<h4 style="text-align:justify;">What Happened</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning about the rising number of injuries caused by radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, a treatment widely promoted for its skin-tightening and rejuvenating effects.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to the FDA, recent reports reveal that RF microneedling can lead to serious and sometimes permanent complications, including:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Burns</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Scarring</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Fat loss</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Disfigurement</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Nerve damage</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:justify;">How RF Microneedling Works - and Why It’s Risky</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">RF microneedling combines traditional microneedling - tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen - with radiofrequency energy, which delivers heat beneath the surface.<br>While this aims to boost collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer skin, the heat element significantly increases the risk of injury, particularly when performed by:</p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Unqualified providers, or</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Clinics using non-approved devices</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">The FDA stresses that RF microneedling should <strong>only be performed by trained, licensed professionals using FDA-cleared equipment</strong>, and that <strong>patients must be informed of all potential side effects beforehand.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The agency also urges patients who experience complications to report them through the FDA MedWatch program, helping improve device monitoring and future safety standards.</p><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Expert Warnings</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">In an interview with <i>The New York Post</i>, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Rady Rahban called RF microneedling a “faulty fad,” fueled more by marketing and celebrity trends than by long-term clinical research.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Whenever a new procedure hits the market, everyone rushes to get it - until complications appear,” Rahban said. “I love microneedling, but not radiofrequency. The heat element adds tremendous risk - burns, fat loss, nerve damage, and loss of elasticity.”</p><h4 style="text-align:justify;">What Patients Are Saying</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">Patients on social media are now echoing these warnings, sharing personal experiences of:</p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Burns or scarring</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Skin sagging or uneven texture</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Facial fat loss or hollowing</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">Outcomes often vary widely depending on the practitioner’s skill, device type, and sterilization practices, underscoring the need for qualified providers and informed consent.</p><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Cost vs. Safety</h4><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Despite its popularity, RF microneedling comes with a high financial and medical cost. Typical treatments require one to three sessions spaced weeks apart, costing between $2,000 and $5,000.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Some celebrities reportedly spend six figures annually on ongoing treatments.</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">Experts remind patients that a higher price does not guarantee safety or results - it is the provider’s training and the device’s approval that matter most.</p><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Why It Matters</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">The FDA warning highlights a growing truth: not all trending treatments are safe, and popularity does not equal medical approval.<br>If you are considering RF microneedling or any cosmetic procedure:</p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Verify your provider’s credentials</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Confirm that the equipment is FDA-cleared</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Ask about potential side effects</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Take time to research — never rush</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Our Mission</h4><p style="text-align:justify;">At The Real Patients, we believe transparency and informed consent must come before beauty trends. Our goal is to help patients make confident decisions through real experiences, verified information, and a safe space to share their stories. Before committing to any treatment, take time to learn, consult, and decide with care.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><br>This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before any cosmetic or dermatologic procedure.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Credits:</strong> Information summarized from the FDA Safety Communication and <i>New York Post</i> article published November 3, 2025.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The FDA has issued a safety warning about radiofrequency (RF) microneedling - a popular skin treatment linked to burns, scarring, fat loss, and nerve damage. Learn what patients and doctors need to know before booking this trending procedure.</p>

FDA Warns Popular Skin Treatment May Cause Serious Complications

The FDA has issued a safety warning about radiofrequency (RF) microneedling - a popular skin treatment linked to burns, scarring, fat loss, and nerve damage. Le

FDA Warns Popular Skin Treatment May Cause Serious Complications author: D.M.. The FDA has issued a safety warning about radiofrequency (RF) microneedling - a popular skin treatment linked to burns, scarring, fat loss, and nerve damage. Le

FDA Warns Popular Skin Treatment May Cause Serious Complications

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