Treatment comparison
SkinPen Microneedling vs Fractora RF Microneedling
Microneedling vs Fractora RF at The London Road Clinic, Newark. Compare mechanical microneedling with fractional RF microneedling for acne scarring, texture and skin rejuvenation.
Side by side
At a glance
| Compare | SkinPen Microneedling | Fractora RF Microneedling |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment type | Mechanical microneedling | Fractional RF microneedling |
| How it works | Precision micro-channels stimulate the body's natural repair response and new collagen production | 600-micron pins deliver radiofrequency energy into the dermis, combining ablative resurfacing with deep thermal collagen and elastin remodelling in a single pulse |
| Main concerns | Acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture, early fine lines | Acne scarring, skin texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, laxity, pigmentation |
| Depth of effect | Surface to mid-dermis via micro-channels | Ablation at 250 to 1000 microns; thermal effect to 2.7mm depth |
| Downtime | Usually low: redness similar to sunburn for 24 to 48 hours | 2 to 5 days: micro-lesions and redness typically settling within one week |
| Sessions | Short course usually recommended | 1 to 6 sessions depending on the concern and energy protocol |
| Discomfort | Well tolerated; numbing cream available for comfort | Topical anaesthetic applied; manageable at standard settings |
| Results timeline | Skin often looks fresher within days; collagen improvement builds over several weeks | Visible improvement typically within 2 weeks; peak results at 2 to 3 months, with clinical improvement at six months |
| Price from | From £180 | Consultation required, priced on assessment |
The science
How each treatment works
SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen creates precise, controlled micro-channels across the skin's surface. These micro-injuries kick-start a natural repair response that stimulates new collagen production over the following weeks. At The London Road Clinic it is used for concerns including acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture and early fine lines, and is frequently combined with targeted serums or exosomes to maximise results.
Full SkinPen Microneedling details →Fractora RF Microneedling
Fractora uses a handpiece containing a matrix of 600-micron pins to deliver fractional radiofrequency energy precisely into the dermis. At 1kHz, the RF current creates two simultaneous effects in a single pulse. First, ablative micro-lesions form at each pin tip, resurfacing texture, acne scarring and pigmented damage at a depth of 250 to 1000 microns depending on the energy setting selected. Second, as the current flows from the pin tips to the flat side electrodes, it exposes the entire non-ablated papillary and reticular dermis to a sub-necrotic thermal effect, reaching 2.7mm depth at 46 to 51 degrees Celsius. This heat stimulates neo-collagenesis and neo-elastosis, the formation of new collagen and new elastin, in the tissue between the ablation craters. Re-epithelialisation is complete within 48 hours; the deeper collagen remodelling continues for several months. Because the depth and energy are tunable, the treatment can be calibrated to your specific concern and Fitzpatrick skin type.
Full Fractora RF Microneedling details →Clinical perspective
Which is right for you?
Both treatments use micro-needling as their delivery mechanism, but they work very differently and deliver a different depth and quality of result. SkinPen is a mechanical microneedling device. Its precision needles create controlled channels in the skin surface, which triggers the body's own repair process and stimulates new collagen production over the weeks that follow. It is a reliable treatment for acne scarring, enlarged pores and texture improvement, and its relatively low downtime of 24 to 48 hours makes it accessible for most adults. It is frequently combined with targeted serums or exosomes to maximise the repair response. Fractora adds radiofrequency energy to the microneedling action, and this changes the nature of the treatment significantly. Each pulse creates two simultaneous effects: fractional ablation at the pin tips, which resurfaces the skin at 250 to 1000 microns depth, and a sub-necrotic thermal zone through the papillary and reticular dermis to 2.7mm depth, which drives the formation of new collagen and elastin at a level that mechanical microneedling alone cannot reach. Independent clinical data shows 65% average improvement in skin texture and wrinkles at six months after a single full-face Fractora treatment. The trade-off is a longer recovery period of 2 to 5 days. For mild to moderate concerns, SkinPen is an effective and well-tolerated choice. For more significant acne scarring, deeper texture irregularities or where a stronger single-treatment result is the goal, Fractora is typically the more appropriate option. Your clinician will assess which is right based on the severity of your concern, your skin type and how much recovery time you can accommodate.
Finding the right fit
Who each treatment suits
SkinPen Microneedling
- Adults with mild to moderate acne scarring, enlarged pores or uneven texture who want effective collagen support with lower downtime
- Those who want to combine treatment with exosomes or targeted serums for enhanced repair
- Those building a regular skin programme who want a reliable, repeatable treatment
Fractora RF Microneedling
- Adults with moderate to significant acne scarring or rough skin texture who want more meaningful resurfacing than mechanical microneedling can achieve
- Adults who also want to address laxity, fine lines or pigmentation alongside texture in the same session
- Those prepared for 2 to 5 days of visible recovery in exchange for more impactful, clinically evidenced results
Common questions
Frequently asked
What is the key difference between SkinPen microneedling and Fractora?
Which is better for acne scarring?
How does the downtime compare?
Can SkinPen and Fractora be used together in a treatment plan?
Is Fractora worth the longer downtime?
Are both treatments suitable for darker skin tones?
Explore each treatment
Read the full treatment details
65 London Road, Newark
Still not sure which is right for you?
Your clinician will assess your skin, talk through both options and give you an honest recommendation, including if neither is the right choice. No obligation to proceed.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahe Boghossian, Medical Consultant, GMC 5204600 . Last reviewed 23 May 2026.
