Microneedling Explained: With Dr. Maria Chuquer, MD, FRCPC

If you’re Googling microneedling, you’re probably seeing everything from “$199 microneedling facials” to premium RF microneedling packages, and the range can feel arbitrary. It isn’t.

Microneedling is a spectrum of technologies, depths, and energy delivery. The “right” option depends on what you’re trying to change (texture vs. scarring vs. laxity vs. pigment/redness), how quickly you need to recover, and how much correction you want per session.

At Xthetics Face & Body Sculpt in Calgary, we treat microneedling like a medical-grade collagen remodeling procedure, not a one-size-fits-all facial. And if you’ve been wondering why Sylfirm X costs more than traditional microneedling, the answer comes down to hardware, consumables, clinical skill, and what’s actually happening in the dermis.

---

What microneedling actually does (in plain English)

Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. Your body responds the same way it would to a tiny injury: it initiates repair, signaling new collagen and elastin production over the following weeks.

That’s why microneedling is used for:

• acne scars and textural irregularities

• enlarged pores

• fine lines and early crepey skin

• uneven tone and dullness

• stretch marks (body)

But “microneedling” alone doesn’t tell you how deep, how consistent, how sterile, how much energy, or how effectively your provider can target specific concerns.

---

The three main categories of microneedling (and where Sylfirm X fits)

1) Traditional microneedling (needle-only)

This is the classic approach: needles create micro-injuries, collagen signaling begins, and skin texture gradually improves.

Best for: mild texture, early fine lines, pores, general rejuvenation
Not ideal for: significant laxity (“skin tightening”), deeper acne scarring, complex pigment/redness patterns

2) “Enhanced” microneedling (topicals/biologics added)

Some clinics pair microneedling with topical serums, PRP, or other adjuncts. The concept is that micro-channels may temporarily improve topical delivery.

Best for: people wanting a hydration/glow boost alongside collagen stimulation
Important: not all add-ons are equal; what matters most is the base treatment quality and your individualized plan.

3) RF microneedling (needles + radiofrequency energy)

RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency heat through the needles into the dermis to drive stronger remodeling than needles alone—particularly for laxity and deeper textural change.

Because RF microneedling is heat-based and more technically complex, it’s also where provider training and device quality matter most. In fact, the FDA issued a safety communication (Oct 15, 2025) warning that serious complications have been reported with certain uses of RF microneedling—emphasizing that patients should discuss risks/benefits with qualified providers and that complications reported include burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage.

---

What makes Sylfirm X different from “regular” RF microneedling?

Sylfirm X is positioned as a dual-wave RF microneedling platform, meaning it can deliver Continuous Wave (CW) and Pulsed Wave (PW) RF modes.

Why that matters:

• Continuous Wave (CW) is typically discussed in the context of collagen contraction and longer-term remodeling for firmness and texture.

• Pulsed Wave (PW) is marketed around more selective targeting approaches for concerns like pigmentation/redness pathways (how clinics describe it varies, but the key point is the mode flexibility).

There’s also published clinical literature suggesting pulsed-type microneedling RF can be a safe, useful adjunct for melasma-related skin quality improvements (with the usual caveat: melasma is complex and recurrence management matters).

Bottom line: Sylfirm X is built to let experienced providers adjust mode + depth + energy in a more granular way than many single-mode RF microneedling platforms.

---

So… why does Sylfirm X cost more?

Here are the real cost drivers—without the marketing fluff.

1) You’re paying for two therapies in one pass: needles + controlled thermal remodeling

Traditional microneedling relies on mechanical micro-injury alone. RF microneedling adds dermal heating, which is a different class of intervention with different risk management requirements.

In practice, this often means stronger tightening/texture change potential when done correctly, but it also requires higher clinical competency.

2) The device ecosystem is expensive and the consumables aren’t optional

Premium RF microneedling platforms require single-use sterile tips/cartridges (a recurring per-treatment cost), plus manufacturer servicing, calibration, and ongoing training.

For Sylfirm X specifically, distributors describe consumable tips (including the common 25-pin format) as part of the treatment ecosystem.

That ongoing consumable cost alone can be a major difference versus basic microneedling pens.

3) Time, technique, and customization are higher

A proper Sylfirm X session isn’t “one setting for everyone.”

It’s typically:

• consult + skin assessment

• tailored parameters (mode, depth, energy)

• careful mapping over different facial zones

• post-care planning (especially if treating pigment/redness-prone skin)

More provider time + higher skill requirements = higher cost.

4) You’re buying a higher safety standard (when done in a physician-led clinic)

Because RF microneedling uses heat, operator technique can be the difference between a smooth recovery and a complication. The FDA’s 2025 safety communication is very clear that serious adverse events have been reported with certain uses, and patients should have a real risk/benefit discussion with their provider.

At Xthetics, treatments are overseen with a medical lens—skin anatomy, energy delivery, and patient-specific risk factors (history of PIH, rosacea tendency, scarring patterns, medications, etc.) matter.

5) Better “value per session” is often the goal

Not everyone needs Sylfirm X. But when someone does, it’s usually because they want:

• more correction per visit

• fewer total sessions than basic microneedling for certain concerns

• better tightening and deeper textural improvement

That potential efficiency is part of why premium RF microneedling is priced differently.

---

Quick comparison: which microneedling option fits what you want?

*Downtime varies based on depth/energy, your skin, and aftercare.

---

Dr. Maria Chuquer on why device choice matters

Dr. Maria Chuquer, MD, FRCPC, CEO and Medical Director of Xthetics and Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, puts it simply:

“Not all microneedling is the same. Microneedling results depend on two key factors: the quality of the device and the provider’s skill in depth, angle, and technique.”

---

What to expect at Xthetics (Calgary)

1. Consultation & skin plan
   We confirm what you’re treating (scars vs. laxity vs. pigment/redness patterns), your timeline, and your risk profile.

2. Comfort-first prep
   Topical anesthetic is typically used. Treatment time depends on areas treated.

3. Treatment & recovery guidance
   You’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions (barrier repair, sun protection, and what to avoid).

4. Follow-up cadence
   Most collagen remodeling stacks over weeks, so your plan usually involves a series and a maintenance rhythm.

---

FAQ: Sylfirm X + microneedling

Is Sylfirm X “worth it” compared to regular microneedling?

If you’re treating laxity/tightening needs or more complex texture concerns, RF microneedling may offer a different class of remodeling than needles alone. But it’s not automatically the right first step for everyone. The right plan is the one that matches your skin problem, downtime tolerance, and risk profile.

Is RF microneedling safe?

It can be, when the device is properly cleared/licensed and the provider is trained.

Regulation & safety (Canada / Health Canada)

In Canada, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is performed using a regulated medical device. Health Canada classifies medical devices from Class I (lowest risk) to Class IV (highest), and notes that Health Canada–licensed RF microneedling devices are Class III. Patients can ask the clinic which device is being used and verify that it’s licensed for sale in Canada via Health Canada’s Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL).
While reports of incidents in Canada are limited, Health Canada recommends that healthcare professionals remain vigilant and report any suspected RF microneedling incidents or complications to support continued monitoring.

References

1. Health Canada. Health Product InfoWatch: January 2026. Published January 29, 2026. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/health-product-infowatch/january-2026.html

2. Health Canada. Health Product InfoWatch – January 2026 (PDF). Published January 2026. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/health-product-infowatch/january-2026/infojan2026-en.pdf

3. Health Canada. Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL). Updated July 26, 2024. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/licences/medical-devices-active-licence-listing.html

4. Health Canada. Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL) – Your reference tool for licensed medical devices in Canada. Date modified March 1, 2019. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://health-products.canada.ca/mdall-limh/

5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Potential Risks with Certain Uses of Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling – FDA Safety Communication. Date issued October 15, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/potential-risks-certain-uses-radiofrequency-rf-microneedling-fda-safety-communication

6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling Devices. Update: October 15, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/microneedling-devices

7. Sylfirm X. Sylfirm X | Melasma, PIH, Scars, Tightening & Pores. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.sylfirm-x.com/

8. Perez B. Introducing Our NEW, FDA 510K Cleared Sylfirm X Tips. BENE.V. Published July 27, 2022. Updated July 31, 2022. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.benev.com/post/introducing-our-new-fda-510k-cleared-sylfirm-x-tips

9. New Bloom Dermatology. RF Microneedling (Sylfirm X). Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.newbloomderm.com/procedures/rf-microneedling/

10. Gulfan MCB, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Wongdama S, Jantanapornchai N, Yan C, Rakchart S. Efficacy and Safety of Using Noninsulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Alone Versus in Combination with Polynucleotides for the Treatment of Melasma: A Pilot Study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(6):1325-1336. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00728-8. PMID:35538360.