Guide · Microneedling
Microneedling in Singapore classic, RF and needle-free options compared
Microneedling is one of the most searched treatments for acne scars, pores and rough texture. Here is how classic and RF microneedling differ, what they can realistically do, and the needle-free options if you would rather avoid needles.
Quick answer
- Microneedling uses fine needles to make many tiny, controlled punctures in the skin, which prompts collagen remodelling; it is mainly used for shallow acne scars, enlarged-looking pores, rough texture and fine lines.
- RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat at the needle tips, so it works deeper in the dermis than classic microneedling and is often chosen for skin that darkens easily; most concerns need a course of sessions a few weeks apart, with about one to three days of redness after each.
- Needles that reach the dermis carry risks of infection, pigment change and scarring, so deeper microneedling is in practice done in medical clinics; at IN Eternity Clinic, RF microneedling is performed by Dr Sin Yong and priced at consultation.
- If you would rather avoid needles, SkinRev Lab at CityLink Mall offers SKINTIGHT microplasma (S$588 per zone), the Rejuran® PDRN Facial (S$128 to S$348) and HydraFacial Syndeo (S$288 to S$438), all before GST; they work closer to the surface and suit texture and skin quality rather than deep scars.
How it works
What microneedling does to the skin
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, passes a pen or roller of very fine needles over the skin. Each needle makes a tiny wound that closes within hours. The skin responds as it would to any small injury: it lays down new collagen and remodels the old, which over the following months can soften shallow scars and refine texture.
A review in Dermatologic Surgery found that microneedling produces meaningful improvement in scars, stretch marks and wrinkles with quick recovery and limited side effects. The change is gradual, so results are judged months after a course, not days after a session.
Three approaches
Classic vs RF microneedling vs needle-free alternatives
| Classic microneedling | RF microneedling | Needle-free (SKINTIGHT microplasma) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine needles make micro-punctures; the wound-healing response does the work | Needles carry radiofrequency heat into the dermis at a set depth | A plasma discharge forms tiny surface channels and conducts heat into the upper dermis, with no needles |
| Main layer treated | Epidermis and upper dermis, by needle length | Dermis, at a depth chosen for each area | Skin surface plus conducted heat |
| Often used for | Shallow scars, texture, fine lines | Acne scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, crepey skin | Texture, pores, tone and surface tightening |
| Typical downtime | Redness for a day or two, sometimes flaking | Redness and mild swelling for one to three days | Mild redness for a few hours on tightening settings; pinpoint scabbing for a few days on scar settings |
| Who performs it | Usually a medical clinic for deeper needling | A doctor | A trained Aesthetic Specialist |
| In our group | Not on either menu | IN Eternity Clinic, priced at consultation | SkinRev Lab, S$588 per zone before GST |
What it helps
What microneedling can and cannot help
- Rolling and shallow boxcar acne scars: often softened over a course, sometimes after subcision to release tethered scars.
- Ice pick scars: limited on their own; narrow, deep scars usually need targeted treatment such as TCA CROSS by a doctor.
- Enlarged-looking pores: RF microneedling has been studied for pores, with improvement building over sessions.
- Rough texture and fine lines: can improve as collagen remodels.
- Stretch marks: RF microneedling is one of the options a doctor may suggest.
- Flat brown marks after acne: not the first choice; these are pigment, not scars, and usually respond to sun protection and brightening care.
- Active, inflamed acne: treat it first; needling over breakouts risks spreading infection.
- Heavy sagging or volume loss: microneedling does not lift or fill.
Sessions and downtime
How many sessions, and what recovery looks like
Most people need a course rather than a single session, spaced several weeks apart so collagen has time to remodel in between. A critical review of RF microneedling studies noted that dermal remodelling is slow and continues to improve even six months after treatment, so the final result is judged well after the last session.
After RF microneedling, expect redness, warmth and mild swelling for one to three days, sometimes with faint grid marks. Keep skincare simple, skip make-up for the first day, avoid saunas and hard exercise briefly, and wear sunscreen every day, because newly treated skin darkens more easily in Singapore's strong sun.
Risks
Risks, and who should wait or avoid it
The US Food and Drug Administration lists redness, dryness, peeling, itching, bruising, bleeding and crusting as common side effects of microneedling, and pigment change, cold sore flare-ups and infection as less common ones. Most settle soon after treatment, but some can last.
- Active skin infection, rash or cold sores in the area.
- Isotretinoin now or in the past six months, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- A history of keloid scars, or moles, warts or birthmarks in the treatment area.
- Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medicines.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A fresh tan or a beach holiday planned in the next two weeks.
- Skin that darkens easily: still possible, but settings and aftercare need extra care.
Who does it
Why deeper microneedling is a doctor's procedure in practice
Needles that reach the dermis break the skin barrier, so the procedure needs sterile technique, a new single-use cartridge every session, numbing, and someone who can diagnose the scar type first and manage complications if they happen. The FDA notes that microneedling may be considered a medical procedure when it is intended to change the structure of tissue, and advises choosing a trained health care provider.
Home rollers and pens use much shorter needles and cannot do what an in-clinic course does; reused or poorly cleaned needles also raise the risk of infection. SkinRev Lab is a non-medical aesthetic centre and does not perform microneedling of any kind. When scars or pores need needling, we pass your enquiry to IN Eternity Clinic, where Dr Sin Yong assesses and treats them.
No needles
Needle-free options at SkinRev Lab
All prices are per session, before GST. These treatments work closer to the surface than RF microneedling. They suit texture, dullness and skin quality, and can keep skin calm between medical sessions, but they will not lift a tethered scar or reach the base of an ice pick scar.
- SKINTIGHT microplasma (Alma PrimeX): resurfaces the surface and prompts collagen renewal without needles. About 30 minutes, S$588 per zone.
- Rejuran® PDRN Facial: needle-free c-PDRN delivered with Meso Touch transdermal technology, for skin quality and calmer post-acne skin. S$128 to S$348 across nine tiers.
- HydraFacial Syndeo: cleanses, exfoliates and lifts out congestion with vortex suction, then hydrates. About 45 minutes, S$288 to S$438; first-timer rate at the counter.
- Needleless SkinBooster: hydrating or tone boosters through a specialised applicator tip. S$288 per region, first region from S$98.
Before you book
Questions to ask any provider
SkinRev Lab is at CityLink Mall #B1-28, 1 Raffles Link, linked underground to City Hall and Esplanade MRT, open daily 11am to 8pm (WhatsApp +65 8266 9585). IN Eternity Clinic is at 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, beside Orchard MRT (WhatsApp +65 8815 3008).
- Is this classic microneedling or RF microneedling, and what depth will you use?
- Who performs it, and is a new sterile cartridge opened for me?
- Which scar types do I have, and will microneedling alone treat them?
- How many sessions, how far apart, and what downtime should I plan for?
- What is the risk of darkening for my skin, and how will you lower it?
- What does the whole course cost, not just one session?
Sources
References & sources
- US Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling devices. Content current as of 15 October 2025.
- Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: a review and practical guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(3):397-404.
- Tan MG, Jo CE, Chapas A, Khetarpal S, Dover JS. Radiofrequency microneedling: a comprehensive and critical review. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(6):755-761.
- Syder NC, Chen A, Elbuluk N. Radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling in skin of color: a review of usage, safety, and efficacy. Dermatol Surg. 2023;49(5):489-493.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
How much does microneedling cost in Singapore?
It depends on whether it is classic or RF microneedling, the area and how many sessions you need. At IN Eternity Clinic, RF microneedling is priced at consultation after Dr Sin Yong has assessed your skin. SkinRev Lab's needle-free options are published: SKINTIGHT S$588 per zone, Rejuran® PDRN Facial S$128 to S$348 and HydraFacial Syndeo S$288 to S$438, before GST.
Is microneedling good for acne scars?
It can soften rolling and shallow boxcar scars over a course, especially as part of a combined plan. Deep, narrow ice pick scars usually need targeted treatment such as TCA CROSS. Flat brown marks are pigment, not scars, and are treated differently.
What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?
Classic microneedling relies on the needles alone to trigger collagen remodelling. RF microneedling also releases radiofrequency heat at the needle tips, so it works deeper in the dermis while largely sparing the surface. RF microneedling is performed by a doctor.
How many microneedling sessions do I need?
Most concerns need a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Pores and fine lines may need fewer sessions than deeper scars or older stretch marks. Collagen keeps remodelling for months, so the final result is judged well after the last session.
What is the downtime after microneedling?
After RF microneedling, expect redness and mild swelling for one to three days, sometimes with faint grid marks. Most people return to work within a day or two. Use sunscreen daily and avoid saunas and strong actives briefly.
Is microneedling safe for Asian skin?
It can be, with careful settings and strict sun protection. RF microneedling is often chosen for skin that darkens easily because it largely spares the surface, and a review of studies in skin of colour found a low risk of scarring or lasting pigment change, though many studies were of limited quality. Temporary darkening is still possible.
Can I do microneedling at home with a derma roller?
Home rollers use short needles and cannot match an in-clinic course for scars. Reused or poorly cleaned needles raise the risk of infection, and needling over active acne or cold sores can spread them. If you have scars, have them assessed by a doctor first.
Can I have microneedling with active acne?
Not over inflamed spots. Active acne should be brought under control first, ideally with a doctor's help, because scars cannot be improved while new ones are forming. Needle-free options such as HydraFacial or the Rejuran® PDRN Facial can help keep congestion and redness down in the meantime.