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Skin Resurfacing in Covington, KYSmart Microablation with Exion Clear RF

Treatment Time:
30-45 minutes
Downtime:
1 to 3 days
Full Series:
4 sessions
FDA Cleared:
Yes
Patient receiving Exion Clear RF skin resurfacing at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Advanced Skin Care

Skin Resurfacing Built Around Your Skin

Skin resurfacing in Covington, KY uses Exion Clear RF and its smart microablation technology to refine skin tone, texture, pore size and overall clarity in one in-office session. Patients from Latonia, Taylor Mill, Erlanger and across Northern Kentucky come to us when good skincare alone has stopped moving the needle.

Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa was founded by a dentist, and that background shapes how we treat skin. Elizabeth Taylor, APRN brings a background in acute care medicine and advanced aesthetic training to every resurfacing plan, and Dr. Barry Applegate, DMD founded the med spa in 2024 to extend his cosmetic work beyond the smile.

Before and after skin resurfacing results showing smoother texture and clearer tone at Applegate MedSpa

The Challenge

When Skincare Stalls, Skin Resurfacing Steps In

Understanding Skin Turnover

You have tried the serums, the exfoliants and the tinted moisturizer that promised to even everything out. Your skin still photographs rough. Pores across the nose and cheeks look wider than they used to, old breakouts leave marks that linger for months, and your tone reads patchy in natural light. Makeup settles into texture instead of smoothing it. For most of our patients the frustration is not one single flaw, it is the overall surface quality of the skin never quite looking clear.
Skin resurfacing works on that surface directly. Exion Clear RF delivers controlled microablative energy that clears away damaged surface cells and prompts the skin underneath to rebuild with better tone, tighter pores and a smoother finish. Because that energy is also absorbed by overactive oil glands, the same session that refines texture can calm active breakouts. We plan it as a series of four, and we often combine it with other skin treatments in Covington.

Understanding Your Treatment

What Is Skin Resurfacing?

The Science of Smart Microablation

Skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF is a non-surgical BTL treatment that uses smart microablation: tiny, precisely controlled radiofrequency channels placed in the outer layer of the skin. It works on tone, texture, pore size, clarity and active acne. See the Exion Clear RF device overview.

Each channel removes a narrow column of damaged surface tissue and leaves healthy skin between the channels intact, so healing is quick. The same heat reaches the oil glands that feed breakouts. For deeper scarring, RF microneedling with Exion may suit you better.

Treatment Timeline:

First Signs:
1 to 2 weeks after session one
Full Effect:
6 to 8 weeks after session four
Treatment Time:
30 to 45 minutes per session
Recovery:
1 to 3 days of pink, dry skin

Your Experience

What Happens During Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Consultation

    Elizabeth reviews your skin, history and goals, then maps the zones she will treat.

  2. Preparation

    She cleanses the area and applies numbing cream so each pass stays comfortable.

  3. Treatment

    Elizabeth moves the Exion Clear RF handpiece across the skin in measured, even passes.

  4. Aftercare

    You leave with barrier cream, sunscreen guidance and a date for your next session.

What We Treat

Skin Resurfacing Treatment Areas

Surface Concerns We Address

Soft abstract gradient background in magenta and plum tones representing clear, renewed skin surface

  • Uneven Skin Tone

    Softens patchy discoloration and post-inflammatory marks

  • Rough Texture

    Smooths the gritty, uneven surface you feel through makeup

  • Enlarged Pores

    Refines visible pore size across the nose, cheeks and chin

  • Active Acne

    Targets the overactive oil glands that feed breakouts

  • Post-Acne Marks

    Fades the shadows and shallow scarring acne leaves behind

  • Dull, Congested Skin

    Clears surface buildup so skin reflects light evenly again

Benefits of Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RF

Clearer Skin, Short Recovery

Broad Skin ImprovementOne session works on tone, texture, pores and clarityShort RecoveryMost patients are back to routine within 1 to 3 daysNo NeedlesMicroablation treats the surface without injectionsOil Gland TargetingHeat reaches the glands that drive active breakoutsResults That BuildImprovement deepens across a four session series

Skin Resurfacing vs. Alternatives

Exion Clear RF sits between a surface peel and needle-based resurfacing, treating tone, texture and pores in one pass.

TreatmentMechanismTimeResultsDurationDowntimeBest For
Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RFSmart microablation, RF30-45 minSmoother tone and texture6-12 months1-3 daysTone, texture, pores, clarity
Chemical PeelsAcid exfoliation20-30 minBrighter surface1-3 months2-5 days flakingSurface dullness and pigment
RF Microneedling with ExionNeedle-delivered RF45-60 minFirmer, remodeled skin12 months or more2-4 daysAcne scars, deeper texture
Topical Prescription Acne TherapyDaily medicationDaily at homeFewer breakoutsWhile in useNoneOngoing acne control
Ablative Laser ResurfacingAblative light energy30-60 minSignificant resurfacing1-2 years5-14 daysDeep lines and scarring

Is This Right for You

Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?

Finding Your Best Skin Surface

Skin resurfacing suits patients who are bothered by the overall quality of their skin surface rather than one isolated line or fold.

Ideal Candidates for Skin Resurfacing

Who Should Wait or Avoid Skin Resurfacing

  • Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Active cold sores, open lesions or any skin infection in the treatment area
  • Recent isotretinoin use, generally within the past six months
  • A pacemaker, defibrillator or other implanted electronic device, since this is a radiofrequency treatment
  • Recent sun exposure or a fresh tan across the treatment area
  • A personal history of keloid scarring

If Acne Is Your Main Concern

Resurfacing is one of several tools we use for breakouts, not the whole answer. Excess sebum from the oil glands is a core driver of acne according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If breakouts are the reason you are here, our page on acne and what causes it covers the full picture, including where chemical peels in Covington fit. Elizabeth confirms candidacy at your consultation.

Risks and Side Effects

What to Know

Real Patient Results

Real Results

Most patients notice clearer, smoother skin one to two weeks after the first session, with tone continuing to even out as the series progresses. Peak results usually appear six to eight weeks after the fourth session, once new collagen has settled. Individual results vary with skin type, age and how consistently aftercare is followed.

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Exion Clear RF
BeforeAfter
Treatment Name:
Exion Clear RF

The Applegate Difference

Why Choose Applegate MedSpa for Skin Resurfacing in Covington

Covington's Nurse Practitioner Led Med Spa

Elizabeth Taylor, APRN brings a background in acute care medicine and advanced aesthetic training to every Exion Clear RF plan, and she sets the device to your skin type rather than to a preset. Dr. Barry Applegate, DMD built this practice around facial anatomy, and that lens carries into how we treat skin.

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  • Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

    Acute care background and advanced aesthetic training

  • Dentist-Founded Practice

    Facial anatomy expertise applied to skin and structure

  • Full BTL Suite

    Exion, Emface and Emsculpt Neo under one Covington roof

  • Honest Planning

    We say so when a peel or microneedling fits you better

  • Numbed and Even

    Numbing cream before measured, even handpiece passes keeps each session comfortable

  • Clear Series Pricing

    $500 per session across a four session course, quoted before you start

Investment

Skin Resurfacing Cost in Covington

Pricing and Payment Options

How Much Does Skin Resurfacing Cost in Covington?

Skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF is priced per session, and most patients complete a series of four. Nationally, device based resurfacing sessions commonly run from $300 to $900 depending on the platform and the size of the area treated.

Price TypePer Session
Single Session$500
Recommended Series, 4 Sessions$500 per session

What Shapes Your Total

The size of the treated area, how your skin responds and whether you add maintenance sessions each year all move the final figure. Some patients alternate resurfacing with a TCA or micro peel between series, which we price separately.

Flexible Payment Options

We want the plan to fit your budget, not the other way around.

  • Cherry Financing - monthly payment plans with a quick approval process and options for a range of credit profiles.
  • Major credit cards - accepted for a single session or a full series.
  • HSA and FSA - health spending account funds are accepted where your plan administrator allows the treatment, so check your plan first.

Skin resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by medical insurance.

Promotional pricing available at consultation. Call to schedule a free consult.

Patient receiving a chemical peel application at Applegate Dentistry and MedSpa in Covington, KY

Related Treatment

Chemical Peels

Two depths, one clear plan

  1. Two Depths
  2. Quick Sessions
  3. More Than Face
Learn More

Related Treatment

RF Microneedling with Exion

Fractional radiofrequency delivered through fine needles to firm skin, refine pores and smooth texture.

  1. Your Own Collagen
  2. Multiple Concerns
  3. Short Recovery
Learn More

Related Treatment

Emface

Needle free facial lifting

  1. No Needles
  2. Zero Downtime
  3. Muscle and Skin
Learn More

Related Treatment

Skin Tightening with Exion

Needle free radiofrequency and ultrasound that firms and rehydrates skin.

  1. No Needles
  2. Zero Downtime
  3. Natural Hydration
Learn More

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Resurfacing

How much does skin resurfacing cost in Covington, KY?
Skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF is $500 per session, and a full series is four sessions. That figure covers the treatment, the aftercare products we send you home with and your follow-up check. We accept Cherry Financing if you would rather spread the cost across monthly payments.
How long do skin resurfacing results last?
Most patients hold their results for six to twelve months after finishing a four session series. Skin keeps aging and producing oil, so tone and texture gradually drift back. Many of our Covington patients book one or two maintenance sessions a year to keep the improvement steady, and daily sunscreen makes a real difference to how long it holds.
Does skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF hurt?
Most patients describe it as warm and prickly rather than painful. Elizabeth applies a numbing cream before treating, which takes the edge off the passes across bonier areas like the forehead and jawline. The warmth fades within minutes of finishing, and the skin feels more like a mild sunburn for the rest of the day.
When will I see results from skin resurfacing?
Skin usually looks clearer and smoother one to two weeks after the first session, once the treated surface has fully shed. Tone keeps evening out through the series. Peak results typically show six to eight weeks after the fourth session, because new collagen takes that long to form and settle. Results vary between patients.
How many skin resurfacing sessions do I need?
We plan a series of four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. That spacing gives the skin time to rebuild between treatments, which is where most of the improvement in tone and pore size comes from. Elizabeth may suggest a maintenance session once or twice a year afterward, depending on your skin and your goals.
What is the difference between skin resurfacing and RF microneedling?
Skin resurfacing with Exion Clear RF treats the surface using microablation, with no needles involved. RF microneedling with Exion sends radiofrequency deeper through fine needles to remodel collagen. Resurfacing is the better fit for tone, texture, pore size and active breakouts. Microneedling is the stronger option for indented acne scars and deeper laxity.
Can men get skin resurfacing?
Yes, and we treat men regularly. Enlarged pores, rough texture across the nose and cheeks, and lingering marks from teenage breakouts are common reasons men book. The protocol is the same, though Elizabeth often adjusts the settings for thicker, oilier skin. Shaving is usually comfortable again two to three days after a session.
Is skin resurfacing safe for darker skin tones?
It can be, with careful settings and pre-treatment planning. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of temporary darkening after any energy-based treatment, so Elizabeth lowers the energy, may recommend a preparation regimen, and insists on strict sun avoidance afterward. We review your history and skin type at consultation before recommending the series.
Can skin resurfacing treat active acne?
Yes. The microablative energy reaches the sebaceous glands that produce excess oil, which is one of the drivers behind breakouts. It is one capability among several, not a standalone acne program. If breakouts are your main concern, read our page on acne and its causes, where we set out how resurfacing, chemical peels and topical therapy work together.
What is the downtime after skin resurfacing?
Plan on one to three days of pink, warm, slightly dry skin. Many patients return to work the next day with mineral makeup, though the skin feels sandpapery for three to five days while it sheds. Skip the gym, saunas and hot showers for 48 hours, and use SPF 30 or higher every day while healing.
Can I combine skin resurfacing with other treatments?
Often, yes. Patients frequently alternate a resurfacing series with chemical peels, or add Botox or Letybo for expression lines while the skin surface improves. We space treatments so the skin is not doing two kinds of healing at once. Elizabeth builds the sequence at your consultation based on what bothers you most.
Location322 Greenup StCovington, KY, 41011Phone(859) 365-3300Emailinfo@applegatemedspa.com

Schedule Today Your Skin Resurfacing with Exion Clear RF Consultation

References

  1. Ahn GR et al., Lasers Surg Med. (2020). A randomized controlled study found that selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis with a microneedle radiofrequency device reduced inflammatory acne lesion counts. PMID: 31502662.
  2. Manuskiatti W et al., Lasers Surg Med. (2024). Long-term efficacy and safety of nonablative monopolar radiofrequency in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. PMID: 38221810.
  3. Elawar A et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2018). Fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment reduced depressed acne scars and pore size while improving overall skin texture. PMID: 30214666.
  4. Tan MG et al., Dermatol Surg. (2021). A critical review of radiofrequency microneedling summarized its evidence across skin texture, scarring and tightening indications. PMID: 33577211.
  5. American Academy of Dermatology. (2025). Patient guidance identifying excess sebum production by the oil glands as a primary driver of acne.
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