Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Softens early aging around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

Exion RF Microneedling for Smoother, Firmer Skin
A modern alternative to laser resurfacing
Beach living is wonderful, but sun, salt, and time take a toll. Collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy) drop by about 1 percent every year after age 25. The result is fine lines, larger pores, crepey texture, and skin that feels less resilient. Topical products can only do so much because they cannot reach the deeper layers where this loss happens.
Exion RF microneedling reaches those deeper layers safely. Tiny needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin while radiofrequency energy heats the dermis below, triggering your body to build fresh collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks and months, skin looks smoother, feels firmer, and has a more even tone. It is gentle enough for face, neck, and decolletage, and most patients are back to normal activities the next day.
Good to Know
Radiofrequency energy plus precision microneedles
Exion by BTL is an FDA-cleared device that combines two proven technologies in a single treatment: fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy and precision microneedling. Fine, sterile needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin while RF energy is delivered into the deeper dermal layers, where collagen and elastin are made.
Here is how it works in simple terms. The micro-channels signal your body to start a natural repair response. The RF energy gently heats the dermis to a target temperature that stimulates fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen) without damaging the surface of your skin. Exion also uses an ultrasound monitoring feature to help guide treatment depth, which adds a layer of precision that older microneedling tools simply do not offer. Over the following weeks, your skin remodels itself with fresh, healthier-looking collagen, leading to smoother texture, firmer feel, and improved tone.
Each session takes 45 to 60 minutes with only 24 to 48 hours of mild redness, and results build over the following months. Here's what to expect from your treatment.
From fine lines to texture and tone
Softens early aging around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Smooths pitted scars and uneven texture from past breakouts.
Refines pore appearance for a smoother surface.
Tightens crepey skin on the face, neck, and decolletage.
Improves texture and appearance on body areas.
Helps even out dull or sun-affected skin.
Exion RF microneedling at Cook Family Dentistry delivers smoother skin, improved texture, and visible tightening - with minimal downtime and lasting results.
Most patients return to normal activities the next day with light makeup.
Topical numbing keeps the session comfortable from start to finish.
Treats face, neck, decolletage, and select body areas like stretch marks.
Your own collagen does the work, so results look like you, refreshed.
Skin keeps getting better for 3 to 6 months after your last session.
See how Exion RF microneedling compares to traditional microneedling and laser resurfacing across key factors like downtime, depth, and skin tone safety.
| Feature | Energy Type | Depth Control | Downtime | Skin Tightening | Skin Tone Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exion RF Microneedling | Needles + RF energy | Ultrasound-guided | 24 - 48 hrs redness | Yes, RF heat | Most skin tones | Lines, laxity, scars |
| Traditional Microneedling | Needles only | Surface to mid-dermis | 24 - 72 hrs redness | Minimal | Most skin tones | Mild texture issues |
| Laser Resurfacing | Ablative laser | Surface ablation | 5 - 10 days recovery | Yes, more downtime | Risk on dark tones | Deep wrinkles, sun damage |
Exion RF microneedling is a great fit for healthy adults who want noticeable improvement in skin quality without the recovery time of ablative lasers.
During your consultation, Dr. Cook will review your skin history, medications, and goals to confirm Exion is the safest, most effective option for you.
Your Exion RF microneedling visit at Cook Family Dentistry is a comfortable, step-by-step process from numbing to treatment to aftercare guidance.
Dr. Cook reviews your skin goals, history, and confirms Exion is right for you.
Dr. Cook cleanses the treatment area and applies a topical numbing cream for 20 to 30 minutes.
Dr. Cook glides the Exion RF microneedling handpiece across the area, delivering precise needle depth and radiofrequency energy.
Dr. Cook applies a calming serum and SPF, and reviews your home aftercare instructions.
You schedule your next session 4 to 6 weeks out as part of your 3 to 4 session series.
What to know before you book
Exion RF microneedling has an excellent safety record, and the most common side effects are mild and resolve quickly. These include redness and a warm, flushed feeling that typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, mild swelling for the first day, small pinpoint bleeding or scabbing in deeper-needled spots, and temporary skin sensitivity to sun and active skincare ingredients.
Less common reactions can include short-term bruising, mild itching as skin heals, and rare post-inflammatory pigment changes (more common in darker skin tones). Very rarely, infection or scarring can occur, almost always linked to improper aftercare or unsterile devices.
Patients with active cold sores, certain skin infections, recent isotretinoin use, electronic implants like pacemakers, or who are pregnant should not have this treatment. Let us know about any medications or skin conditions during your consultation so we can keep your treatment as safe as possible.
Exion RF microneedling is priced per session with package options available, and our team will walk you through all costs during your consultation with Dr. Cook.
Exion RF microneedling at Cook Family Dentistry typically ranges from $400 to $800 per session, depending on the size of the treatment area and whether it is combined with other aesthetic treatments. Most patients invest in a series of 3 to 4 sessions for best results.
Because every skin profile is different, the most accurate quote comes from a quick in-office consultation with Dr. Cook. We will walk you through pricing, package options, and any financing partners during that visit. Aesthetic treatments are not covered by dental or medical insurance.
We believe cost should never stand between you and your aesthetic goals. We offer:
Facial aesthetics from a trusted provider
Book NowDr. Cook holds Fellowships from the AAFE and Academy of General Dentistry.
We invested in Exion specifically for its ultrasound-guided RF precision.
Topical numbing, careful pacing, and a calm environment for every visit.
Serving Santa Rosa Beach and the 30A communities since 2011.
Pair Exion with Emface, Botox Cosmetic, or dermal fillers to support your full facial aesthetic goals.
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Learn moreMost patients describe it as comfortable. We apply a topical numbing cream for 20 to 30 minutes before the session, and the Exion handpiece is designed for smooth, even delivery. You may feel warmth and gentle pressure, but it is well tolerated.
Most patients see best results from a series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Dr. Cook will recommend the right schedule based on your skin goals and concerns during your consultation.
Expect 24 to 48 hours of mild redness, similar to a light sunburn. Most patients are back to normal activities the next day, including light makeup. Avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and active skincare ingredients for 48 to 72 hours.
You may notice smoother texture within 2 to 4 weeks of your first session. Firming and continued improvement build over 3 to 6 months as your skin produces new collagen and elastin. Final results typically appear after your full series.
Yes. The combination of microneedling and RF energy is well suited to acne scars on the face and stretch marks on the body. Dr. Cook will assess your specific concerns and recommend a personalized plan.
Exion is generally safer than ablative lasers for medium and darker skin tones because it uses radiofrequency energy rather than light. Dr. Cook will confirm candidacy during your consultation.
Yes. Many patients pair Exion with Botox, dermal fillers, or Emface to address different aspects of facial aging. Dr. Cook will help you build a treatment plan tailored to your goals and timeline.