Where to get reliable RF microneedling in Ho Chi Minh City? Costs, recovery, doctors
RF microneedling for pitted acne scars and enlarged pores: how to choose a provider, cost compared with microneedling, what a session at BonBoz involves, 3–5 days of recovery and who needs to postpone.
RF microneedling in Ho Chi Minh City should be done at a clinic holding an operating licence in dermatology. There, the doctor performs a skin analysis and then sets the needle depth and energy level personally. BonBoz Clinic, 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City, operates under licence 11113/HCM-GPHĐ issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. The clinic's dermatologists, including Specialist Level I physician Bùi Thị Kim Kha, examine patients and give recommendations. RF microneedling has no public price range. It is a separate item, priced higher than microneedling, and the cost is quoted after the examination.
What is RF microneedling, and how does it differ from regular microneedling?
Sterile needles penetrate the skin at a set depth (0.5–3.5 mm), then deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy right at the needle tip, heating the dermis in a controlled, targeted way. The heat contracts existing collagen and starts the production of new collagen and elastin over 1–3 months, while the epidermis is barely removed. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that adding heat along the needle path may increase collagen production, and that combining RF with microneedling may make acne scars less visible than using either method alone.
Regular microneedling usually causes only mechanical micro-injuries in the superficial dermis, with no heat, so it is gentler and suits shallow scars. For deep scars or loose skin, the doctor may switch to RF microneedling. "Golden microneedling" is another name for RF microneedling. For details, see the page on the RF microneedling method and the article How RF microneedling differs from regular microneedling.
Subcision, micro-point microneedling and RF microneedling are three different techniques. The doctor may alternate them depending on the scar type.
RF microneedling is suitable for: moderate to deep boxcar and rolling scars, thick skin; enlarged pores; mild skin laxity in the cheeks and jawline; pitted acne scars on darker skin; people who need faster recovery. Less suitable for: very deep ice pick scars (which need TCA spot treatment), and very thin skin. The AAD states that some studies show results comparable to laser with shorter downtime, but these were done on only a small number of people with darker skin, and more research is needed.
Choosing a reputable place for RF microneedling: how to check for yourself
Results are not determined by the name of the machine. They depend on the person who sets the needle depth and energy level for each area and who correctly identifies the scar type. The AAD states that microneedling performed by people without medical training increases the risk of infection, scarring or prolonged skin discoloration.
| Criterion | How to check | BonBoz information |
|---|---|---|
| Operating licence in dermatology | Look up the licence number at tracuu.medinet.org.vn | 11113/HCM-GPHĐ (Dermatology), 10036/HCM-GPHĐ (Aesthetics), issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health |
| Who operates the device | Ask for the name and practising certificate number of the person performing the procedure | A dermatology specialist sets the parameters and performs the procedure personally |
| Needle depth by area | Ask whether depth and energy are adjusted differently for the cheeks, temples and forehead | Needle depth and RF level are set separately for each area (thick cheeks differ from thin temples) |
| Scar classification first | Ask whether they do a skin analysis, name your scar type and state the limitations plainly | Skin analysis and scar classification; deep ice pick scars are directed to another technique |
| Needle tips and sterility | Ask whether the needle tips are sterile and what the infection control process is | Sterile needle tips, with numbing cream and infection control |
| Clear treatment plan before starting | Ask for the number of sessions, techniques and total cost in writing | The plan lists the number of sessions, techniques and total cost after the examination |
When reading reviews, check whether the before-and-after photos show the same person, from the same angle and in the same lighting. For more criteria, see the article 5 criteria for choosing where to treat pitted acne scars in Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does RF microneedling cost?
According to the page on the cost of micro-point microneedling, RF microneedling is a separate item, priced higher than microneedling. The clinic has not published a separate price range.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Microneedling | 1–3 million VND/session |
| RF microneedling | No published price range; higher than microneedling, quoted after the examination |
| Initial examination and skin analysis with the doctor | Free |
Reference prices were published in November 2026. An exact quote is given after the examination, before you decide. The cost of an RF microneedling plan varies with:
- The size of the treatment area.
- The needle depth and number of sessions set by the doctor.
- Whether it is combined with PRP, subcision or laser.
The initial examination and skin analysis with the doctor at BonBoz is free. Afterwards you receive a plan stating the total cost, and only then do you decide. Instalment payment is available through partner finance companies. For a comparison with fractional CO2 laser, see the cost of treating pitted acne scars with laser.
An RF microneedling session at BonBoz
- 1Examination and skin analysis: the dermatologist classifies your scars and checks for inflamed acne. Tell the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, have a history of herpes or keloids, or have an implanted electronic device.
- 2Numbing cream for 30–45 minutes on clean skin.
- 3RF microneedling: the doctor chooses the needle depth and RF level for each area and applies the needle tip in an even grid across the treatment area, taking about 20–40 minutes for the full face. You will feel pricking and warmth.
- 4Cooling, then applying a recovery active or PRP when appropriate, followed by sunscreen.
- 5Follow-up appointment after 4–6 weeks, when the doctor reassesses before the next session.
Preparing for the session: following BonBoz's instructions, stop topical retinoids 5–7 days before; no exfoliating and no sun exposure for 1 week beforehand; tell the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, have a pacemaker, or have a history of keloids or herpes; come with clean skin and no makeup.
How long is recovery, and what restrictions apply?
- Days 1–2: skin is red and slightly swollen.
- Days 3–5: the tiny dots dry up and flake off. Do not pick at them.
- Going to work: many people return to work the next day with mildly pink skin.
- Makeup: no makeup for 24–48 hours; the AAD also advises waiting 24 hours after microneedling before applying makeup.
- Care: wash your face gently, use a restorative moisturiser, and apply SPF 50 sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours when outdoors (according to the AAD).
- Avoid for 3 days: steam rooms and heavy exercise.
Improvement depends on scar depth and individual skin response. RF microneedling makes shallow scars less visible but does not erase them after one session. DermNet notes that people having microneedling should know in advance that they may need multiple sessions, and that acne scars may need to be combined with subcision.
Risks to be aware of: redness and swelling for 1–3 days, rarely pinpoint bruising; a temporary grid of tiny dots; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (lower than with CO2 laser but still possible, especially without sun protection); infection if aftercare is wrong; and herpes flare-ups in people with a history of it.
Who should not have it, and when must it be postponed?
- People with a pacemaker or implanted electronic device.
- Active inflamed acne, dermatitis or a herpes infection in the treatment area — this must settle first.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: postpone until later.
- A strong tendency toward keloid scarring, or skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the doctor needs to consider this carefully).
- Very thin, atrophic skin in the treatment area — RF may thin it further.
- Expecting scars to be completely erased after one session.
The AAD also notes that microneedling should be postponed when the skin is sunburned, infected, has deep pustules, or when you have not stopped oral severe-acne retinoid medication for a full month.
If you live in another district, should you come to BonBoz in District 3?
If you live in District 1, District 5, District 7 or District 10: what determines the result is the licence, the doctor who sets the parameters and the correct recommendation, not the distance. A plan of 3–4 sessions 4–6 weeks apart means you do not have to travel often. Wherever you choose, check against the criteria table above.
Book an RF microneedling consultation at BonBoz
- Address: BonBoz Clinic, 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 08:00–20:00.
- Phone: 0869 612 310.
- Licences: 11113/HCM-GPHĐ (Dermatology) and 10036/HCM-GPHĐ (Aesthetics), issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, searchable at tracuu.medinet.org.vn.
- Doctor: Specialist Level I physician Bùi Thị Kim Kha, Specialty Level I (Dermatology), practising certificate 009784/ĐL-CCHN (issued by the Đắk Lắk Province Department of Health), more than 8 years of practice, holds a certificate in Laser and light therapy in dermatology.
- Initial examination and skin analysis are free. For other skin problems the clinic treats, see the dermatology services at BonBoz.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more. <https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/microneedling-fade-scars>
- American Academy of Dermatology — Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment. <https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment>
- DermNet — Skin needling. <https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-needling>
- American Academy of Dermatology — How to apply sunscreen. <https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen>
Sources accessed: 11/11/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does RF microneedling cost in Ho Chi Minh City?
At BonBoz, RF microneedling has no public price range. It is a separate item, priced higher than microneedling (microneedling is 1–3 million VND/session, reference price published in November 2026). The cost of RF microneedling is quoted after the examination; the initial examination and skin analysis are free.
Where can I find a reputable place for RF microneedling, with a licence?
Choose a place with an operating licence in dermatology that you can look up at tracuu.medinet.org.vn, and a doctor who sets the needle depth personally. BonBoz Clinic at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần (formerly District 3) operates under licence 11113/HCM-GPHĐ, and the clinic's dermatologists perform the procedure personally.
Which RF microneedling doctors are qualified?
Ask for the name and practising certificate number of the person performing the procedure, and whether that person is a dermatologist. At BonBoz, the clinic's dermatologists, including Specialist Level I physician Bùi Thị Kim Kha (practising certificate 009784/ĐL-CCHN, with a certificate in Laser and light therapy in dermatology), examine and give recommendations before the procedure.
How long is recovery after RF microneedling?
Skin is red and slightly swollen for 1–2 days; the tiny dots dry up and flake off after 3–5 days. Many people go to work the next day with mildly pink skin. However, you should avoid makeup for 24–48 hours and avoid steam rooms and heavy exercise for 3 days.
How does golden microneedling (RF microneedling) differ from regular microneedling?
Regular microneedling usually creates only mechanical micro-injuries in the superficial layer. RF microneedling also delivers radiofrequency energy through the needle tip, heating the deeper dermis, so it suits deep scars and loose skin better.
Which RF microneedling machine should I choose?
Do not choose based on the machine's name or reviews of one device. Results depend on the doctor making the right recommendation and setting the needle depth and energy level for each skin area. Energy that is too high can cause grid-pattern scarring or loss of subcutaneous fat, although this is rare.
How many RF microneedling sessions are needed?
Usually 3–4 sessions 4–6 weeks apart for pitted acne scars; about 2–3 sessions for mild skin laxity. Scars become noticeably lifted after the 2nd session and continue to improve up to 3 months after the last session.
Is scar treatment technology about subcision or microneedling?
It depends on the scar type. Subcision cuts the fibrous bands pulling rolling scars down, TCA spot treatment is for ice pick scars, and RF microneedling and microneedling stimulate collagen. The doctor may alternate them in the treatment plan after the skin analysis.
Content prepared by the BonBoz Clinic medical team.
This article is for reference only and does not replace an in-person examination or a doctor's diagnosis. Actual results vary by individual condition.