Radiofrequency Treatment for Acne, Blackheads, and Whiteheads
Using Elmman Surgitron, and Valleylab Devices at The Clifford Clinic
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns worldwide, affecting teenagers, young adults, and even older patients. While topical creams, oral medications, and facials can play an important role in controlling acne, some cases require procedural treatments that target clogged pores, sebaceous activity, and inflammatory lesions more directly.
At Clifford Clinic, we integrate radiofrequency (RF) technology into acne management. Devices such as Ellman Surgitron and Valleylab have been used in dermatology and aesthetic practice for years. Each of these systems uses controlled radiofrequency energy for precise skin procedures, including the safe removal of blackheads, whiteheads (milia), and treatment of stubborn acne lesions.
This page will explore how these devices work, their medical background, and how they can be applied effectively for acne-related concerns.
What is Acne?
Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin become overactive, producing excess sebum that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores. Bacteria can then trigger inflammation, leading to red pimples, pustules, or cysts.
What are Blackheads and Whiteheads?
Blackheads (Open comedones): Pores that are blocked with oil and dead skin but remain open at the surface. The dark colour is due to oxidation of keratin, not dirt.
Whiteheads (Closed comedones): Pores clogged beneath the skin’s surface, forming small white or flesh-coloured bumps. These are harder to extract manually and often require medical procedures.
While facials can temporarily clear some comedones, professional RF-based treatments with devices like Surgitron, Ellman, and Valleylab provide greater precision, reduce trauma, and lower recurrence risk.
Radiofrequency in Dermatology
How RF Works
Radiofrequency (RF) devices use alternating electrical currents to generate heat within tissues. In dermatology, this controlled thermal effect can:
Cut or coagulate tissue with minimal bleeding.
Open clogged pores or remove superficial lesions with precision.
Reduce sebaceous gland activity, thereby decreasing acne formation.
RF treatments are valued for being controlled, minimally invasive, and quick-healing, making them suitable for acne and comedone management.
Ellman Surgitron and Valleylab: What Are They?
These are established radiofrequency (RF) systems used in dermatology for precise, minimally invasive treatments, including the management of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
1. Surgitron
The Surgitron is a radiofrequency surgical unit developed by Ellman International. It has become a widely recognised device in dermatology and aesthetic medicine because of its ability to cut and coagulate tissue with exceptional precision. By generating high-frequency radio waves, the Surgitron creates controlled heat at the point of contact, allowing tissue to be vaporised or incised with minimal collateral damage.
In dermatology, the Surgitron is frequently used for procedures such as mole removal, wart excision, and skin resurfacing. Its fine control makes it especially valuable for treatments on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, where scarring risk must be minimised.
For acne management, the Surgitron plays a role in treating clogged pores such as blackheads and whiteheads. By directing focused RF energy, the device can create a precise opening in the pore or vaporise accumulated keratin and sebum. This approach not only clears the lesion but also reduces trauma to surrounding skin, lowering the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring compared to manual extraction.
2. Valleylab
Valleylab, now part of Medtronic, is a manufacturer best known for its electrosurgical RF units used in hospitals and surgical theatres worldwide. While primarily designed for general surgery, Valleylab systems have also been adapted for dermatological use, particularly in procedures requiring stable and consistent energy delivery.
In the context of skin treatments, Valleylab units are employed for RF lesion management, including drainage of acne nodules and clearance of resistant comedones that do not respond to manual extraction. Their versatility and precision allow dermatologists to treat both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with reproducible outcomes.
The stability of Valleylab’s energy delivery is a key feature. It ensures that the RF effect is confined to the targeted tissue, limiting unnecessary damage to adjacent skin. This makes it suitable for treating delicate facial areas where cosmetic results are a priority.
How RF Devices Help Acne, Blackheads, and Whiteheads
1. Precision Extraction
Whiteheads can be difficult to remove manually without causing trauma or scarring.
Using Surgitron or Ellman, RF energy creates a tiny opening in the pore, allowing sebum and keratin to be released with minimal force.
2. Reduced Inflammation
RF energy has a mild coagulative effect, which decreases bleeding and reduces bacterial activity in the treated pore.
This makes it especially useful for inflamed acne pustules or nodules.
3. Sebaceous Gland Modulation
Repeated RF exposure can help reduce sebaceous gland over-activity, thereby decreasing oil production and lowering the chance of new acne formation.
4. Minimal Scarring
Compared to aggressive manual extraction or surgical removal, RF treatment causes less collateral damage.
Patients typically notice faster healing and lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
5. Suitable for Resistant Acne
Patients who have not responded to facials, peels, or medication often benefit from RF procedures.
It is particularly effective for stubborn comedones that recur frequently.
The RF Acne & Comedone Treatment Process
Step 1: Consultation
A thorough assessment is carried out by the doctor.
Acne severity, skin type, medical history, and past treatments are reviewed.
Step 2: Preparation
Skin is cleansed and prepped.
Topical anaesthesia may be applied for patients with sensitive skin.
Step 3: RF Treatment
A fine RF electrode (from Surgitron, Ellman, or Valleylab) is applied to the clogged pore or lesion.
The pore is gently opened, sebum and keratin are cleared, and inflammation is reduced.
Step 4: Post-Treatment Care
Healing is rapid; mild redness subsides within hours to days.
Patients are advised to avoid harsh skincare and use sun protection.
Topical acne therapy may be continued in parallel to prevent new lesions.
Benefits of Using Ellman Surgitron and Valleylab in Acne Care
Minimally invasive – precise pore opening without damaging healthy skin.
Quick recovery – most patients resume daily routines immediately.
Reduced recurrence – glands are cleared more thoroughly than manual extraction.
Comfortable procedure – minimal discomfort compared to mechanical extraction.
Versatile use – effective for blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples, and resistant lesions.
Clinical Applications and Evidence
Radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgery has been a part of dermatological practice for several decades. Originally introduced for the removal of benign and malignant skin lesions, its role has expanded to include cosmetic dermatology and acne management. The technology remains valued for its precision, versatility, and ability to minimise collateral damage when compared with older modalities such as electrocautery.
Skin Lesion Management
RF electrosurgery has long been applied to treat a variety of skin concerns including moles, warts, skin tags, and keratoses. Because RF energy cuts and coagulates at the same time, procedures are typically faster and involve less intraoperative bleeding. Studies comparing RF devices with conventional cautery techniques demonstrate that RF produces cleaner incisions with less lateral thermal spread, which translates into better healing and reduced scarring risk.
Acne and Comedone Treatment
More recently, RF energy has been adapted for the management of acne-related lesions. Closed comedones (whiteheads), resistant blackheads, and nodular acne can be particularly difficult to address with topical agents or manual extraction. In these cases, RF electrodes can be used to create a precise opening in the clogged pore or to vaporise accumulated material. Case reports and small clinical series have shown RF to be effective in clearing obstructed follicles while maintaining the integrity of surrounding skin. This leads to improved cosmetic outcomes, especially on the face where scar formation is a common concern.Nodular and Cystic Acne
RF has also been applied in the drainage of larger nodules or cysts. By providing a controlled micro-incision and coagulation, it allows pus or keratinous material to be released with minimal trauma. This not only relieves discomfort but also shortens the duration of inflammation. Compared to traditional incision and drainage techniques, RF-assisted drainage has been associated with faster recovery and less residual pigmentation.
Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes
Patient-reported outcomes from RF procedures are generally positive. Commonly cited benefits include:
Reduced scarring compared to manual or surgical extraction.
Shorter healing times, with many lesions resolving in days rather than weeks.
Better cosmetic results, particularly on visible areas such as the face.
High tolerability, as most patients experience only mild warmth or pinprick sensations during treatment.
Evidence Summary
While large-scale randomised controlled trials are limited, the accumulated clinical experience and smaller studies support the use of RF in both dermatological surgery and acne care. Its role is especially relevant in patients with recurrent comedones, nodules, or resistant lesions who have not responded adequately to medication or facials.
Who is Suitable for RF Acne Treatments?
Good candidates include:
Patients with persistent blackheads and whiteheads resistant to skincare.
Individuals with recurrent closed comedones that do not resolve with facials.
Patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne who need adjunctive procedures.
Those seeking a lower-risk option than excision for milia or stubborn clogged pores.
Not suitable for:
Pregnant women.
Patients with pacemakers or certain metal implants.
Individuals with uncontrolled skin infections or systemic health issues
Research Study: Using a Nonablative Monopolar RF Laser in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
Treatment Protocol
One half of each participant’s face was treated with a nonablative monopolar RF laser; the other half was left untreated for comparison.
Two treatment sessions were done, spaced 2 weeks apart.
Outcomes
After about 4 weeks from the start, the treated side showed statistically significant decreases in counts of comedones, papules, and red macules compared to the untreated side.
Sebum measurements (oil production) on treated skin also dropped significantly.
Acne severity grade (using a standard grading method) improved significantly on treated side.
Tolerability & Safety
Adverse effects were mild: brief erythema (redness) and tolerable discomfort during treatment.
No serious or long-lasting side effects (e.g. burns, scarring, pigmentation) were observed in this study.
How This Supports Using Surgitron / Valleylab in Acne / Comedone Care
The study demonstrates that RF energy (in non-ablative form) can reduce comedones (blackheads, whiteheads) and inflammatory acne lesions with limited downtime or side effects.
Devices like Surgitron, Ellman RF units, or adapted Valleylab RF units can offer comparable control and precision when operated correctly, though treatment parameters (depth, energy, frequency) will vary.
This gives clinical support for using RF tools in managing acne, especially for patients who have not responded well to topical or mechanical methods for comedone extraction.
Authors / Publication: Choi JY, Hwang SH, Yang JH, Lee GY. Published in Dermatologica Sinica (2019)
Why Choose Clifford Clinic for RF Acne Treatments?
At Clifford Clinic, our doctors integrate Ellman Surgitron, and Valleylab devices into acne treatment protocols when indicated. With medical training in dermatology and aesthetics, we ensure:
Careful selection of cases that benefit from RF treatment.
Precision in device use to minimise scarring risk.
Integration with other acne therapies such as lasers, AviClear, chemical peels, or medication for long-term management.
A safe, comfortable environment for all procedures.
FAQ
Most patients describe only mild warmth or a pinprick sensation. Topical anaesthetic can be applied if needed.
It depends on acne severity. Some patients see improvement after one session; others may require repeat procedures combined with ongoing acne therapy.
RF can clear existing blackheads and whiteheads effectively, but acne is a multifactorial condition. Long-term management usually includes skincare, medication, or laser treatments.
Temporary redness, mild swelling, or scabbing may occur. These typically resolve within a few days.
When performed correctly, RF procedures have a lower risk of scarring compared to manual extraction or aggressive excision.