Potenza for acne scars: What research shows about effectiveness and limitations for sagging (skin laxity)

Potenza (a treatment that inserts thin needles into the skin and applies radiofrequency heat) has been reported in research to improve depressed acne scars and skin texture[1][2]. However, its ability to change wrinkles and sagging (skin laxity) does not match the results of surgical or injection treatments[3]. Most research has been conducted using devices with the same mechanism as Potenza and others.

How effective is it for depressed acne scars?

Acne scar treatment is the most researched application for this procedure. In a study of 397 people in Thailand, at 6 months, 88.1% achieved at least one-quarter improvement with radiofrequency needling compared to 71.9% with fractional laser[2].

With radiofrequency needling, approximately 9 out of 10 people showed improvement. However, the difference between the two treatments was not statistically significant[2]. It is important to note that this was a retrospective study rather than a randomized controlled trial[2].

In a systematic review, the treatment was noted to be particularly effective for narrow, deep depressions (icepick type) and box-shaped depressions[1].

How do pores, skin texture, and redness change?

Positive changes have been reported in skin discoloration, redness, and hydration. In a study comparing 38 women treated once with 15 untreated controls, at 30 days, more than 84.2% showed improvement in discoloration, redness, and hydration[4].

This study was retrospective and followed up only to 30 days[4]. It has also been reported that those who continued daily skincare showed greater color improvement[4].

In a trial of 30 patients with melasma (symmetrical pigmentation on the cheeks) treated 3 times at 2-week intervals, melasma and skin roughness scores improved at 6 months[5]. However, melasma recurred in 1 out of 10 patients (10%)[5].

What are the realistic expectations for wrinkles and sagging (skin laxity)?

It cannot lift significant sagging (skin laxity) as effectively as surgical or injection treatments. According to guidelines from the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgeons, radiofrequency treatment for wrinkles and sagging (skin laxity) is less effective than surgery or injections, but rarely leaves scarring and does not leave foreign material in the body[3].

Radiofrequency needling aims to increase collagen in the skin by combining fine injuries from the needles with heat stimulation[6]. If sagging (skin laxity) is your primary concern, it is wise to compare it with other treatment options.

What about pain, downtime, and hyperpigmentation?

Common temporary effects include pain, swelling, small scabs, and redness. In systematic reviews, these typically resolve within 3–5 days[1].

Compared to laser, radiofrequency needling caused stronger pain[2]. In contrast, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots remaining after treatment) was rare with both treatments and showed no difference[2].

In a 6-month study of 30 darker-skinned patients, no one developed residual hyperpigmentation[7]. Temporary hyperpigmentation occurred in 4%, but resolved within 1 month[7].

Effectiveness and safety are heavily influenced by power settings and the operator's experience[6].

How many sessions are needed? What should I consider based on my concern?

Research commonly uses a protocol of approximately 3 repeated sessions[4][5]. Intervals vary between studies—some use 2-week intervals and others use 4-week intervals[4][5].

When research results are divided by concern, they are as follows:

Depressed acne scars: the most researched application[1][2]

Pores, texture, redness: improvement reported in small studies[4]

Melasma: improvement reported but may recur[5]

Sagging (skin laxity) and deep wrinkles: less effective than surgery or injections[3]

What should I confirm before treatment?

During consultation, ask about these points:

Concern: the shape of acne scars, whether melasma is present[1][5]

Number of sessions: how many sessions and at what intervals[4][5]

Pain: management for stronger pain compared to laser[2]

Hyperpigmentation: how to address it if it occurs[7]

How much it will work for your skin cannot be determined from this article alone. During examination, have the shape and depth of your acne scars and the presence or absence of melasma evaluated, and confirm the expected number of sessions needed.