Complications Associated With Radiofrequency Microneedling in Dermatology: a Delphi Consensus

February 24, 2026 updated by: Lynhda Nguyen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) combines controlled delivery of radiofrequency energy into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue through arrays of insulated or non-insulated microneedles. This targeted thermal stimulation induces fibroblast (re-)activation leading to collagen remodeling and neocollagenesis, leading to clinical improvement in skin laxity and rhytides. Despite widespread clinical use, recent FDA announcements have highlighted concerns regarding potentially serious complications associated with RFMN treatments. Given this evolving landscape, consensus-based expert guidance is essential to support clinicians in navigating device selection, treatment parameters, patient counselling, and safety protocols. The present Delphi consensus aims to provide structured expert recommendations to address these emerging challenges.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

30

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

N/A

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

see inclusion/ exclusion criteria

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery,
  • At least five years of clinical experience using energy-based devices,
  • Documented experience of at least 5 years and/or publications related to RFMN

Exclusion Criteria:

  • not meeting inclusion critera

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Delphi consensus
Time Frame: 5 months

Following points are items to the Delphi consensus:

  • Patient selection (characteristics)/Indications
  • Contraindications
  • Treatment parameters and techniques, (energies, frequencies, needle type, treatment depth, number of treatments, interval between treatments, etc)
  • Training requirements
  • Pre- and post-procedure care
5 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

October 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 24, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 24, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 2, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 2, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 24, 2026

Last Verified

February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 01/26

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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