Secret™ RF Backup

Secret™ RF from Cutera is a minimally invasive deep skin revitalization treatment that’s used to reduce a large range of common signs of damage on the face and body, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as changes to tone and texture, including stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, loose or sagging skin, sun damage, enlarged pores, acne scars, and other types of scars. The treatment helps patients to grow healthy, new skin.

Secret™ RF can be thought of as an “upgraded” version of microneedling that offers all of the benefits of standard collagen induction therapy treatment with the addition of radiofrequency for better and faster results. Unlike lasers, which are light based, the heat that is given off in radiofrequency treatments comes from electricity.

As your skin ages, the cells naturally produce less collagen, the protein that provides the framework for the skin and keeps it strong. The Secret™ RF tissue coagulation system works by triggering the regeneration and remodelling of collagen below the surface of the skin to improve its condition while minimizing damage to the skin’s outer surface. Secret™ RF has dual benefits: Patients can improve the appearance of the superficial layer of skin and build collagen within the inner layers at the same time. Radiofrequency microneedling treatments also promote the creation of elastin and capillaries in addition to collagen.

Secret™ RF utilizes microneedling, which is a technique that involves creating micro-injuries to trigger the skin’s healing responses. Adding RF creates heat directly in the deeper layers to provoke collagen synthesis. This combination of techniques makes Secret™ RF a versatile treatment.

The radiofrequency levels and the device’s tip sizes are adjustable, so treatments are customized for the specific concerns, skin type, lifestyle, and goals of each individual patient. The heat can be released at depths of between 0.5mm to 3.5mm depending on the type of aesthetic concern that’s being treated with Secret™ RF.

The dermis is heated to a temperature of around 122 and 167°F (50 to 75°C) for several minutes, and this is what prompts the body to generate new collagen fibers. The Secret™ RF device also allows us to choose between a combination of two types of fine, sterilized needles: non-insulated and semi-insulated.

At your consultation, we will discuss your medical history and expectations with you while advising you on how to prepare for the Secret™ RF procedure. In most cases, the entire Secret™ RF treatment is completed in just a quick, 15- to 20-minute session.

Each treatment starts with cleaning the patient’s skin with alcohol. For the application of the needles and RF energy, dual handpieces are used to save time. Since minimal damage is caused to the epidermis, there is little to no downtime and discomfort associated with the skin rejuvenation treatment. The device is one of the gentlest techniques available to tighten sagging skin.

Even though Secret™ RF usually doesn’t cause much discomfort and is well-tolerated, a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine can be given up to an hour before a treatment session to numb the skin. During the treatment itself, controlled, bipolar radiofrequency energy is precisely delivered to different depths of the skin with tiny microneedles to avoid overheating or burning. The needles are inserted smoothly to ensure patient comfort and safety.

As the thermal damage is only made to microscopic areas and the surrounding skin is left unharmed, there is a lower risk of adverse effects and less downtime associated with Secret™ RF than conventional laser resurfacing techniques. The wound healing process after a Secret™ RF treatment is generally much faster than it would be if the entire surface of the skin was affected. Patients are typically able to return to their normal routines right away and usually notice much more dramatic improvements with Secret™ RF than microneedling would be able to provide on its own.

Secret™ RF is safe for all skin types and can be ideal for any patient who wants to dramatically enhance the appearance of their skin. There is virtually no risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. The best candidates are in a good state of health, experiencing the earliest signs of aging, and maintain realistic expectations.

Secret™ RF may not be suited for patients who have active cold sores or skin infections, skin diseases, are pregnant, have been taking anticoagulants, or have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scarring, or poor wound healing.

Patients notice improved-looking skin after just one session and often see optimal results after two to three Secret™ RF sessions. The number of sessions you need depends on the type of concerns you’re treating.

The best results are seen within around two to three months, as the skin gradually tightens and looks younger. This treatment produces similar results to what can typically only be obtained with more aggressive cosmetic procedures—but unlike many other treatments, Secret™ RF won’t cause surface irregularities. The treated skin will continue to age, but the rejuvenated results can last for up to one year.

Along with Secret™ RF, laser and light-based cosmetic techniques are also available for improving the appearance of the skin. These include IPL (photorejuvenation) as a milder, light-based option that lightens red and dark spots on the skin at the same time, laser skin resurfacing that involves using a targeted wavelength of energy to reduce specific skin concerns, the hybrid fractional laser treatment Sciton® Halo™, and the light-based PICOCARE 450 device.

Ultherapy® is a non-invasive skin tightening option that uses ultrasound energy to target the deep tissues on the face, neck, and body by encouraging collagen regeneration as a way of addressing loose and sagging skin. Additionally, patients who want to use microneedling on its own to revitalize skin that’s dry, washed out, discolored, or wrinkled can try SkinPen®.