pores and early laxity, working on the skin itself. HIFU is best for lifting deeper laxity along the jaw and neck. They are sometimes combined, and the right choice is matched to your main concern at consultation.
What is bio-stacking with exosomes or polynucleotides?
Bio-stacking uses the micro-channels created by RF microneedling to drive in additional repair agents, either exosomes or polynucleotides, just after treatment. This can enhance the collagen and repair response, which is useful for thin, crepey skin or more stubborn scarring. It is offered as a priced add-on where it genuinely helps.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, RF microneedling is one of the safer energy treatments for darker and richer skin tones, because the radiofrequency targets the deeper skin rather than relying on light absorbed by pigment, which lowers the risk of pigmentation changes compared with some lasers. Your skin type is assessed and settings adjusted at consultation.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. RF microneedling pairs well with exosomes or polynucleotides for repair, with Profhilo or skin boosters for hydration, and with lifting treatments where laxity is also a concern. Sensible spacing is used so the skin can recover, and Dr Chiké will plan the sequence.
Who is not suitable?
It is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active acne or skin infection, with certain skin conditions, or where there is a metal device in the treatment area. If your main concern is significant sagging rather than skin quality, a lifting treatment may suit you better. Suitability is checked at consultation.
How soon before an event should I have it?
Allow at least two weeks before an important occasion, and longer if you are having a deeper acne-scar treatment. Although the redness settles within a day or two, giving the skin a couple of weeks lets the early glow settle and any pinpoint marks fully resolve so you look your best on the day.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Treatments you may also be interested in
Arrange your consultation
If acne scarring, texture, pores or early laxity bother you, a consultation is the place to start. Dr Chiké will assess your skin, explain honestly whether RF microneedling, another treatment, or a combination will serve you best, and agree a plan with no pressure. If you have searched for RF microneedling or skin tightening near me, the West Hampstead clinic welcomes patients from across North London. You can arrange a consultation online or call the clinic on 0203 196 7222.
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, GMC No. 4418489. Last reviewed June 2026.
This page is for information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. All treatments carry potential risks, which will be discussed in full before any procedure. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed