Potenza: A Microneedling RF Procedure for Pores, Elasticity, and Fine Lines
Pores vs. Elasticity — the settings are different. A guide to needle depth and session planning based on your skin goals.
Potenza is often known as a "pore procedure," but many patients feel confused when they hear it's also used for elasticity and fine lines. That's because even with the same device, the target results change depending on how the needle depth and radiofrequency intensity are set.
> This post is an informational guide based on procedures offered at Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae.
In short, Potenza uses fine needles to create microchannels in the skin and delivers radiofrequency heat through the tips. By adjusting the depth and intensity, it can address not only pores and scars but also stimulate Dermis Elasticity and refine fine lines. That's why it's more accurate to think of Potenza as a customizable procedure — not one exclusively for pores.
What you'll learn from this post
· How Potenza works
· The difference in settings for pores/scars vs. elasticity/fine lines
· Why the procedure is typically divided into multiple sessions
· How your skin texture gradually improves after each sessionHow Does Potenza Work?
Potenza uses a method called Microneedling Radiofrequency (RF)*. Fine needles create microchannels in the skin, and radiofrequency heat is delivered through the tips into the Dermis to stimulate Collagen production. Because heat is concentrated beneath the surface rather than on top, changing the needle depth shifts which skin layer is being targeted.
Microneedling RF*: A procedure that uses fine needles to create microchannels in the skin and delivers radiofrequency heat through the tips, focusing stimulation within the Dermis rather than on the surface.
A clinical study on non-insulated Microneedling RF reported that this method reduced the appearance of depressed scars and pore size while improving Skin Texture — with all 19 participants showing improvements in scar and texture, and approximately 94% experiencing pore reduction. The simultaneous improvement in pores, scars, and texture is attributed to increased Collagen stimulation within the Dermis.
Settings Are Different for Pores/Scars vs. Elasticity/Fine Lines
Even with the same Potenza device, the needle depth and RF intensity are adjusted depending on the target concern. For pores and scars, shallower depths with denser distribution in the upper Dermis are used, while elasticity and fine line concerns call for deeper delivery of heat into the Dermis.
- Pores & Scars → Shallower depth + denser distribution
- Elasticity & Fine Lines → Greater depth + deeper Dermis heat stimulation
- Combined Concerns → Two separate settings applied in sequence
Here's a general sense of how needle depth tends to vary by goal. These are average tendencies — even for the same concern, depth may vary depending on skin thickness.
Understanding Which Layer of the Dermis the Heat Reaches
Looking at a cross-section of how Potenza delivers heat at different needle depths makes it easy to understand why the settings need to be differentiated.
Whether the heat from the needle tip reaches the upper or lower Dermis determines whether the effect is oriented toward pores or Elasticity. That's why it's more accurate to see Potenza as a procedure that changes its purpose through depth and intensity control — rather than assuming it's only for pores.
Why the Procedure Is Divided Into Multiple Sessions
Since Potenza works by stimulating Collagen, results are typically accumulated over multiple sessions rather than achieved in a single visit. Spacing out sessions at an appropriate intensity reduces the recovery burden while allowing skin texture to be refined gradually.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery's guide on Microneedling recommends a series of at least three sessions spaced approximately one month apart for Microneedling-based procedures. For concerns that require cumulative improvement — such as scars or enlarged pores — a structured session plan is especially important.
- Collagen is built cumulatively across multiple sessions rather than a single visit
- Appropriate intensity across sessions helps reduce recovery burden
- The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the concern
At Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae, We Start by Identifying Your Skin Concern
At Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae, even with the same Potenza device, we begin by identifying whether your primary concern is pores or Elasticity and Fine Lines — and then design the needle depth, intensity, and session plan accordingly. Rather than defaulting to "Potenza = pores," we tailor the settings to match your specific skin goals.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises that asking your provider about risks and expected outcomes before any cosmetic procedure is an important step in minimizing risk. Our clinic is within walking distance of Hapjeong Station, so you're welcome to stop by before your procedure for a brief consultation to assess your Skin Texture and determine the right approach. Please note that this post provides general information only — your specific settings and session plan should be determined in consultation with a medical professional prior to your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Isn't Potenza just a pore procedure?
A. While it's widely used for pores and scars, adjusting the needle depth and RF intensity allows it to also stimulate Dermis Elasticity and refine Fine Lines. It's more accurate to think of it as a procedure that changes its focus based on how the settings are adjusted.
Q. What is the Downtime after the procedure?
A. You may notice some redness and minor marks for a few days after the procedure, and this can vary depending on the depth and intensity used. Clinical studies reported low Pain scores and no adverse effects such as burns or pigmentation changes, though individual recovery experiences may vary.
Q. Can pores and Elasticity be addressed at the same time?
A. In some cases, two different settings are applied within a session, or sessions are alternated to take a combined approach. That said, rather than attempting to resolve every concern at once, it's generally more effective to prioritize concerns and work through them progressively over multiple sessions.
Q. How many sessions will I need?
A. It depends on the severity of your concern. Microneedling-based procedures are generally recommended in a series of about three sessions spaced one month apart, but this varies based on your skin condition — so it's best to discuss a personalized plan with your provider before starting.
