What is Potenza treatment? What it can do for acne scars and pores, and the limits for sagging (skin laxity)

Potenza is a treatment in which thin needles are inserted into the skin and radiofrequency (RF) heat is delivered from the needle tips to encourage collagen regeneration within the skin[1]. Research on treatments using the same mechanism has reported improvements in acne scar depressions, pores, and post-acne redness[1]. Although it is used for sagging (skin laxity) and wrinkles, its effects do not match those of surgical procedures or injectables[2].

What type of acne scar is it suited for?

It is suited for narrow, deep scar depressions and box-shaped angular scar depressions. In a review of acne scar treatments, needle-based RF treatments were found to produce good results for these types[1].

The recommended treatment course is 3–4 sessions spaced at least 3 weeks apart. Improvement of 25–75% was reported 3 months after the final treatment[1]. This is not a one-time treatment, so consider the time you will need to visit the clinic.

How much can pores and post-acne redness change?

Improvements in pores and rough skin texture have been reported. A study presented findings that skin roughness improved in over 70% of people with acne scars and enlarged pores[1].

Redness remaining after acne resolves has also shown clear improvement in reports[1]. On the other hand, some reports indicate reduced sebum production, so deciding which concern you want to address most will make treatment planning easier[1].

How much improvement can be expected for sagging (skin laxity) and wrinkles?

Improvement can be expected for mild to moderate wrinkles and sagging (skin laxity)[3]. The ability to finely adjust needle depth and temperature is a distinguishing feature of this treatment[3].

However, guidelines from the Japanese Association of Plastic Surgeons note that the effects of radiofrequency treatment for sagging (skin laxity) do not match those of surgical procedures or injectables[2]. In return, scarring is rare and there is the advantage of not leaving foreign material in the body[2]. If you expect significant change, you should compare this treatment to other options.

What are the downtime and side effects?

Common effects are post-treatment pain, redness, swelling, and small scabs, which are reported to resolve within 3–5 days[1]. In a study of 38 women given one treatment, redness, swelling, and warmth subsided within 24 hours, with no infection or hypertrophic scarring observed[4].

Compared to laser treatment, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin color after treatment) is less likely to occur, and it is often chosen even for people with darker skin tones[1]. There are reports that even for people taking acne medication (isotretinoin), temporary redness and swelling are the main effects, but because research is limited, always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking[5].

What is different about the method of applying medication together?

There is also a method of delivering medication into the skin through the needle puncture. In a comparison of 30 people using a combination with growth factors, the combination approach was reported to have the potential for higher efficacy[6].

However, this is a small-sample study, and it is not yet known which medications suit whom. Note that this article is based on research of treatments using the same mechanism, not the Potenza device itself.

What should you confirm at your consultation before treatment?

You should confirm the shape of acne scar depressions, the degree of pores and redness, and whether acne is currently present. If you are using oral or topical medications, mention those as well.

Then consult with your doctor about the number of sessions and intervals between them, whether to combine medication, and how to care for your skin until redness subsides. Since skin condition differs for each person, it is most reliable to have it assessed in person before deciding.