Skin Rejuvenation
Virtue RF Microneedling in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - gold-plated, robotic-precision, safe for all skin types.
Virtue RF Microneedling at The Summit Aesthetics is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency microneedling treatment that tightens skin, softens wrinkles, refines texture, and improves acne scars – using gold-plated, robotically-controlled needles that deliver RF energy into the deeper dermis with minimal surface disruption. Every Virtue RF session at our Clarks Summit medical spa is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience. Because Virtue RF works from below the skin surface rather than resurfacing the top layer, it is safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types – including darker skin tones that many resurfacing lasers cannot safely treat. Most patients across Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, and the wider NEPA region complete a plan of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with visible improvements starting at four weeks and peak results at three to six months. Downtime is minimal – mild redness for 24 to 48 hours.
Duration
15 minutes per area
Downtime
None
Results
Initial results appear quickly; maximum effect around 12 weeks
Sessions
Typically 1–2 sessions per area
Ready to begin
What RF microneedling actually does
Traditional microneedling uses a device with small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Your body responds to those tiny wounds by producing new collagen and elastin as it heals – which is what gradually improves skin quality over the weeks following treatment.
RF microneedling takes the same core mechanism and adds radiofrequency energy delivered through those needles into the deeper layer of skin (the dermis) where collagen actually forms. The needles do the mechanical work; the RF energy does the thermal work. The combination triggers substantially more collagen remodeling than either does on its own, which is why RF microneedling produces meaningfully deeper improvement than traditional microneedling in fewer sessions.
Two things happen after your treatment. First, the surface skin heals over the next few days – mild redness, then normal appearance, then a subtle “glow” as freshly-remodeled skin comes online. Second, deeper in the dermis, new collagen and elastin production accelerates for the next three to six months. That deeper work is where the real result lives, and it’s why we don’t evaluate the final outcome until months after your last session.
Virtue RF vs. Morpheus8 - the honest comparison
This is the most-asked comparison in RF microneedling, and it deserves a real answer. Morpheus8 (made by InMode) has become the household-name RF microneedling device thanks to heavy direct-to-consumer marketing and celebrity endorsement. Virtue RF (made by Cartessa Aesthetics) has less brand recognition but a genuinely different technical approach. Both are FDA-cleared, both are effective, and neither is universally “better.” They’re engineered for slightly different priorities.
Details
Virtue RF (what we offer)
Morpheus8
Manufacturer
Cartessa Aesthetics
InMode
Needle coating
Gold-plated, non-insulated – energy delivered along the entire needle shaft
Silicon-coated, insulated – energy delivered only at the exposed tip
Needle insertion
Robotic (motorized) insertion – more consistent depth, generally less painful
Stamped (manual) insertion
Maximum depth
Approximately 3.5 mm
Up to 4 mm on face; up to 8 mm on Morpheus8 Body handpiece
Handpiece options
Three: Standard (face and body), Fine (delicate areas including under-eye), Exact (precision spot)
Multiple pin configurations (12-pin, 24-pin, 40-pin); Body handpiece for deeper work
Best for
All-purpose facial rejuvenation, delicate areas including under-eye, patients who prioritize comfort and precision
Deeper work on body areas requiring more thermal depth; patients specifically seeking the branded Morpheus8 treatment
Skin type safety
All Fitzpatrick I–VI
All Fitzpatrick I–VI
Sessions typically needed
3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
Downtime
24–48 hours of mild redness
24–48 hours of mild redness, sometimes longer for deeper work
The most honest way to think about it: Morpheus8 has a clear advantage for deep body work (its Body handpiece reaches 8 mm, meaningfully deeper than Virtue RF), and it has enormous brand recognition. Virtue RF has advantages in comfort (robotic insertion is measurably less painful for many patients), precision (the Fine handpiece is designed specifically for under-eye and other delicate zones where Morpheus8 doesn’t have a comparable option), and thermal distribution (non-insulated gold-plated needles deliver RF along the full shaft rather than only at the tip). Neither device is “better.” They are designed for slightly different priorities.
What Virtue RF Microneedling treats
Virtue RF is one of the most versatile treatments on our menu because it works on skin quality broadly – wrinkles and texture and laxity and scarring all respond, though at different rates and to different degrees. Common concerns we treat at our Clarks Summit medical spa:
Face and neck concerns
- Fine lines and wrinkles – around the eyes, forehead, mouth, and neck
- Skin laxity – the mild to moderate loss of firmness that accompanies aging
- Uneven texture – skin that feels rough or irregular
- Enlarged pores – across the nose, cheeks, and forehead
- Acne scars – particularly rolling and boxcar scars; ice-pick scars are harder
- Under-eye laxity and fine lines – the Fine handpiece is specifically designed for this delicate area, which is where Virtue RF has a genuine advantage over most other platforms
- Neck and jawline definition – subtle tightening of the lower face and neck
Body areas we treat
- Stretch marks – on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms
- Décolleté (chest) crepey skin – fine lines and laxity across the upper chest
- Upper arm laxity – mild to moderate crepiness
- Abdominal skin laxity – particularly for post-partum or post-weight-loss patients
If you’re considering Virtue RF for a specific concern, Lori will assess candidacy directly at the consultation – including whether Virtue RF is the right choice or whether another treatment (CO₂ laser, EVERESSE, or a combined plan) would be more appropriate for your goals.
What to expect at your Virtue RF appointment
Consultation (first visit): Complimentary, 45 minutes. Lori evaluates your skin, discusses your concerns and goals, reviews your medical history, and builds a written treatment plan. If Virtue RF isn’t the right treatment for you, we’ll say so.
Pre-treatment: Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids for 5 to 7 days before treatment. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner. Come with clean, product-free skin.
The treatment: Topical numbing is applied for 30 to 45 minutes before treatment begins. Once numb, Lori uses the appropriate Virtue RF handpiece (Standard, Fine, or Exact) for your treatment areas. The device delivers robotically-controlled needle insertions with simultaneous RF energy. Most patients describe the sensation as warm pressure with occasional brief prickles – uncomfortable but tolerable.
Treatment duration: Full face: 30 to 45 minutes. Full face + neck: 60 minutes. Body areas vary.
Immediately after: Skin looks pink to red – similar to a moderate sunburn – and feels warm. Some patients see small pinpoint marks at needle sites that fade within hours. A soothing serum is applied before you leave.
Follow-up: Sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow collagen response to progress. Full results are assessed at 3 months after your final session.
How many sessions will I need? When will I see results?
Most patients complete a plan of 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some concerns – particularly acne scars and stretch marks – respond best to additional sessions. Lori will confirm your specific plan at consultation.
The results timeline
Time after treatment
What’s happening
What you may notice
Immediately after
Skin is inflamed; brief plumping from mild edema
Pink to red skin, temporary “glow” from swelling
24–48 hoursComfort during treatment
Surface inflammation resolving; RF thermal effect settling in dermis
Return to normal appearance; can wear makeupNotoriously uncomfortable – oral analgesic often used
Days 3–7
Superficial skin cell turnover accelerating
Slightly brighter, smoother skin
Weeks 2–4
Early collagen remodeling underway
Beginning of visible texture and tone improvement
Months 1–3
Peak collagen production and remodeling
Continued firming, wrinkle softening, texture improvement
Months 3–6
Collagen matures and stabilizes; peak visible result
Full effect visible – this is when we assess outcomes
Because Virtue RF results build cumulatively over months, patience matters. Patients who evaluate the outcome two weeks after treatment often conclude nothing happened. The real work is happening in the dermis, and the visible result is still building.
Downtime - the honest version
One of Virtue RF’s genuine advantages over CO₂ laser resurfacing is the substantially shorter downtime. Most patients return to normal activities the day after treatment. That said, here’s what to actually expect:
The first 24 hours
- Pink to red skin – similar in appearance to a moderate sunburn
- Warm sensation gradually settling
- Mild tenderness at treated areas
- Occasional small pinpoint marks at needle insertion sites
- No makeup for the first 24 hours
24 to 48 hours
- Redness significantly fading
- Skin may feel slightly rough or “grainy” as micro-crusts form and shed
- Makeup can be worn after 24 hours to cover any residual pink
- Return to normal activities – work, exercise (light), social life
Days 3 to 7
- Skin appears normal to slightly brightened
- Some patients notice a subtle “glow” from surface skin turnover
- Continue sun protection diligently
Virtue RF aftercare
Aftercare is straightforward but does matter for optimal results.
For the first 24 hours
- Keep skin clean using gentle, non-foaming cleanser
- Apply the specific soothing serum we provide
- No makeup
- No strenuous exercise or heavy sweating
- No hot showers, saunas, hot yoga, or heat exposure
- Sleep on your back with head slightly elevated
For the first 5 to 7 days
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every single day
- No retinoids, exfoliating acids, or active skincare ingredients
- No facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, or other treatments in the area
- Gentle skincare only – hyaluronic acid serums and gentle moisturizers are welcome; harsh ingredients are not
Ongoing
- Continue daily broad-spectrum sunscreen – protecting your investment is a real thing
- Reintroduce retinoids when Lori clears you (typically 1 week after treatment)
- Notice continued improvement over the following 3 to 6 months as collagen remodeling progresses
Virtue RF vs. CO2 laser vs. traditional microneedling - how they compare
Three related treatments that solve overlapping problems. The honest comparison:
Details
Virtue RF Microneedling
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Traditional Microneedling (no RF)
Primary mechanism
Microneedles + RF heat in dermis
Ablative CO₂ vaporizes and resurfaces
Microneedles only, no thermal energy
Depth of remodeling
Deep dermal (up to 3.5 mm)
Deepest of the three – surface to dermis
Superficial to moderate
Best for
Firming, tightening, texture, moderate wrinkles, all skin types
Deep wrinkles, sun damage, transformative resurfacing
Mild texture, glow, minor concerns
Downtime
24–48 hours mild redness
CoolPeel: 2–3 days. Traditional: 5–7 days.
Same-day mild redness
Skin type safety
All Fitzpatrick I–VI
I–III safest; IV–VI requires care
All skin types
Sessions
3 sessions
1 traditional or 2–4 CoolPeel
4–6 sessions typically
Result timelineBest fit for
3–6 months
2 weeks initial, 3–6 months peak
3–6 months
The right choice depends on your specific concerns and constraints. For firming and moderate wrinkle improvement on any skin type, Virtue RF is often the first choice. For the deepest single-treatment resurfacing (and appropriate skin type), CO₂ laser goes deeper. For basic glow and texture work at a lower investment, traditional microneedling has its place. Lori will help you decide at your consultation.
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for Virtue RF
Virtue RF has adjustable settings for depth, energy level, needle spacing, and pass count that must be matched to your skin type, the area being treated, and how your skin has responded to prior sessions. That kind of judgment improves substantially with experience. It is genuinely different in an experienced provider’s hands versus a junior technician’s.
Every Virtue RF session at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. The same experienced provider who assesses your skin at consultation is the same person delivering treatment one, treatment two, and treatment three. No rotation. No delegation. That continuity produces measurably better results across a 3-session Virtue RF plan than any rotating-provider model can.
Specifically for Virtue RF, this matters because:
- Progressive settings across the plan. Lori adjusts each session based on how your skin responded to the previous one – depth, energy, spacing. That progression is genuinely better than starting from a protocol chart at each visit.
- Handpiece selection judgment. The Standard, Fine, and Exact handpieces are used differently across the face and body. An experienced provider chooses the right handpiece for each zone; a less-experienced one defaults to Standard everywhere.
- Comfort management. Real-time reading of patient comfort and adjustment of pass speed and technique. Robotic needle insertion is more comfortable than manual, but the operator still matters.
Is Virtue RF safe? Who should not be treated?
Virtue RF has an excellent safety profile across all skin types. Complications are uncommon and, when they occur, generally minor and short-lived.
Common, expected, and short-lived
- Redness for 24 to 48 hours
- Mild swelling for the first day
- Small pinpoint marks at needle sites that fade within hours
- Skin sensitivity for 3 to 5 days
- Mild dryness or flaking during the first week
Uncommon, generally manageable
- Prolonged redness beyond 3 to 5 days
- Minor bruising at treatment sites
- Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more likely in darker skin types; usually resolves)
- Cold sore reactivation in prone patients – prophylactic antiviral discussed at consultation if applicable
Who should not get Virtue RF Microneedling
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with active herpes outbreak, cold sore, or infection at the treatment site
- Anyone with active acne outbreak at the treatment site
- Anyone currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) – wait 6 months after finishing
- Anyone with a history of keloid scarring
- Anyone with a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted electronic medical device
- Anyone with metal implants in the intended treatment area
- Anyone with a bleeding disorder or currently on blood thinners without prescriber clearance
Frequently asked questions
Questions our patients ask most
How much does Virtue RF Microneedling cost in Clarks Summit, PA?
Virtue RF is priced per session and per treatment area. Face-only, face + neck, and body treatments are priced differently, and most patients build a 3-session plan bundled at a discount versus paying per session. Lori will provide a specific total for your plan during your complimentary consultation. Call (570) 585-0201 to schedule.
Virtue RF vs Morpheus8 - which one should I choose?
Both are effective FDA-cleared RF microneedling devices; neither is universally better. Virtue RF has advantages in comfort (robotic needle insertion), delicate-area treatment (dedicated Fine handpiece for under-eye), and thermal distribution (non-insulated gold-plated needles deliver RF along the entire needle shaft). Morpheus8 has advantages in body depth (its Body handpiece reaches deeper than Virtue RF at up to 8 mm). Both work well for standard facial rejuvenation. What matters more than the device is the provider running it.
Does Virtue RF really work?
Yes. Clinical studies of RF microneedling consistently show measurable improvement in wrinkles, texture, laxity, and acne scars. That said, results take months to develop – initial changes are visible at 4 weeks, meaningful changes at 8 to 12 weeks, and peak results at 3 to 6 months. Patients who evaluate results at week 2 often conclude nothing happened. The real work is happening in the dermis and takes time to show.
Is Virtue RF safe for darker skin?
Yes. This is one of Virtue RF’s genuine advantages over CO₂ laser and other resurfacing treatments. Because Virtue RF works from below the skin surface rather than resurfacing the top layer, it is safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types – including IV, V, and VI – without the pigmentation risks that ablative resurfacing carries on darker skin.
How many Virtue RF sessions do I need?
Most patients complete 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some concerns – particularly acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and stretch marks – respond best to 4 to 6 sessions. Lori will build a specific plan at your consultation based on your concerns and how your skin responds to the first two sessions.
Does Virtue RF hurt?
Topical numbing is applied for 30 to 45 minutes before treatment. Once numb, most patients describe the sensation as warm pressure with occasional brief prickles – uncomfortable but tolerable. The robotic needle insertion is measurably less painful than manually-stamped microneedling platforms, which is one of the reasons we chose Virtue RF.
How long is Virtue RF downtime?
Most patients have 24 to 48 hours of pink to red skin that resembles a moderate sunburn, plus mild swelling for the first day. Makeup can be worn after 24 hours to cover residual redness. Return to normal activities the next day. This is substantially less downtime than CO₂ laser resurfacing.
Can I combine Virtue RF with other treatments?
Yes. Virtue RF is often combined with injectables (Botox, dermal fillers) as part of a comprehensive plan – because Virtue RF addresses skin quality and firmness while injectables address muscle-driven wrinkles and volume loss. Injectables are typically performed either before Virtue RF or 2 to 4 weeks after healing.
How long do Virtue RF results last?
The collagen produced from a Virtue RF plan lasts for years. Aging continues, of course, but the improved skin quality and firmness maintains meaningfully longer than most patients expect. Many patients return for a maintenance session once every 12 to 18 months to sustain the result. Others complete their initial plan and are satisfied for several years without additional treatment.
Ready to begin
Book your Virtue RF Microneedling consultation
Every new Virtue RF patient begins with a complimentary consultation with Lori. The consultation includes a skin assessment, area evaluation, discussion of realistic results and timeline, and a written treatment plan.
There is no fee, no card required, and no obligation to book treatment.
Investment
Custom pricing at consult
Financing
From ~$25/mo · Cherry 0% APR
Member savings
Save 10–20% →
The Summit Aesthetics
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Serving Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region
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The Summit Aesthetics
Serving Clarks Summit, Scranton, Kingston, and Northeastern Pennsylvania with physician-led aesthetic care in a calm, elevated setting.
Address
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Hours
Mon–Thu 10a–6p · Wed to 7p · Fri 10a–2p
Phone
(570) 585-0201
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