AGNES Radio Frequency Treatment

Agnes RF is a minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment that uses precisely insulated micro-needles to deliver targeted energy to specific structures beneath the skin. At Absolute Cosmetic, it is used to treat active acne (including cysts, papules, pustules, and comedones), enlarged pores, under-eye bags, facial skin tightening, periorbital wrinkles, jowls, drooping neck skin, and volume reduction of the chin and buccal fat area. Korean dermatologists originally developed the Agnes device with nine needle types, each designed for a different depth and treatment purpose. The insulated coating on each needle shields the surrounding skin and epidermis, so energy reaches the target tissue without disrupting nearby healthy structures. Each session runs approximately 30 to 60 minutes and is available at our Nedlands and Applecross clinics.

For acne specifically, Agnes RF produces long-lasting results because it physically destroys the sebaceous glands responsible for breakouts. Once a treated follicle is ablated, pimples cannot re-form in that spot. Clinical studies report a 96% cure rate for acne treated with Agnes RF. Because new glands are not created, the outcome in treated follicles is considered permanent. However, untreated follicles may still be active, which is why most patients complete a course of two to three sessions to address the full treatment area. Your practitioner at Absolute Cosmetic will assess your skin and outline realistic expectations at your consultation.

Yes. Agnes RF is a well-established non-surgical option for reducing under-eye bags caused by aging or genetics. The treatment uses insulated micro-needles to deliver radiofrequency energy precisely into the fat pads beneath the lower eyelids. This disrupts and gradually reduces the fat while simultaneously stimulating new collagen and elastin production, which helps tighten the surrounding skin. Results become visible within approximately one month and continue to improve over the following six months as collagen remodelling progresses and the body absorbs the treated fat cells. Under-eye treatments are performed at our Nedlands and Applecross clinics by Dr. David Syed. Because the eye area is sensitive, local anaesthetic injections are typically used alongside topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable.

The heat generated by Agnes RF in the dermis kicks off a natural wound-healing response, prompting the skin to produce more collagen and elastin over time. This is what gradually lifts and tightens the treated area. Jowls, loose neck skin, and heavy upper eyelids tend to respond well because the needles can be aimed precisely at the problem zones without disturbing surrounding tissue. The treatment can also break down stubborn fat pockets under the jaw that are making jowls worse, so skin and volume are addressed in the same session. You won’t notice a dramatic change straight away – visible firming usually kicks in around the four to six week mark and keeps improving over several months. If you’d rather avoid surgery to reshape the face, this is a strong option.

Yes. Enlarged pores are often caused by overactive or congested sebaceous glands, which is the same root issue that Agnes RF addresses for acne. By delivering radiofrequency energy directly into the oil gland, the treatment reduces gland activity and decreases pore size over time. The collagen stimulation triggered by the micro-needles also helps to improve the overall texture and firmness of the surrounding skin, which can make pores appear smaller. Most patients see a progressive refinement of pore size across their course of treatment. If enlarged pores are your primary concern, this will be discussed during your consultation with Dr Syed, who will confirm whether Agnes RF is the right approach for your skin type.

Agnes RF is well-suited to people managing active acne, enlarged pores, under-eye bags, skin laxity, jowls, periorbital wrinkles, or localised facial fat. Because it works on all skin tones without the pigmentation risks that some laser treatments carry, it’s a useful option for patients with darker complexions. It’s not suitable during pregnancy, if you have unmanaged diabetes, or with certain active skin infections. Patients who have already tried antibiotics or retinoids long-term without getting the results they wanted often find Agnes RF a good next step. Booking a consultation with Dr David Syed at our Nedlands or Applecross clinic is the best way to find out if it’s right for you.

Most patients need two to three sessions to achieve clear, stable results. The gap between sessions is typically four to eight weeks, giving the skin time to heal and the body time to absorb disrupted tissue. For more severe acne, a second treatment may be scheduled as early as three to four weeks after the first. A third session is recommended if any acne recurs after several months. For skin tightening and under-eye bag treatments, the number of sessions will depend on the degree of laxity or fat volume being addressed. During your initial consultation, Dr Syed will assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan suited to your situation.

Most patients find Agnes RF well tolerated. Topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area around 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure, which significantly reduces any discomfort. For acne and pore treatments, the sensation is typically mild. Deeper procedures such as under-eye bag reduction or fat pad treatments may involve local anaesthetic injections in addition to the numbing cream. After treatment, some patients experience a warm or tingling sensation in the treated area, which generally settles within a few hours. Your comfort is monitored throughout the session and the treating practitioner will adjust settings as needed.

There’s very little downtime with Agnes RF. Acne and pore treatments usually leave some redness and puffiness for a day or two, three at the most. Under-eye bag treatments, skin tightening, and fat pad procedures are more involved – expect swelling and redness lasting up to a week, and sometimes a bit of pinkness after that. Getting back to work within one to two days is typical. No makeup for the first two days, and for two weeks after the procedure, stay out of direct sun. Saunas and heavy exercise should wait a few days.

Agnes RF targets acne differently from systemic medications. Antibiotics and oral retinoids such as Roaccutane work through the bloodstream and can cause side effects including gastrointestinal upset, mucosal dryness, and in the case of isotretinoin, the need for strict monitoring and contraception. Agnes RF acts locally, destroying the specific glands causing your breakouts without affecting other organs or systems. Unlike medications that may need to be taken indefinitely, Agnes RF treats the source directly and the results in treated follicles are permanent. It is also a strong option for patients who have already tried systemic treatments without success, or for whom those medications are not recommended.

Yes, Agnes RF can improve both active acne and the shallow depressed scars that acne often leaves behind. The microneedling component of the treatment triggers the skin’s natural healing response, stimulating new collagen and elastin production. Over time, this improves skin texture and helps to fill and soften surface indentations. Results from scar improvement continue to develop for up to six months after treatment as collagen remodelling progresses. For deeper or more complex scarring, your practitioner may recommend combining Agnes RF with complementary treatments, which will be discussed at your consultation.

Acne results tend to come first. You’ll usually notice fewer new breakouts in treated follicles within a few weeks of your first session, and improvement builds with each follow-up. Under-eye bag and skin tightening results take a little longer – most patients start to see a difference around the one-month mark, with those results continuing to develop for up to six months as collagen builds and treated fat cells are absorbed. How quickly you see changes depends on the condition being treated, your skin type, and the number of sessions completed. Your practitioner will give you a realistic timeline at your first consultation.

Agnes RF treatment at Absolute Cosmetic starts from $880. A consultation with Dr. David Syed costs $150, which is partially claimable through Medicare. The consultation is essential before proceeding, as it allows Dr. Syed to assess your skin, confirm your suitability, and provide a personalised treatment plan with accurate costing. All new patients are required to pay the consultation fee at the time of booking to secure their appointment. Agnes RF is available at our Nedlands clinic (08) 9389 9099 and our Applecross clinic (08) 9364 1884.