Sylfirm X®Facial RF Microneedling
Physician-led bipolar RF microneedling for skin laxity, melasma, rosacea, acne scars, and enlarged pores — with minimal downtime
Sylfirm X® is a Health Canada licensed Class II medical device combining insulated gold microneedles with dual-mode bipolar radiofrequency energy. For facial concerns, RP (Repeated Pulse) mode targets melasma and rosacea at the vascular and pigment level, while CP (Continuous Pulse) mode stimulates collagen remodeling for laxity, jowls, jawline definition, acne scars, and pore reduction. At SkinArtMD Burnaby, every treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Sharon Fong, CPSBC-registered physician.
Precise Dermal Remodeling Without Surface Damage
Topical skincare and ablative lasers cannot selectively reach the deeper dermal structures where rosacea, melasma, laxity, and acne scarring originate. Sylfirm X®'s insulated microneedles deliver targeted RF energy precisely at depth — activating the skin's own repair cascade with no incisions and minimal recovery.
Sylfirm X® facial treatments use insulated microneedles calibrated for facial skin depths — delivering bipolar RF energy directly at the treatment target. RP mode addresses vascular irregularities in rosacea and the basement membrane disruption in melasma. CP mode heats collagen fibers to initiate contraction and new synthesis, progressively tightening the jawline, reducing jowl laxity, softening acne scars, and tightening pores. Most patients notice progressive improvement beginning at 6 weeks, with results continuing to develop through 3 months after the final session. Typical course: 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Melasma and Rosacea Improvement
RP mode selectively targets the abnormal vasculature driving rosacea redness and the disrupted basement membrane associated with melasma — improving both conditions from their structural origin, with low risk of post-treatment PIH.
Facial Tightening and Jawline Definition
CP mode RF heat stimulates collagen contraction and new collagen synthesis — progressively improving jowl laxity, jawline definition, and overall facial firmness over 6–12 weeks.
Pore Reduction and Acne Scar Smoothing
Collagen remodeling tightens pore walls and fills in atrophic acne scars — improving surface texture and skin uniformity across the full face.
Bipolar RF Microneedling Dual-Mode Precision
Sylfirm X® is the only FDA-cleared and Health Canada licensed bipolar RF microneedling device with two distinct pulse modes — allowing the treating physician to match energy delivery to each patient's specific facial concern.
RP (Repeated Pulse) Mode
Short selective RF pulses target abnormal blood vessels in rosacea and the disrupted basement membrane in melasma — addressing redness, vascular lesions, and pigment irregularities with minimal thermal spread to surrounding tissue.
CP (Continuous Pulse) Mode
Sustained RF energy heats the dermis to trigger immediate collagen contraction and long-term neocollagenesis — the primary driver of facial skin tightening, jowl lifting, acne scar improvement, and pore reduction.
Insulated Gold Microneedles
Gold-coated insulated needles confine RF energy to the needle tip only — bypassing the epidermis entirely and dramatically reducing PIH risk compared with non-insulated RF devices or ablative lasers.
Health Canada Licensed Class II Medical Device
Sylfirm X® holds Health Canada Class II medical device licensing, having met Canadian safety and efficacy standards — providing patients with regulatory assurance beyond what aesthetic-only devices offer.
Who Benefits Most
Dr. Sharon Fong reviews each patient's skin type, concern, medical history, and realistic expectations before recommending a course of treatment. The following is a general guide — an in-person assessment at SkinArtMD Burnaby will confirm suitability.
Good Candidates Typically Include
- +Individuals with facial skin laxity, early jowling, or loss of jawline definition seeking non-surgical improvement
- +Those with melasma that has not responded adequately to topicals or conventional laser treatment
- +Patients with rosacea, persistent facial redness, or visible facial capillaries
- +Those seeking improvement in acne scars (boxcar, rolling, icepick) or enlarged pores
- +Individuals with melanin-rich skin tones who are concerned about PIH risk from ablative procedures
Treatment Is Not Recommended For
- –Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- –Individuals with a pacemaker or metal implants in the facial or neck area
- –Active skin infection, open wounds, or acute inflammatory acne in the treatment area
- –Patients who have used oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
- –Those who have had dermal filler within the past 2 weeks in the intended treatment area
Physician-Led Care for Facial Treatments
Facial RF microneedling requires precise calibration of needle depth and energy parameters across varying facial zones. At SkinArtMD Burnaby, Dr. Sharon Fong's medical oversight ensures each session is individualized — not templated.
Dr. Sharon Fong, CPSBC Physician
All treatment plans are assessed and supervised by Dr. Sharon Fong, a CPSBC-registered physician with advanced aesthetic medicine training. Physician oversight at every step — not just the initial consultation.
Asian Skin Expertise and PIH Prevention
Our team has direct experience treating patients with melanin-rich skin tones common in Asian communities. Treatment parameters are selected to minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) risk — a priority our patient population consistently raises, particularly for melasma and rosacea cases.
Mandarin and Cantonese Service
SkinArtMD Burnaby provides consultation, treatment, and aftercare communication in Mandarin and Cantonese, serving Vancouver's Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking communities at our Burnaby Metrotown location.
Individualized Zone Mapping
Facial treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Fong maps each treatment zone based on skin thickness, concern type, and area-specific goals — adjusting needle depth and RF parameters per zone within a single session, including different settings for the forehead, cheeks, and periorbital area.
Targeted Solutions Across the Face
Sylfirm X® facial treatments address a range of structural and vascular skin concerns across multiple facial zones. Suitability for each area is confirmed during your in-person consultation with Dr. Fong.
Full Face
Overall skin quality improvement — tightening, pore reduction, texture refinement, and glow enhancement across the full facial surface.
Cheeks and Butterfly Zone
Targeted improvement of rosacea flushing, facial capillaries, enlarged pores, and melasma patches in the central facial zone most commonly affected.
Jawline and Jowls
CP mode tightens the dermis along the jawline and lifts early jowl laxity, restoring a more defined lower facial contour without surgery.
Periorbital and Under-Eye Area
The facial handpiece can treat close to the orbital rim to address fine lines, skin laxity, and under-eye crepiness with precision.
Forehead and Temples
Improve fine lines, skin laxity, and surface texture on the upper face — parameters are calibrated for the thinner skin in this zone.
Neck and Décolleté
Extend treatment beyond the face to improve neck laxity, necklines, and chest skin texture for a more comprehensive result.
Your Sylfirm X® Treatment Journey
From consultation through recovery, every step is designed around your comfort and clinical outcome. Sessions run approximately 45–60 minutes depending on the treatment areas included.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Discontinue retinoids, vitamin C, and chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) at least 3–5 days before treatment
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements for 5–7 days prior to reduce bruising risk
Arrive with a clean, product-free face — no makeup, SPF, or active serums on treatment day
Inform Dr. Fong of any medications, recent injectable procedures (fillers, toxin), or new skin changes at your pre-treatment review
If you have a history of cold sores, notify the clinic — prophylactic antiviral medication may be advised before treatment
During Your Session
Medical Assessment and Zone Mapping
Dr. Sharon Fong reviews your treatment goals, assesses skin quality, thickness, and vascular concerns across target zones, and finalizes the treatment map, mode selection (RP vs CP), and parameter settings.
Topical Anaesthesia
A medical-grade numbing cream is applied to the full treatment area and left to take effect — approximately 30–40 minutes — before any needling begins, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Bipolar RF Microneedling
The Sylfirm X® facial handpiece is applied systematically across each mapped zone. You may feel mild warmth and a light prickle. The clinician adjusts depth and energy in real time based on zone and skin feedback.
Post-Treatment Soothing Care
A calming serum or sheet mask is applied after the session. Written aftercare instructions are provided before you leave. Where appropriate, exosome infusion is available immediately after to accelerate healing.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Expect redness and mild swelling for 24–48 hours; pinpoint scabbing may appear and typically resolves within 3–5 days
Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms for 24 hours after treatment
Do not apply exfoliants, retinoids, vitamin C, or active skincare to the treated area for at least 1 week
Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily — sun protection is critical during the healing phase and especially important for melasma patients
Results develop gradually from 6 weeks; full collagen remodeling effects are typically visible at 3 months after the final session
**Individual results vary depending on skin type, concern, and number of sessions completed. Sylfirm X® is a non-surgical device — results are not equivalent to surgical procedures. Before-and-after images reflect individual patient outcomes and are not guaranteed.
Your Questions
How is the facial treatment different from Sylfirm X® Body?+
The core technology is the same — bipolar RF microneedling with RP and CP modes — but the facial handpiece uses shorter insulated microneedles calibrated for thinner facial skin, and energy parameters are set for facial dermis depths. Facial sessions typically run 45–60 minutes. The facial treatment also addresses concerns unique to the face: melasma (RP mode), rosacea (RP mode), periorbital fine lines, and jawline laxity.
Is it safe for melasma and Asian skin tones?+
Yes — this is one of Sylfirm X®'s key clinical advantages. The insulated gold microneedles deliver RF energy only at the needle tip, bypassing the epidermis and avoiding the surface heat that triggers post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in melanin-rich skin. RP mode specifically targets the basement membrane disruption that drives melasma, making it one of the few RF devices with a mechanism directly relevant to melasma management. Dr. Fong will assess your Fitzpatrick skin type and melasma pattern during consultation to determine whether Sylfirm X® is appropriate for your case.
How many sessions are needed and how far apart?+
Most patients benefit from 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the concern being treated — melasma and rosacea may require ongoing maintenance sessions, while acne scar improvement tends to plateau after a defined course. Dr. Fong will reassess your progress after each session and adjust accordingly.
What is the downtime after a facial session?+
Most patients experience redness and mild swelling for 24–48 hours, with pinpoint scabbing that resolves within 3–5 days. The skin will feel sensitive, and strict SPF use is essential — particularly for melasma patients, where sun exposure can trigger rebound pigmentation (PIH). Most people return to desk work within 24 hours; avoid exercise and heat exposure for the first 24 hours.
Can I combine Sylfirm X® with other treatments?+
Yes. Exosome infusion immediately after the session is a popular add-on that accelerates healing and enhances results. HydraFacial can be used in the days before as a prep treatment. Dermal fillers should be separated by at least 2 weeks — before or after — to avoid interaction with the RF energy. Dr. Fong will discuss combination strategies during your consultation based on your specific goals.
Ready to Address Melasma, Rosacea, or Facial Laxity?
Book a consultation at SkinArtMD Burnaby with Dr. Sharon Fong to assess your skin and develop a personalized Sylfirm X® facial treatment plan. Mandarin and Cantonese consultations available.