Secret RF | Microneedling

With Secret RF, some patients feel mild heat and pressure on the areas during treatment. We take patient comfort seriously at Cenla Dermatology, so numbing cream is carefully applied to the treatment area for 20-40 minutes before this procedure to alleviate any mild discomfort.

The skin is cleansed and a thin layer of sterile gel will be applied to your skin. Depending on the procedure chosen, the sterile disposable tip of the vibrating microneedling pen or stamping Secret RF device will be gently pressed against the skin in a uniform pattern. This process results in thousands of superficial microscopic channels throughout the entire treatment area activating the body’s natural restorative processes to transform the treated area into smoother, clearer, more vibrant skin. 

Microneedling, also known as skin needling, Skin Pen, Micro Pen, or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology procedure that stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of skin. A small handheld facial rejuvenation device with very tiny sterile needles on its disposable tip, is used to produce controlled micro-injuries in the skin to activate the body’s natural restorative processes to transform blemished and damaged tissue into smoother, clearer, more vibrant skin. Noticeable changes occur after each treatment, but you will not see the full treatment effect until the end of the series of treatments.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) may be combined with microneedling. Platelet Rich Plasma, made famous by Kim Kardashian as The Vampire FaceLift, contains growth factors that stimulate stem cells within your skin, activating new, healthy tissue. Microneedling creates “injury” to the skin, therefore tricking the body into healing itself while creating direct channels for PRP to be delivered. Microneedling ensure PRP’s valuable growth factors are penetrated deep into the skin. PRP can also be injected into areas of the face, such as tear troughs and upper lip lines, producing dramatic results without increasing volume.

For optimal results, 3 treatments of microneedling are recommended. For deeper problems such as scars, deep wrinkles, or stretch marks, 6-8 sessions may be required. For maintenance, most patients opt for 1-3 treatments per year. Improvement in the treatment area begins at 2-3 weeks and may continue for up to 6 months after treatment. 

Compared with epidermal abrasion techniques and ablative lasers, most people have little to no downtime with both microneedling and Secret RF. There is also a lower risk of infection with microneedling because the channels close shortly after the treatment. Compared with photorejuvenation lasers or other aesthetic lasers, there is rarely swelling with microneedling and Secret RF beyond the day of treatment.