Scarlet X is a fractional radiofrequency device that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. At our clinic in Nişantaşı, golden needle treatment is carried out with this device, and the treatment is often called Scarlet RF microneedling.

The device works with sterile, single-use tips, each carrying 25 gold-plated microneedles. Once the needles enter the skin, they deliver RF energy directly to the middle layer of the skin (the dermis). The top layer (the epidermis) is largely spared, while controlled heat is created in the target tissue.

This heat activates the skin’s repair process, producing new collagen and elastin. Over time, the skin may look firmer, smoother and fresher. Scarlet X delivers energy in repeated, very short pulses (Repeated Ultra Short Pulses), which helps make the session more comfortable and limits effects on the skin’s surface.

Scarlet X can be used for women and men with skin laxity, fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation or pore concerns. Recovery is usually shorter than with lasers that peel the skin. It can be used on different skin tones, although suitability is still assessed at your consultation.

By changing the needle depth and energy settings, Scarlet X can be used for different skin concerns:

• Skin tightening: It helps firm skin that has loosened with age and soften fine lines.
• Acne scars and other scars: In pitted acne scars and other scars, it helps release the tight bands beneath the tissue so the surface can become smoother.
• Pigmentation and melasma: It targets the superficial vessels that feed pigmentation, supporting a lighter look.
• Pores and texture: It helps enlarged pores look smaller and refines skin texture.
• Stretch marks: It helps soften the look of stretch marks after weight changes or pregnancy.

For other options, see acne and acne scar treatment and skin spot treatments. On the body, Scarlet X can be part of a stretch mark treatment plan.

You may hear it called a “Scarlet facelift,” which refers to its firming effect. However, Scarlet X does not lift sagging tissue; it improves skin quality and firmness. For marked sagging, it may be better planned together with methods such as threads or ultrasound.

The treatment starts with an examination and skin analysis. The doctor then sets the needle depth and energy level for each area.

1. The skin is cleansed of makeup, dirt and oil.
2. Numbing cream is applied and left for about 15–20 minutes.
3. A sterile, single-use tip is attached and the needle depth is set. Depth can be chosen from 0.3 mm to 4 mm in 0.1 mm steps.
4. The tip is placed on the skin and the area is treated section by section.
5. If needed, nourishing ingredients are applied through the micro-channels, and sunscreen finishes the session.

Depth changes by area: thin skin, such as around the eyes, is treated more superficially, while thicker areas such as the cheeks and under the chin are treated more deeply. A full face and neck session takes about 20–40 minutes on average.

To make use of the micro-channels, Scarlet X can be combined in the same session with youth and collagen injections or vitamin-based mesotherapy.

Because the depth can be adjusted to the millimeter, Scarlet X can be used on many areas of the face and body:

• Face: forehead lines, midface laxity and smile lines.
• Around the eyes: crow’s feet and fine lines on the lower eyelid, at low depth settings.
• Jawline and under the chin: firming a loosened jawline and mild sagging under the chin.
• Neck and chest: horizontal neck lines and sun-damaged, rough texture.
• Scalp: treatments aimed at supporting hair quality.
• Body: laxity on the inner arms, loss of elasticity on the abdomen and hips, and stretch marks.

Which areas are treated is decided at your consultation; several can be done in one, longer session.

Mild redness, pinkness and warmth are expected afterwards. They usually settle within a few hours, or within 1–2 days on sensitive skin. Rarely, mild swelling or small pinpoint marks may appear.

To help recovery go smoothly:

• First day: Don’t wash the treated skin with water on the day of treatment.
• Makeup: Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours; after that, you can return to your routine with light makeup.
• Heat: On the first day, avoid intense exercise, saunas, Turkish baths and anything that makes you sweat.
• Care: Use the soothing moisturizers your doctor recommends.
• Sun: Apply a high-SPF (SPF 50+) sunscreen when you go out.

Because Scarlet X does not peel the skin’s surface, it can also be done in summer, with regular sunscreen. Results build gradually over the following weeks as collagen forms. Ask your doctor before using peels or irritating products between sessions.