Medically reviewed by Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN · Last reviewed July 2026
Both DP4 medical-grade microneedling and Pixel8 RF microneedling treat acne scars by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen remodeling. The difference is energy: DP4 relies on mechanical needling alone, while RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat at the needle tips to remodel deeper tissue. Here is how we choose between them at LuXe.
When DP4 microneedling is the better fit
DP4 is often the starting point for shallower rolling scars, early textural scarring, and patients who want minimal downtime. Because it uses fine needles rather than pigment-targeting light or heat, it can be appropriate across a wide range of skin tones when appropriately selected, and it pairs naturally with a series approach — typically several sessions spaced about a month apart. Microneedling devices are FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults; at LuXe we often use the DP4’s scar setting for this indication.
When RF microneedling earns its place
Pixel8 RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy under the surface, which helps with deeper rolling and boxcar scars, scarring with associated laxity, and patients who want more remodeling per session. RF microneedling is a medical procedure with real considerations — depth, energy and technique matter — which is why every treatment at LuXe is performed personally by Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN after evaluating your skin. Read the Pixel8 safety section for the details.
How we actually decide
In practice the decision comes down to scar depth, scar type, skin tone, downtime tolerance and budget. Shallow, early scarring in a patient who wants easy recovery leans DP4. Deeper, tethered or laxity-associated scarring leans RF microneedling — or a staged plan that uses both, sometimes with subcision first and CO2 or Erbium resurfacing as the finishing step. Scar type drives the plan: see rolling vs boxcar vs ice pick scars.
Can they be combined?
Yes — commonly in alternating sessions or stages, since they remodel at different depths. Adjunctive topicals such as PRF or growth-factor serums are sometimes applied after treatment based on clinical judgment; these combinations are off-label, and we discuss the reasoning with you before using them.
Not sure which is right for your scars? Read our full acne scar treatment guide or call (754) 715-5667 to book a consultation at LuXe Concierge Aesthetics in Davie, FL.