Potenza delivers radiofrequency into the dermis through microneedles, encouraging collagen regeneration while preserving the epidermis.
Because it does not target pigment, its pigmentation burden is relatively low, and it is often recommended for pores and acne scars.
Responses vary with scar type and skin condition, so planning must account for individual differences.
➊How does Potenza act on pores and scars?
Potenza is a microneedle RF procedure that inserts tiny needles into the dermis, then releases radiofrequency energy from their tips to stimulate it locally.
The epidermis receives only tiny punctures, while thermal stimulation is designed to concentrate inside the skin’s superficial dermal layer.
This controlled heating is known to trigger recovery responses in skin cells and induce the formation of new collagen and elastin.
Depressed acne scars and enlarged pores may gradually improve as this regenerative process fills them out.
Some studies also observed reduced sebum production when stimulation reached dermal sebaceous glands, so it is considered for oily skin with recurring breakouts.
➋How do lasers and Potenza differ in scar treatment?
The difference lies in what the thermal energy targets.
Many laser treatments work through light absorption by pigment (melanin). Potenza instead delivers electrical heat directly into the dermis through needles, without targeting pigment.
Several studies report relatively lower pigmentation risk because it does not target pigment.
This is why it is mentioned as an option to consider cautiously for darker skin or skin prone to pigmentation.
The risk is not absent, however; rare cases of temporary pigmentation have also been reported.
“Potenza heats the dermal tissue itself rather than targeting pigment, allowing an attempt to improve scars with relatively less concern about pigmentation.”
➌Which procedure suits my scars?
Acne scars differ by shape. Rounded depressed scars tend to respond relatively well to microneedle RF such as Potenza, whereas narrow, sharply deep scars may respond more slowly and require a plan combining other procedures.
For surface pigmentation or texture, fractional pico laser that directly targets pigment may be more suitable. If pore enlargement relates to movement of surrounding muscles, skin Botox is also considered.
Because they address different layers, they are often planned in combination.
- ✓ Potenza: focus on dermal scar remodeling and elasticity
- ✓ Fractional pico laser: focus on surface pigment and texture
- ✓ All three have different aims; combine according to the condition
➍How many Potenza sessions, and how long until changes appear?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment interval | Around 2–4 weeks |
| Early changes | Early changes reported around 3 sessions |
| Clear improvement | Studies report at least around 4–6 sessions are needed |
| Follow-up period | Observation for up to 8 months in some studies |
This can be understood in terms of the time needed for new collagen to form and organize within the dermis.
The required number of sessions and speed of response vary with scar depth, type, and skin condition. Plans are usually adjusted while observing the early response.
➎What happens after Potenza treatment?
Temporary redness immediately after treatment is the most common reaction.
Reports describe redness lasting from a few hours to an average of around a week in longer cases. Accompanying swelling mostly settled by the next day.
Tiny needle marks were observed very rarely. Reports describe most pigmentation, when it occurred, as temporary and fading over time.
Nonetheless, pigmentation, uneven texture, and rarely prolonged reactions remain possible, so we review skin history carefully beforehand.
Sun protection and adequate moisturization are the basic aftercare recommendations.
➏When Potenza is recommended, and when it is not
We consider Potenza first for rounded depressed acne scars, enlarged pores with oily skin and repeated breakouts, or people hesitant about laser resurfacing because of pigmentation concerns.
Regeneration through dermal stimulation and relatively lower pigmentation risk can be practical advantages.
If most scars are narrow and deep, or if the main aim is surface pigmentation or tone, it is more appropriate to consider subcision or fractional pico laser first.
Adding procedures may benefit clinic revenue, but I do not believe adding items that do not fit the goal helps recovery.
In consultation, we plan using only what is actually needed.
We assess scar type, pores, skin thickness, and pigmentation tendency together to decide combinations (individual results vary).
“Potenza is not the answer to every scar; it is selected for scars and pores that need dermal regeneration.”
QFrequently asked questions
Related studies report early changes around 3 sessions and at least 4–6 sessions at 2–4-week intervals for clear improvement.
Its non-pigment-targeting mechanism gives relatively lower pigmentation risk, but rare temporary pigmentation has been reported, so prior consultation is necessary.
Rounded depressed scars tend to respond better; sharply deep scars may respond slowly, so other procedures are often combined.
Potenza may be considered first for dermal scars or elasticity, and fractional pico laser for surface pigment or fine texture. We decide together during consultation.
| Goal | First procedure to consider |
|---|---|
| Dermal scars and elasticity | Potenza |
| Surface pigmentation and texture | Fractional pico laser |
After assessing scar type, pores, and skin thickness, we plan needle depth and energy. Results vary between individuals.
References
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of microneedling for atrophic acne scars (2021)
- Systematic review of microneedle radiofrequency monotherapy (16 studies)
- Systematic review of RF microneedling safety in ethnic skin types (2023)
Potenza does not fill the dermis; it sends signals that encourage the skin to recover itself.
Potenza is a microneedle RF procedure that preserves the epidermis while delivering thermal stimulation to the dermis to help improve pores and acne scars.
Scar types and skin conditions differ between individuals. We recommend determining a specific plan through an in-person examination at LUNN Clinic.
Dr. Park Hyungkwon, Director and Dermatologist at LUNN Clinic
Redness, swelling, temporary pigmentation, and rarely tiny needle marks may occur after treatment. This disclosure of potential side effects is made under Article 56 of the Medical Service Act.
Treatment and procedure results may vary depending on the individual’s condition.
This column is intended to provide medical information.
