Why a combined protocol
The client presented at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Toowong) with uneven skin texture across the cheeks and forehead, visible pores, and early laxity along the lower face and jawline. A home regimen of retinoid and vitamin C serums, plus a prior course of superficial peels, had refined surface tone. The deeper structural concerns were largely unchanged.
After a consultation with a Registered Nurse, a layered plan was agreed. Two treatments at different depths were sequenced across the course. The first is Quadessy RF microneedling, a fractional bipolar RF platform that preheats the superficial dermis before needles deliver RF into the deeper dermis. The second is a standard RF microneedling protocol working at shorter needle depths. Quadessy is designed to stimulate collagen at depth through controlled fractional RF heat, in the layer of skin where collagen remodelling contributes to firmness over time. The paired RF microneedling sessions sit higher in the skin and are designed to address surface texture and pore appearance through a shallower, controlled wound-and-heat response at the superficial dermis. The two treatments address different parts of the same concern rather than duplicate each other.
The treatment plan
The plan set out [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: number] combined sessions spaced [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: interval] apart. This is consistent with a 4 to 6 session combined course at 4 to 8 week intervals. Sessions were deferred when recent UV exposure was noted. Topical numbing cream was applied 30 to 45 minutes before each session. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ was part of the home-care plan from the first session. Retinoids and acid exfoliants were paused for 5 to 7 days post-session. Consent was reconfirmed in writing at each photograph.
The journey
Week 0 began with a full skin assessment (Fitzpatrick type, medical history, topical regimen, recent sun exposure, photosensitising medications, keloid and isotretinoin history) and a standardised photograph. Sessions alternated between Quadessy and the paired RF microneedling protocol. Warmth, redness and a faint grid pattern were expected for 24 to 72 hours after each session. Collagen remodelling builds gradually. The final photograph was captured at least 12 weeks after the last session so the skin had time to respond. Collagen and elastin remodelling typically takes 3 to 6 months to see full effect. Across the scheduled photographs, skin texture and firmness along the treated areas refined progressively. Many clients on a similar combined treatment plan experience improvement in the appearance of skin texture and mild laxity. Individual results vary. Multiple sessions required.
Maintenance and ongoing care
Collagen remodelling is not a one-off event. UV exposure, age, hormonal shifts and lifestyle all continue to affect how skin presents over time. For this client, ongoing care is daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+, a targeted topical regimen agreed at consultation, and a review at [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: cadence] to assess whether a maintenance session of either modality is appropriate. One maintenance session every 12 months is common practice, not a strict rule.
What this means for people considering a combined protocol
A combined Quadessy and RF microneedling course is designed to stimulate collagen at multiple depths across one treatment plan. Multiple sessions required, and 3 to 6 months to see full effect. Suitability depends on skin type, concern, medical history and response. Reasons to defer or rule treatment out include active acne or infection at the site, a history of keloid scarring, pregnancy and breastfeeding, recent isotretinoin use, photosensitising medications, pacemakers or metallic implants in the treatment area, and active herpes simplex. The progression in this client’s photographs reflects one response to one combined plan, delivered by Registered Nurses under controlled conditions. Your skin and response will be different.
Important information about this case study
Individual results vary. The images on this page show one client’s response to a specific combined treatment plan delivered at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic. Your skin, concern, and response to treatment will be different.
Treatment performed: A combined protocol of Quadessy RF Microneedling (fractional bipolar radiofrequency microneedling with a surface preheat step, designed to stimulate collagen at depth) and standard RF microneedling (fractional bipolar RF delivered through microneedles at shorter depths, designed to stimulate collagen and support surface texture), sequenced across a single treatment course.
Clinician: Registered Nurses, Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Toowong).
Common side effects disclosed at consultation include: redness and warmth for 24 to 72 hours, pinpoint bleeding, mild swelling, a transient grid pattern, skin tightness and dryness, mild flaking, temporary sensitivity, bruising, cold sore reactivation in clients with a history of herpes simplex, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a real and more common consideration in Fitzpatrick IV to VI skin, not a footnote). A full risk profile is reviewed with you in person before any treatment begins.
Suitability for a combined Quadessy and RF microneedling protocol is determined during a clinical consultation. This case study is not a recommendation, diagnosis, or clinical guarantee. It is a factual record of one client’s combined treatment course, published with their written consent.
Device / product regulatory status: Quadessy (model QD1-M400) is registered under the Australian sponsor Classys Australia Pty Ltd on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, ARTG 500185, as a multi-modality skin surface treatment system (Class IIb). The device is manufactured by Classys Inc. (South Korea). The paired RF microneedling device used at Toowong is similarly registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Treatments are performed by Registered Nurses at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic.
Photo conditions: Both photographs on this page were taken under matched lighting, distance, angle, and device. No filters, beauty smoothing, or retouching have been applied. Original files retained on record.
Consent and withdrawal: This case study is published with the client’s specific written consent for use on the Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic website only. The client may request removal at any time by contacting enquiry@fskinandlaser.com.
Book a consultation at Toowong to discuss whether a combined Quadessy and RF microneedling protocol is appropriate for your skin (both treatments are available at our Toowong clinic only).
Toowong (Quadessy and RF microneedling available at Toowong only).