What it treats
What does Potenza treat, and how well?
Potenza’s strongest evidence is for atrophic acne scars, followed by enlarged pores and rough texture. It gives modest firming for mild laxity. For melasma and rosacea redness, results are mixed and the studies are small, so Potenza works as an add-on to standard treatment rather than a replacement for it.
Written by the Potenza Seoul editorial team and medically reviewed by a Korean Board-Certified Dermatologist (AAD International Fellow · ASLMS member). Last reviewed: .
How strong is the evidence for each concern?
| Concern | Best evidence found | What it showed |
|---|---|---|
| Atrophic acne scars | Systematic review of 16 studies (481 patients); randomised split-face trials | Consistent improvement; similar to fractional CO2 laser, with faster recovery, in one trial |
| Enlarged pores | Retrospective series of 22 patients | Average pore grade fell from 3.55 to 2.59 after three sessions |
| Mild laxity and fine lines | Systematic review of RF tightening devices in general | Measurable tightening; size of effect varies by device and protocol |
| Melasma | Two retrospective Potenza series (50 and 29 patients) | One showed a 32% median score drop; the other no significant change |
| Rosacea redness | One randomised trial of RF microneedling; one retrospective Potenza series (50 patients) | Modest drop in redness; the Potenza series was confounded by antibiotic use |
Does Potenza work for acne scars?
Yes. Acne scars are the use with the most evidence. A 2025 systematic review of 16 studies with 481 patients concluded that fractional RF microneedling is likely effective for acne scars when used alone, and called for more randomised trials to establish treatment settings.[1]
In a 2026 randomised split-face trial, 30 patients had RF microneedling on one side of the face and fractional CO2 laser on the other, three sessions eight weeks apart. Scar scores improved by a similar amount on both sides. The RF side had shorter redness, pain, swelling and scabbing, and fewer episodes of post-inflammatory darkening.[2]
Scar type matters. The Jacob classification sorts atrophic acne scars into icepick, rolling and boxcar types, and its treatment algorithm pairs narrow icepick scars with punch techniques and tethered rolling scars with subcision, alongside resurfacing.[3] Our article on Potenza for acne scars covers sessions, results and combinations.
Can Potenza shrink enlarged pores?
It can make them look smaller. In a retrospective study of 22 patients in China, three sessions of fractional RF microneedling lowered the average pore grade from 3.55 to 2.59 on a six-point photo scale, as graded by two independent dermatologists. The average pain score was 6.4 out of 10, so good numbing matters.[4]
Texture depends on the same dermal remodelling as pores and scars. In a histology study of a fractional RF device, heated zones were replaced by new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by 10 weeks.[5]
Does Potenza tighten loose skin?
Possibly, for mild laxity. A 2022 systematic review found that monopolar and bipolar RF devices produce measurable improvement in skin laxity of the face and body, and that most reported complications were minor and transient.[6] The amount varies by device and protocol, and none of the Potenza studies cited here measured lifting. For sagging along the jaw and neck, see combining Potenza with lifting treatments.
Is Potenza used for melasma?
Sometimes, as an add-on, and the results are mixed. Two retrospective Potenza series appeared in 2026. In 50 patients treated in Seoul in bipolar mode with insulated tips, the median melasma score fell by 32%, and 54% of patients improved by at least 30%.[7] In 29 women treated in Tokyo, the median score did not change significantly, although about one in four improved by 25% or more.[8]
Neither study had a control group, and both list a co-author from the manufacturer. Melasma is a long-term condition, so Potenza, if used, sits alongside strict sun protection and standard melasma treatment.
Does Potenza help rosacea redness?
The evidence is limited. The only randomised trial we found tested fractional RF microneedling in general rather than Potenza: two sessions four weeks apart reduced the redness index by 13.6% at 12 weeks on the treated side, an improvement the authors called modest.[9]
A 2026 retrospective study of Potenza in 50 adults with rosacea in Seoul reported a fall in the mean severity score from 11.9 to 9.08 and in the erythema index from 2.48 to 1.58. However, 68% of patients were also taking oral antibiotics, a manufacturer employee is a co-author, and the authors describe the findings as hypothesis-generating.[10] Rosacea medicines remain the first step, and vascular lasers and light treatments target visible redness directly.
Is Potenza safe for darker skin tones?
Generally, with care over settings. A review of 35 studies of RF and RF microneedling in Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI found a low risk of scarring or lasting pigment change. Seven studies noted temporary darkening, one noted mild prolonged darkening, and one reported permanent scarring. Many of the studies were of limited quality.[11]
Can Potenza remove acne scars completely?
No treatment erases scars completely. In one randomised trial, scar scores fell by about 44% after three sessions of RF microneedling.[2]
Is Potenza good for active acne?
The maker lists its single-needle tips for active acne. Most of the evidence on this site concerns scars, pores and texture, so ask how breakouts will be managed before and during a course.
Is Potenza better than a laser for acne scars?
Not clearly better, but gentler to recover from. Against fractional CO2 laser, RF microneedling gave similar scar improvement with shorter redness and swelling and fewer dark marks.[2]
References
Bibliographic records retrieved from PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Niaz G, Ajeebi Y, Alshamrani HM, et al. Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling as a Monotherapy in Acne Scar Management: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2025;18:19-29.
Li W, Zheng C, Yuan X, et al. Comparative efficacy, recovery, and pigmentary safety of radiofrequency microneedling and fractional carbon dioxide laser for facial atrophic acne scars: a prospective randomized split-face trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2026;37(1):2687842.
Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS. Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(1):109-17.
Huang Y, Zheng H, Wu Q, et al. Efficacy and safety of fractional micro-needling radiofrequency for the treatment of enlarged pores on the cheeks of a chinese cohort: a retrospective study. Lasers Med Sci. 2024;39(1):100.
Hantash BM, Ubeid AA, Chang H, et al. Bipolar fractional radiofrequency treatment induces neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis. Lasers Surg Med. 2009;41(1):1-9.
Rohrich RJ, Schultz KP, Chamata ES, et al. Minimally Invasive Approach to Skin Tightening of the Face and Body: Systematic Review of Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Devices. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;150(4):771-780.
Kim HB, Lee SY, Um JY, et al. Clinical Effects and Safety of Radiofrequency Microneedling for the Management of Melasma: A Retrospective Study. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2026;8:ojag143.
Imaizumi A, Fujimaki A, Kumar N. A Retrospective Analysis of Radiofrequency Microneedling for Melasma Management in the Japanese Population. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:601440.
Park SY, Kwon HH, Yoon JY, et al. Clinical and Histologic Effects of Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment on Rosacea. Dermatol Surg. 2016;42(12):1362-1369.
Um JY, Kim HB, Kim HO, et al. A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating Clinical Effects and Safety of Radiofrequency Microneedling for the Treatment of Rosacea. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:625777.
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.