Secret RF - is device head replaced (or cleaned) after each procedure?

Question

I am soon to do my second Secret RF procedure but I'm scared of a possible infection. After my first session, the doctor re-packaged the needles head and saved it. She said that it's individual and to be used only on me next time. I don't know whether the head was cleaned afterwards. Is it right to reuse it? Should the doctor sterilize the needles head BEFORE the SECOND procedure? I am worried that there might also be traces of blood or skin on those needles. Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest going to a reputable facility that uses a new tip for each patient.  Now some devices such as the venus viva and skinfinity and intensif have tips that can be cleaned and saved for the individual patient.  I do not know what treatment you are having done.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Each head is designed for one time use, but some have managed to get a second treatment after soaking the head in alcohol. We use fresh heads each time so that we do not run the risk of infection or run out of passes before the treatment has ended.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello daicheto:

First of all, each tip is absolutely to be used only on one patient in a single session. Secondly, most of us use up the pulses stored on each tip, so usually there are no pulses left after a treatment. Thirdly, it is not physically possible to clean and sterilize the tips between treatments.

Please find a practice that will give you a sterile and complete treatment.

All the best from NYC,
Sheryl Clark MD FAAD

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

You are right to be concerned. This is not appropriate medical practice. These heads are one time use, you should be getting a sterile tip each time. Your provider is attempting to save money by reusing the tip. If you go to the Secret RF website, it states EXACTLY:"It is important to note that the consumable tips are single-use and ideally disposed of immediately post treatment."isa Vuich, MD

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

My policy is one device head per session per patient. Sometimes I go through 2 heads in one session. Secret RF is a microneedling device that I am familiar with. Yes, its better than non- energy based micro needling however if one is treating acne scars, the needles blunt very quickly, so sometime I often do a head change. Regardless, I never give consumables back to the patient (especially if there is an infection risk), regardless, this is much akin to re-using sharp needles- they go blunt! New head every time. Insist on it. As a guide the head cost price is about 18-25 Euro. Not much in the scheme of things. Dr Davin Lim

Secret RF - is device head replaced (or cleaned) after each procedure?

Answers (5)