While Potenza is commonly known as a "pore treatment," you might find yourself confused during consultations when you hear it can also be used for elasticity or fine lines. This is because even with the exact same device, the target skin layer changes depending on how the needle depth and radiofrequency (RF) intensity are configured.

To give you a quick answer, Potenza is a treatment that creates micro-channels in the skin using tiny needles and delivers RF heat at the tips. By adjusting the depth and intensity, it can be used not only for pores and scars but also to stimulate dermal elasticity and smooth out fine lines. Therefore, rather than viewing it as a "pores-only" treatment, it is more accurate to think of it as a customizable procedure where settings are tailored to your specific goals.

What you will learn from this article

• How Potenza works

• The difference in settings for pores/scars versus elasticity/fine lines

• Why it is beneficial to map out multiple sessions

• How your skin texture heals and settles after the treatment

How does Potenza work?

Potenza utilizes a method known as microneedling RF*. Tiny needles create brief channels in the skin, and at their tips, RF heat is delivered directly to the dermis layer, stimulating collagen production. Because it is designed to concentrate heat deep within the dermis rather than on the surface, adjusting the needle depth changes the specific layer being treated.

Microneedling RF*: A method where micro-needles create pathways in the skin to deliver radiofrequency heat at the tips. It focuses on stimulating the inner dermis rather than the skin surface.

Clinical studies on non-insulated microneedling RF have shown that this method reduces the size of indented scars and pores while improving overall skin texture (all 19 participants showed scar/texture improvement, and about 94% experienced pore reduction). The simultaneous improvement in pores, scars, and texture is attributed to the increased collagen stimulation within the dermis.

Pores/scars vs. elasticity/fine lines require different settings

Even with the same Potenza device, the needle depth and RF intensity are customized depending on your target concern. For pores and scars, heat is distributed densely in the relatively shallow upper dermis. For elasticity and fine lines, the heat is delivered slightly deeper into the dermis.

• Pores & Scars → Shallow depth + dense distribution

• Elasticity & Fine lines → Deeper depth + dermal heat stimulation

• Combined concerns → Applying both settings separately

This is the general trend of how needle depths are adjusted for each goal. Please keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and settings may vary depending on your individual skin thickness.

It is easier to understand once you see which dermal layer receives the heat

Looking at a cross-section of how Potenza delivers heat to different layers depending on the needle depth makes it easier to understand why we customize the settings.

Whether the treatment targets pores or elasticity depends entirely on the dermal depth the heat reaching from the needle tips. This is why it is more accurate to view Potenza as a customized treatment that alters its purpose through depth and intensity adjustments, rather than just a "pore-exclusive" treatment.

Why we recommend multiple sessions

Like other collagen-stimulating treatments, Potenza is often planned as a series of sessions rather than a single visit to allow the cumulative benefits to build. Instead of doing one overly aggressive session, spreading the treatments out at an appropriate intensity helps refine your skin texture while minimizing recovery downtime.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) microneedling guidelines also suggest that microneedling treatments are typically recommended in a series of at least three sessions, spaced about a month apart. Planning a series is especially important for concerns like scars and pores that require cumulative collagen building.

• Spreading treatments over multiple sessions allows collagen to build up progressively

• Dividing treatments with appropriate intensity reduces the recovery burden

• The number of sessions varies depending on the depth of your skin concerns

At Beauty stone Hapjeong, we begin by analyzing your unique skin concerns

At Beauty stone Hapjeong, even for the same Potenza treatment, we first identify whether your primary concern is pores or elasticity/fine lines before designing the needle depth, intensity, and number of sessions. Our personalized approach means we never categorize "Potenza = pores," but rather customize the settings to match your unique skin needs.

Resources from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advise that consulting with your practitioner about risks and expected results before a cosmetic procedure is an important step to ensure safety. Since we are located within walking distance of Hapjeong Station, you can easily swing by for a quick visit to examine your skin texture together and plan your personalized settings. As this article provides general information, it is highly recommended to consult with our medical tea m to determine your specific settings and session plans before your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Isn't Potenza just a pore treatment?

A. While it is widely used for pores and scars, adjusting the needle depth and RF intensity allows it to be used to stimulate dermal elasticity and smooth fine lines as well. It is best understood as a versatile treatment tailored to your specific aesthetic goals.

Q. What is the downtime like after the treatment?

A. You may experience slight redness or minor marks for a few days immediately after the session, which varies depending on the depth and intensity used. Clinical studies have reported low pain scores and no adverse events like burns or hyperpigmentation, though individual recovery times can vary.

Q. Can I treat both pores and elasticity at the same time?

A. Yes, we often take a combined approach by applying two different settings during a session or alternating them across different treatment dates. However, rather than trying to resolve all concerns in one go, a natural progression is achieved by prioritizing your needs and building results over multiple sessions.

Q. How many sessions will I need?

A. This depends on the specific depth of your concerns. Generally, microneedling-type treatments are recommended as a series of about three sessions spaced monthly, but as individual skin conditions vary, it is best to decide after a detailed consultation with our medical team.

Recommended Readings

• CureJet vs. Potenza: Which treatment is right for me?

• Infini RF vs. CureJet: Why do these microneedling treatments sound so different?

• Potenza + Juvelook — The triple effect of the RF Pumping Tip

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