Scarlet RF Microneedling

Scarlet RF microneedling combines computer-controlled microneedle insertion with Shock Free intracellular bipolar radiofrequency energy, delivering heat precisely to the deep dermis and subdermis without surface burns. The dual mechanism — physical collagen induction from the needles and thermal remodelling from the RF — produces a lifting, tightening, and pore-refining effect that is visible immediately after treatment and continues to improve over 3–4 weeks. EsteticUsti reports excellent outcomes after a single session. The Scarlet system's bipolar design confines the RF current between needle pairs rather than routing it through the body, making it safer for patients with metal implants (excluding pacemakers) and reducing off-target heating.

The Scarlet system (manufactured by Viol, Korea) uses a stamping handpiece containing an array of gold-coated microneedles that penetrate to a precisely controlled depth (0.5–3.5 mm, adjustable by zone). The needles are bipolar — current flows between paired electrodes within the array rather than from needle to return pad — concentrating radiofrequency energy at the needle tips in the dermis and subdermis. This 'Shock Free' design means the stratum corneum and epidermis are bypassed, eliminating the surface burns and prolonged social downtime associated with earlier ablative microneedling devices. In the dermis, the RF thermal energy denatures existing collagen fibres and coagulates the extracellular matrix, triggering a wound-healing cascade in which fibroblasts are recruited and stimulated to synthesise new collagen (type I and III) and elastin. The microneedle channels simultaneously create controlled micro-injuries that amplify the healing response. The combined effect tightens lax skin, reduces enlarged pores, smooths active acne lesions, and refines skin texture — with a lifting effect visible from the day of treatment due to immediate collagen contraction. At EsteticUsti, the Scarlet treatment can be applied to the full face, neck, and décolletage individually or in combination. The skin is cleaned and degreased before treatment; no injectable anaesthesia is required. Patients may experience 1–2 days of mild redness, after which normal makeup can be applied. SPF protection is recommended for 1–2 weeks. Botulinum toxin or dermal filler treatments should be spaced at least 14 days from Scarlet sessions to avoid filler migration or unintended muscle effect modulation. Contraindications include active cardiac conditions, implanted pacemakers or defibrillators, uncontrolled diabetes, active skin infections, eczema in the treatment zone, pregnancy, and known malignancies.