Secret RF – The Advantages of Fractional vs. Traditional Microneedling
Photodamaged and aging skin is characterized by the thinning of the epidermis and dermis and is associated with a decrease in collagen levels resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, tone, and texture changes. Treatment of photoaged skin is based on inflicting damage to the dermis, resulting in neocollagenesis. Damage to the dermis results in the upregulation of the activity of various enzymes, such as metalloproteinases and collagenase that are responsible for the removal of old tissue and deposition of new dermal tissue. Traditionally, laser-based technologies are used to resurface the skin. However, these treatments vary in their efficacy, adverse effects, and downtime after treatment.
Recently, fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling has emerged as a treatment option. Rather than iPhotodamaged and aging skin is characterized by the thinning of the epidermis and dermis and is associated with a decrease in collagen levels resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, tone, and texture changes. Treatment of photoaged skin is based on inflicting damage to the dermis, resulting in neocollagenesis. Damage to the dermis results in the upregulation of the activity of various enzymes, such as metalloproteinases and collagenase that are responsible for the removal of old tissue and deposition of new dermal tissue. Traditionally, laser-based technologies are used to resurface the skin. However, these treatments vary in their efficacy, adverse effects, and downtime after treatment.
RF Microneedling
Fractional RF microneedling is a minimally invasive technology that involves the use of an array of very fine sterilized needles to create microscopic wounds at various predetermined depths in the dermis, without affecting the epidermis. The delivery of energy leads to the creation of an array of microscopic wounds in the dermis, interspersed between intact tissue. The direct thermal heating of the dermis results in new collagen production and subsequent dermal thickening. The presence of the intact epidermis and the surrounding dermal tissue results in rapid re-epithelialization and thus minimal downtime and risks. Studies also show that fractional radiofrequency microneedling is effective in the treatment of scars1,2, large pores2, stretch marks1, and skin revilization1.
The pain associated with fractional radio frequency microneedling may be more than traditional microneedling but is very manageable using standard pain management techniques. A topical anesthetic like lidocaine, applied at least 30 minutes before treatment is generally adequate to minimize discomfort during treatment. Cutera’s Secret™ RF is a fractional radio frequency microneedling device optimized for hemostasis and coagulation that triggers the bodies healing process resulting in skin revitalization1 and addressing photodamage1, scars1, 2, stretch marks1, and other signs of aging1.
Secret RF is notably effective through hemostasis and coagulation to address scars1,2 and the signs of aging1 and is suitable for treating all skin types with minimal risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Secret RF is versatile and features 64 and 25 pin tips with customizable needle penetration depth from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm adjustable in 0.1 mm increments. The 64-pin tip features semi-insulated needles and is useful for efficient treatment of larger areas, whereas the 25-pin tips can be used with either semi-insulated or non-insulated needles for the treatment of smaller areas. The 25-pin non-insulated tip is recommended for skin types I-III.
Secret RF is reliable and well-tolerated technique for skin revitalization1 through hemostasis and coagulation with little to no downtime. The treatment generally takes only 20 minutes after numbing cream and requires as few as three treatments for best results.
What I appreciate about Secret RF is that I can customize each treatment to the individual patient I am treating, and because we have two needle types, the treatments can be performed on all skin types and all year round.
Manu Aggarwal, M.D.
- Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244., https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468.
- Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.