Understanding AGNES RF

Acne is a pervasive skin condition affecting millions of adults worldwide. Traditional treatments, ranging from topical medications to oral antibiotics and isotretinoin, often provide only temporary relief and come with a host of side effects. AGNES RF, a groundbreaking radiofrequency (RF) microneedling technology that promises a permanent solution to adult acne by selectively targeting and destroying sebaceous glands.

Understanding AGNES RF: A Targeted Approach

AGNES Acne RF is a novel device that uses radiofrequency energy delivered through micro-insulated needles. These needles precisely target sebaceous glands, the oil-producing structures in the skin that play a pivotal role in acne development. By delivering RF energy directly into these glands, AGNES RF induces localized thermal damage, effectively destroying the glands without harming surrounding tissues.

Mechanism of Action: Selective Sebaceous Gland Destruction

  • The precision of AGNES RF lies in its ability to selectively destroy sebaceous glands. The micro-insulated needles ensure that the RF energy is delivered only to the targeted glands. When the RF energy is applied, it heats the sebaceous gland to a temperature that causes coagulative necrosis, effectively eliminating the gland’s ability to produce sebum. With the reduction or complete cessation of sebum production, acne formation is significantly diminished or entirely prevented.
  • Evidence of Efficacy: Scientific Support
  • Study 1: “Radiofrequency selective electrothermolysis of sebaceous follicles: a microprocessor-controlled device used in treatment of acne vulgaris” (PubMed ID: 22348573)
    A pivotal study published on PubMed examined the efficacy of RF selective electrothermolysis in treating acne vulgaris. The study highlighted the success of RF technology in targeting and permanently destroying sebaceous glands. Participants experienced a significant reduction in acne lesions, with minimal side effects and a high satisfaction rate. This study underscores the potential of AGNES RF to provide a lasting solution for acne sufferers.
  • Study 2: “Clinical evaluation of selective radiofrequency microneedling for the treatment of acne vulgaris and associated scarring” (PMC7992709)
    Another critical piece of evidence comes from a study available on PubMed Central, which evaluated the clinical efficacy of selective RF microneedling for acne and acne scars. The findings revealed that AGNES RF not only reduced active acne lesions but also improved the appearance of acne scars. Patients reported marked improvements in their skin’s texture and a significant decrease in acne flare-ups. This dual-action benefit makes AGNES RF a superior choice for comprehensive acne management.
  • Study 3: “A study of acne scar treatment by selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis using insulated microneedle radiofrequency” (PubMed ID: 31502662) An additional study provided further validation of AGNES RF’s effectiveness in treating acne scars through selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis. This study demonstrated significant improvement in both acne severity and scar appearance after treatment with AGNES RF. The study participants experienced substantial reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, highlighting the comprehensive benefits of this innovative technology.

The Benefits of AGNES RF

  • Permanent Solution: Unlike topical treatments and oral medications that require ongoing use, AGNES RF offers a permanent reduction in acne by targeting the root cause—sebaceous glands.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, involving little to no downtime. Patients can return to their daily activities shortly after treatment.
  • Safe and Effective: Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of AGNES RF, with minimal risk of side effects compared to systemic treatments.

AGNES RF represents a paradigm shift in acne treatment, offering a permanent and effective solution for adult acne sufferers. Backed by robust scientific evidence, this innovative technology targets and destroys sebaceous glands, addressing the root cause of acne with precision and minimal side effects. For those seeking a long-lasting cure for acne, AGNES RF stands out as a promising and revolutionary option.

By embracing AGNES RF, individuals can look forward to clearer, healthier skin and a life free from the persistent burden of acne.

There some distinct differences between adolescent acne and adult acne. For adult acne, more women are susceptible to it while for adolescent acne, males are affected more frequently. Adult acne usually occurs as inflammatory lesions, especially papules, pustules, and nodules, and they usually appear around the chin, jawline, and neck. There might be comedones, although it is rare, in the form of closed comedones, retentional lesions, or microcysts around the lower face. Cystic acne has been found in up to 12% of adults, even though adult acne is usually mild-to-moderate in severity.

A topical numbing cream is usually applied beforehand to minimize discomfort.

AGNES Acne RF is suitable for all skin types. The procedure uses insulated needles to target the sebaceous glands directly, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Although the methods for treating adult acne are very similar to treating adolescent acne, there are a few differences that need to be noted. Treatments need to be specific to each individual patient to suit their personal needs and lifestyle.

  1. Oral Medication for Adult Acne

Oral medication kills bacteria that cause acne, reduces inflammation and prevents breakouts from occuring. Retinoids decreases inflammation and regulate the generation and loss of skin cells. Discuss with our doctor on which oral acne medications would treat effectively. Here is the list of oral medication available:

  • Erythromycinkills bacteria that causes acne to prevent new breakouts. It increases sun sensitivity, so I suggest to avoid sunlight exposure or to put on protective clothing if you would be exposed to the sun for a while. A few side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, reduce in appetite, and stomach upset.
  • Tetracyclinetreats acne by decreasing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria. More common side effects includes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
  • Doxycycline(a derivative of tetracycline) slows down growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also increases sensitivity to sunlight, hence, do avoid sun and artificial ultraviolet rays exposure during your course of medication. This medication might reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, so use an alternative birth control during your treatment.
  • Minocyclinereduces inflammation/swelling, tenderness and redness of pimple, aw well as removes bacteria. Studies have shown that this antibiotic removes bacteria more effectively than other acne medication.
  • Clindamycincurbs the production of bacterial proteins, leading to fewer acne-causing bacteria.If you have a history of ulcerative colitis or gastroenteritis, I advise you to avoid using clindamycin orally. Some common side effects of clindamycin are rash, peeling skin, itching, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and inflammation of the esophagus.
  • Bactrim(containing trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) treats different types of bacterial infections. Please avoid this pill if you are allergic to these contents. Bactrim will cause side effects such as swollen tongue, joint pain, dizziness, insomnia and ringing in the ears.
  • Ortho Tri-Cyclenhelps to balance the hormones, preventing the sebaceous glands from generating too much oil that leads to breakouts. Oil clogs the pores and heightens the risk of acne. Females over the age of 35 should avoid taking this drug as there might be the risk of blood clots.
  • Ortho-Cyclen(containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) are prescribed to treat severe acne. You are not encouraged to take this if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of circulation problems, breast or uterine cancer, liver disease, liver cancer,  severe migraines, or a history of blood clots.
  • Isotretinoinare prescribed to treat nodular acne that leads to serious disfigurement. Females who take this must use a reliable contraceptive method during treatment.Isotretinoin causes birth defects in humans. This medication helps  sebaceous glands to mature, reducing the amount of oil produced.
  • Tretinoinkeeps the pores clean to avoid the inflammation that encourages acne growth. This drug replaces older skin with new skin. Tretinoin might cause negative effects such as mood changes, hair loss, headache, belching, indigestion, itching, bloating, anxiety, nausea, weakness, vomiting, blurred vision, and difficulty sleeping.
  1. Topical Treatment for Adult Acne

Topical Anti-bacterials are commonly prescribed by doctors for to treat mild to moderate acne. A few effective anti-bacterials are benzyl peroxide, clindamycin and erythromycin. Besides anti-bacterials, Retinoids (derived from Vitamin A) are also effective for acne treatment. Topical anti-bacterials and retinoids acne treatments usually last for six weeks’, depending on the progress of individual.

Advantages of Topical Treatment for Adult Acne:

  • Antiseptics to decrease the bacteria on the skin to reduce acne.
  • Remove excess oil from the skin to prevent clogging of pores.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect that helps to clear whiteheads and blackhead.
  • Topical retinoids removes dead skin cells and prevent them from growing in your hair follicles.
  • Retinoids have anti-wrinkle contents that trigger collagen production to provide a smoother skin for chronic acne sufferers.

Disdvantages of Topical Treatment for Adult Acne:

  • It’s does not work instantly as anti-bacterials and Retinoids they take around 20 minutes to get absorbed into the skin.
  • Anti-bacterials and retinoids increases skin sensitivity to UV rays.
  • Might cause dryness, peeling and irritation (stinging sensation) of the skin.
  • Topical retinoids are recommended during pregnancy as they might lead to birth defects and deformities.
  1. Light and Laser Treatment for Adult Acne

Laser and light treatments is rather promise in treating acne. Some patients with serious acne cysts have seen to clear up for years with this treatment.However, there is no single laser or light treatment can treat all kinds of pimples, acne cysts, blackheads, whiteheads and acne nodules. Different types of lasers and light therapies instead:

  • Blue, red, and blue + red light devices:This method is useful to treat pimples but not effective to remove blackheads, whiteheads, acne cysts, or nodules.
  • Infrared light:Infrared light can treat pimples, including those that forms on the back. However, it cannot treat blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT):During PDT, a solution would be applied between 15 minutes and 3 hours before the doctor uses a laser or light device to treat the skin. However, this solution increases the skin sensitivity to light. PDT therapy shows great results in treating severe acne such as acne cysts.
  • Photopneumatic therapy:Photopneumatic therapy is a combination of an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser with a gentle vacuum. It removes excess oil and dead skin cells, preventing it from clogging pores. It can treat blackheads, whiteheads, and some pimples, but not acne nodules or cysts.