Golden Needle is an RF microneedling treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy in a single session. Its medical name is fractional radiofrequency microneedling, and you may also see it called “gold needle” or “gold RF microneedling.” Very fine, gold-coated needles in the handpiece enter the skin to a precise, millimeter-level depth and deliver RF energy directly into the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin.

The name comes from that gold coating. Gold conducts energy well and is compatible with tissue, helping the energy reach the target depth without harming the skin surface. The controlled heat created in the dermis starts the skin’s own repair process and stimulates new collagen and elastin.

At our clinic in Istanbul, Golden Needle is performed with the Scarlet X device, so some people know it simply as a Scarlet treatment. Needle depth and energy can be set separately for each area and concern, which allows the treatment to be tailored to you.

Golden Needle is different from standard microneedling (such as a dermapen). Standard microneedling only creates tiny channels in the skin, while here the needles deliver radiofrequency at the same time. This heat gives collagen renewal a stronger boost and helps tighten the skin. Because only the needle tips release energy, the skin surface is better protected.

The main effect of Golden Needle is collagen renewal, so it is used for a range of skin-quality and firmness concerns:

• Acne scars: It stimulates remodeling of damaged tissue to soften the look of scars. If acne is still active, the skin is first calmed with acne treatment.
• Enlarged pores: Pores may look smaller and the skin smoother.
• Fine lines and mild sagging: Increased collagen helps the skin look firmer and fuller.
• Dull, uneven skin: Improved texture gives a more even, radiant look.
• Stretch marks and scars: It is also used to soften stretch marks and older scars on the body.

It is most often applied to the face, neck and décolletage. If pigmentation is your main concern, it can be planned together with our skin spot treatments.

Because it does not peel the top layer of the skin, Golden Needle can be used on both lighter and darker skin tones, an advantage over some laser treatments.

Before treatment, your skin is examined, and the needle depth and energy level are chosen according to the concern, your skin type and the area.

1. The skin is cleansed of makeup and oil.
2. A numbing cream is applied and left on for about 30 minutes.
3. A sterile needle tip reserved for you is attached to the device.
4. The doctor treats the planned areas with controlled pulses; RF energy is delivered into the dermis as the needles enter the skin.
5. Soothing skincare and sunscreen are applied at the end.

Treating the full face and neck takes about 30–45 minutes. Because of the redness afterward, makeup is not worn the same day; most people return to social life the next day with mineral makeup.

Right after the session, the skin looks red as if mildly sunburned, with slight swelling and warmth. This usually settles within 24–48 hours. Over the next few days, mild dryness or fine flaking may appear, a sign that the skin is renewing.

To support healing and reduce the risk of pigmentation:

• Skip makeup and avoid hot water on the face for the first 24 hours.
• Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and avoid direct sun for at least a week.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools and intense exercise for 2–3 days.
• Pause peels, retinol and acid-based products for a week.
• Use the moisturizer your doctor recommends.

Golden Needle is usually planned as 3–4 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Deep acne scars may need more sessions, while fewer may be enough for a general glow. Results build gradually: you may notice fresher skin within a few weeks, and the main effect usually becomes clearer 2–3 months after the course.

Improvements in acne scars and pores tend to last a long time, because the new collagen is your own tissue. Firming effects fade gradually as the skin continues to age, so one maintenance session a year is often recommended. Golden Needle can be combined with mesolifting for hydration and glow, or with the RedTouch Pro laser to support collagen with a different wavelength.