Question 1

What is Secret RF microneedling?

Accepted Answer

Secret RF is a skin rejuvenation treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy to improve skin tone and texture, with minimal downtime.

Developed by Cutera, it can address fine lines, mild wrinkles, stretch marks (striae), acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, and body.

Secret RF radiofrequency microneedling works by remodeling existing collagen and kick-starting your skin's natural development of new collagen, for firmer, more supple, and more evenly toned skin over time.

During a treatment, microneedles penetrate the dermis and deliver fractional radiofrequency energy into the lower layers of subdermal tissue, at various depths. This triggers a natural wound-healing response, which stimulates new collagen production and accelerates cell regeneration.

Your provider will customize the treatment for your skin concerns, using:

A 25-pin or 64-pin tip: The narrower, 25-pin tip is ideal for use in small, delicate areas of the face. The wider, 64-pin tip can cover larger areas more quickly.
Non-insulated or semi-insulated needles: Needles without insulation deliver heat along their full length, through all layers of the skin. Semi-insulated needles radiate heat from only their tips, embedded deep in the skin, which can be safer for people with olive or brown skin tones (who can be more prone to hypo- or hyperpigmentation).
Adjustable 0.5–3.5mm penetration depth: Shorter needles can target more superficial concerns, like shallow acne scars, fine lines, or stretch marks. Longer needles can reach deeper into the skin, to trigger a boost in skin-tightening collagen production.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, providing structure and keeping skin firm and supple. Production slows in our 20s and 30s, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

RF microneedling treatments like SecretRF help reverse this process, while addressing a range of other tone and texture concerns.

"Compared to regular microneedling, Secret RF microneedling is a superior treatment," says Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a physician in New York City. "It amplifies the process of skin rejuvenation at the surface and cellular level. Heat created by the added RF energy also works to constrict underlying skin layers, to further smooth out even the most severe lines and wrinkles."

To see optimal results, most people need a series of three to four treatments, every four to six weeks.

Related: Does RF Microneedling Live Up to the Hype? Top Derms and Plastic Surgeons Weigh In

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Secret RF?

Accepted Answer

Pros

This customizable treatment is suitable for all skin tones, in the hands of an experienced provider.
It treats a wide range of common skin concerns, from uneven skin tone and stretch marks to fine lines and acne scars.
Some patients have minimal downtime—just a few hours of redness—if insulated needles are used.
The combination of microneedling and RF energy delivers better results than either type of treatment would alone.
RealSelf members give Secret RF an type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el Worth It Rating, significantly higher than more intense RF microneedling treatments like Morpheus8 and Profound.

Cons

Some RealSelf members say that the treatment itself can be painful, even with numbing cream.
Depending on the intensity of your treatment, your skin pay be swollen and pink for a few days afterward.
RF microneedling treatment results are even more technique-dependent than traditional microneedling, as the heat increases the potential for burns, scars, and changes in pigmentation. Some people also report lingering grid marks. Ask your provider to use insulated needles to reduce these risks.
Secret RF isn't as powerful as Profound or Morpheus8, which can be one-and-done treatments. You'll need an initial series of up to four treatments for optimal results.
While it provides some mild firming, it can't address moderate to severe wrinkles or skin laxity.
There's a growing belief among some providers that RF microneedling treatments can affect thread lift results and "melt" facial fillers, especially if the filler is placed superficially. If you have filler in your desired treatment area, it's safest to wait for six months after your filler treatment before getting this or other RF microneedling procedures.

Question 3

How much does Secret RF cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices can vary widely, depending on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, and the number of Secret RF treatments you get.

Keep in mind that you'll likely need an initial series of at least three treatments for optimal skin revitalization.

Question 4

Secret RF before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Secret RF photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

What happens during a Secret RF procedure?

Accepted Answer

A single treatment session takes about 20 minutes. First, your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to the skin's surface, to minimize the pain of the needle pricks and heat.

Once the treatment area is numb, your provider will move the Secret RF handpiece and single-use needle tip across your skin, pressing in the tip to create microinjuries. As the needles deliver the RF energy, you may feel some pressure and zapping. Some people say it's painful, even with the numbing cream.

After your treatment, you might have a little pinpoint bleeding, as well as redness and swelling that can last a day or two.

Your provider will give you specific skincare instructions after your Secret RF procedure. It's crucial to avoid excess sun exposure and apply adequate sunscreen with an SPF 30+. This will help avoid new hyperpigmentation as your skin heals.

Question 6

How soon will you see Secret RF results?

Accepted Answer

Some RealSelf members report seeing an improvement in their skin quality after their first treatment, with continued improvements after each successive session.

Results vary, but you may not see optimal results until three to six months after your last treatment, since it can take that long for new collagen to form.

In her Secret RF review, RealSelf member mjames4964 says, “While I still have two more treatments to go—three treatments were recommended based on my skin issues—I am really happy with the improvement in my skin texture, scars, and overall complexion. My face looks refreshed/more even, my skin feels softer, and even my smile lines look better. The downtime was also minimal—I was just red for a few hours.”

You’ll need annual follow-up treatments to maintain your results.

Question 7

What are the potential risks and side effects of Secret RF?

Accepted Answer

While RF microneedling devices are considered safe, they do have the potential to do long-term damage to your skin in inexperienced hands. A number of RealSelf members report pinpoint marks or grid marks that remained on their skin long after their treatments.

Marks like this should resolve on their own within six months. If that doesn't happen, you may need skin resurfacing, like Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant laser treatments, to help clear them up.

The key to treatments like Secret RF microneedling, which purposely create injuries to trigger a healing response, is that the trauma is completely controlled. The needles should not tear the skin, and the heat should not burn it or be so intense in the top layers that it triggers pigmentation problems.

Insulated needles are less likely to cause damage because they heat only the subdermal tissue, the deeper layers of skin below the surface. “By bypassing the epidermis, the risks of heat damage, burns, blisters, and pigmentation are all but eliminated, making this safe and effective for all skin types,” says Dr. Steven Swengel, a dermatologic surgeon in Los Gatos, California, in a RealSelf Q&A.

Especially if you have olive or more deeply melanated skin, ask your provider to use insulated needles, to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation.

RealSelf Tip: As we mentioned before, some RealSelf members have expressed concern that the heat from the radiofrequency can “melt” their fillers. Doctors on RealSelf say that theoretically, this could happen with hyaluronic acid fillers. To minimize the risk, several suggest waiting to get any radiofrequency treatment for at least six months after filler, to give the hyaluronic acid time to be fully integrated into your skin tissue. You should also, of course, discuss this risk with your doctor.

SECRET RF

Karyn Repinski

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Karyn Repinski

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