Dr. Rebecca Baxt has Advised Against the Use of this Technology for Years!
On October 25, 2025, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning “making consumers, patients, and health care providers aware that serious complications have been reported with certain uses of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices.”1 Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a Board-Certified Dermatologist, concurs with the FDA’s warning, as she has not been a proponent and has warned her patients about the complications of these devices for many years!
“Early on I saw three patients who had persistent redness from microneedling, and it took me a year to make them better,” says Dr. Baxt. “I then stopped doing microneedling because I found that while microneedling can help, it was not worth the side effects.”
Dr. Baxt continues to treat microneedling patients from other practices with complications, and while she can usually help them and improve their skin’s health and appearance, it’s a long road to recovery. Dr. Baxt warns patients and consumers, “microneedling is relatively cheap and easy, but if you get the complications, it’s not a lot of fun.”
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of BAXT CosMedical® in Paramus, NJ, offers expert care for microneedling complications and provides safe, effective solutions for a variety of skin health and aging facial concerns.
What is RF Micro-Needling and What Are Some of the Complications?
Micro needling has been offered as a facial enhancement procedure by stimulating collagen for many years. The pairing of radiofrequency (RF) to microneedling was added to use heat energy to cause ‘micro-injuries’ to the skin surface and to penetrate to a deeper skin level of the skin. The combination of microneedling with RF is promoted as a way to improve dull skin, uneven texture, crepiness, skin tightening, and improve acne scars.
However, there are many risks!
According to the FDA warning, there are reports of “serious complications (adverse events) including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage, and the need for surgical repair or medical intervention to treat injuries.”2
Dr. Baxt notes that there are many RF micro-needling devices on the market using different names. While they may have slight difference, the bottom line is the core technology of RF energy is the same and can cause adverse effects and skin damage. Consult with Dr. Baxt to discuss your skin and anti-aging concerns.
What Are Some Alternatives to RF Microneedling?
There are safe and effective cosmetic rejuvenation treatments that are an excellent alternative to Microneedling with RF. At BAXT CosMedical®, Dr. Baxt recommends four treatments that she has used for years to that give similar or better results to RF Microneedling!
Dr. Baxt’s four effective alternatives to RF Micro-needling are:
Many patients who have sun-damaged skin achieve optimal results with Fraxel® Dual Laser Resurfacing. Fraxel® is a great all-around resurfacing laser that has a proven history of safety and effectiveness for a variety of conditions, including:
- Acne Scarring
- Anti-Aging Skin Concerns
- Hyperpigmentation
Dr. Baxt recommends Clear + Brilliant® to address unwanted signs of skin aging resulting in rejuvenated and renew skin. Clear + Brilliant® is often called “baby Fraxel.” It is similar to Fraxel® but at a lower power and with less downtime. Clear + Brilliant® is effective at treating the following skin concerns:
- Enlarged Pores
- Fine Lines
- Skin Appearance
- Skin Tone And Texture
3. Photofacial / PhotoRejuvenation (IPL)
Photofacial, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), are the common names used to refer to cosmetic enhancement treatments. These medical devices have specific features and benefits aimed at improving the following skin conditions:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Sun Damage
Professionally administered chemical peels are a good option to help with:
- Acne
- Discoloration
- Dull Complexion
- Fine Lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Wrinkles
Remember, not all peels are the same as they vary from superficial to medium to deep peels that use stronger acids.
While chemical peels can be performed on all skin colors and type, a consultation with Dr. Baxt is required to determine which peel is best and the strength and frequency needed to achieve the patient’s goal.
It is always best to consult with a Board-Certified Dermatologist prior to undergoing an aesthetic skin procedure. At BAXT CosMedical®, located in Paramus, New Jersey, Dr. Baxt owns all of the lasers that she uses, so they are available all day, every day. Dr. Baxt encourages you to understand why you should select a dermatologist and always check credentials!
Read American Society of Dermatology’s “Do Your Homework…Know Your Provider.”
