I try Exion RF needling at The Face Place MedSpa, with extraordinary results

With one international style publication asking: “Is Exion The Non-Invasive Secret To A More Lifted Face?”, when I was offered the chance to try the buzzy new treatment at The Face Place MedSpa on Quay Street, I could hardly say no. After doing further research on the science behind – and results delivered – by Exion RF needling I became even more excited about the possibilities and *spoiler alert* I wasn’t disappointed.
"Most solutions in the aesthetics market today are only able to deliver hyaluronic acid internally or externally via topical or injectables,” says Dr Catherine Stone, founder of The Face Place MedSpa and all-round fountain of knowledge when it comes to skin health, injectables, and more. “Exion RF needling is the first procedure that offers a groundbreaking solution to boost the body’s ability to produce its own hyaluronic acid without (injectable-style) needles.”
Sound like a bit of you? It definitely sounded like a bit of me, so I signed up for a full course of four Exion RF needling treatments at The Face Place MedSpa, spaced four weeks apart, to see what could be achieved.

How does it work?
Essentially a two-pronged treatment involving microneedling using radio frequency energy, Exion RF needling draws on some existing modalities and drags them kicking and screaming into 2025 with some clever additions. Otherwise known as collagen induction therapy, micro-needling with RF involves delivering heat deep into the dermal cells via a grid of tiny needles. By “traumatising” the cells into repairing themselves, new collagen and elastin is produced, resulting in healthier, tighter, more radiant skin.
Microneedling with RF is not new in the world of non-invasive skin regenerative technology but Exion has elevated the game dramatically by incorporating advanced AI technology to optimise and personalise the treatment. The AI component precisely controls the delivery of radiofrequency energy, ensuring consistent and effective treatment while minimising discomfort, delivering an experience vastly different than I’d had in the past. This technology allows Exion to reach depths of up to 2mm on the face without fully inserting the needle, which is deeper than most other devices, leading to more significant improvements in skin texture, collagen production, and overall rejuvenation.
Additionally, Exion’s AI-driven system continuously monitors the skin’s response in real-time, maintaining the energy delivery to maximise results and minimise side effects. This smart technology enhances the efficiency of the treatment, and makes the procedure suitable for all skin types, including delicate areas like the face and neck .

What does it feel like?
I have to confess that although I know how great it is for addressing all manner of skin concerns, I’ve never been a big fan of microneedling after a couple of painful treatments in the past that required significant downtime for minimal results. However, while The Face Place’s Exion RF treatment does involve microneedling, I was told that it’s like none I’ve experienced before – and I confidently went in for my first treatment without numbing gel hoping for the best!
Talented Face Place MedSpa skin therapist Bryony knows my skin well, in particular my past rosacea flares and overall sensitivity at times. She was more than confident that my skin would still tolerate - and even benefit from – Exion RF well, with the AI tech employed adding another level of personalisation and control.
During your treatment you’re lying down, with a small pad affixed to your back — this serves to ground the radiofrequency current that will travel through your body as the wand is applied across your face. A aforementioned, I went without numbing cream, and found the experience to be hugely tolerable even after Bryony increased the level of intensity with each visit as my skin increased in strength.
I loved the fact that by uniquely employing AI pulse control, Exion can not only penetrate the dermis more deeply (up to 8mm) without having to fully insert the needle, but also target more precisely so each section of the face only has to be gone over once. This means less downtime and less pain, which we can all get behind! The Face Place MedSpa also adds on an LED Healite treatment to increase collagen production and help with healing, which my skin always laps up even on its own. Expect to stay 30 to 45 minutes for the entire process, longer if you require an application of numbing cream beforehand.
I leave the clinic feeling a little like I’ve had my face in the sun a little too long, but again, it’s definitely comfortable enough that after an hour, I barely noticed I’d had it done. After each session I could see faint grid marks on my cheeks and down the sides of my neck, vestiges of the fractal “stamping” left by the microneedling, but these went quickly and only a little, barely discernible swelling remained for the next 24 hours.

The end result
The Face Place invites you to think of Exion RF needling as “a high-tech magic wand that leaves your skin looking and feeling firmer, smoother, and more radiant,” as it goes to work stimulating collagen production, tightening skin, and reducing wrinkles, all while giving you that sought-after youthful glow. I definitely witnessed the results gradually ramping up after every treatment, and with the full effect seen several months after your last clinic visit I am beyond excited to see what unfolds.
My skin is most definitely clearer, more even in tone and increasing in plumpness despite my 53rd birthday coming up next month, for which I am eternally thankful! This treatment most definitely comes recommended, even for microneedling-phobes like myself.

www.thefaceplace.co.nz