Microneedling RF

Skin remodeling using RF Microneedling and Erbium Glass Laser

Here at Cutis, we know that different skin conditions affect different layers of the skin. This is why we are a great fan of combination treatments not just to target the root causes of specific skin concerns, but also to provide a personalized approach that would serve our patient’s best interest. For this reason, we are excited to introduce Secret DUO – a multi-platform device that can perform radiofrequency or RF microneedling and 1540 Erbium Glass laser treatment. It offers non-surgical skin remodeling that can treat a range of issues and be used on both the face and body with minimal to no downtime.

What is Secret DUO?

Secret Duo is a US FDA-approved treatment that uses dual non-ablative fractional technologies and is sold in the USA as Cutera Secret Duo: radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and 1540 Erbium Glass Laser in a single device. These two technologies work well in combination, but can also be used individually to create tailored treatments based on the patient’s skin type and concerns.

While RF microneedling or Er:Glass laser on their own is a good standalone procedure, combining them is recommended for optimal results. Combination treatments begin with RF microneedling to stimulate collagen and the growth of new tissue, followed by the Er:Glass laser for targeting the inner epidermis and enhancing the effects of the treatment.

How does Secret DUO work? 

RF microneedling using Secret DUO delivers controlled RF energy at various depths (0.5mm to 3.5mm) using gold-plated, medical-grade needles. These penetrate the skin surface, causing controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s wound-healing response and stimulate collagen.

Collagen production increases as your skin heals. The existing collagen fibers also tighten, resulting in firmer and smoother skin. The device’s customizable needle depths can also improve treatment efficacy for scarring and photoaging on the face and body. Benefits include:

• Skin tightening
• Non-surgical face lifting
• Wrinkle reduction
• Pore reduction

It can also help improve or treat:

• Acne scars
• Other types of scarring
• Spider veins
• Stretch marks

The 1540 nm fractional Erbium Glass Laser is a subdermal skin resurfacing treatment that targets the skin’s inner layer without damaging the epidermis. It uses fractional laser beams that are delivered as multiple columns, which then create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis and stimulate collagen faster.

This helps with skin renewal, removing old and damaged skin and allowing more collagen to grow in the deeper layers. It can improve scars, wrinkles, and blemishes in small to large skin areas. The Erbium Glass Laser also allows for a gentler skin resurfacing procedure that enables the treated area to heal faster.

Benefits include:

• Non-ablative skin resurfacing
• Skin lifting and tightening
• Wrinkle reduction
• Tone and texture improvement

It can also help improve or treat:

• Active acne
• Acne scars
• Atrophic scars

Combining both technologies enables deeper penetration with less thermal damage and minimal heat dissipation in the surrounding tissue. This results in a quick healing process while providing a safe and effective treatment for scars, wrinkles, sagging skin, stretch marks, spider veins, enlarged pores, and other visible signs of skin aging.

FAQs

What are the benefits of Secret DUO treatments? 

Secret DUO offers optimal skin remodeling with lesser downtime and fewer side effects. You can turn to this procedure for:

• Skin resurfacing
• Wrinkle reduction
• Acne and surgical scar reduction
• Skin lifting and tightening
• Pore reduction
• Spider veins and stretch marks reduction
• Skin tone and texture improvement
• Eye bag and double chin reduction

Does the procedure hurt?

Before the treatment, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream will be applied to the skin to improve patient comfort. The procedure is not a painful process, but there may be some sort of discomfort depending on the patient.

Is Secret DUO safe?

Apart from being US FDA approved, Secret DUO’s RF system uses factional tissue heating instead of bulk heating (a non-fractionated approach that applies heat to the skin or dermis). This only means that your skin is protected from the heat. There is also the use of the finest medical-grade microneedles that can help improve treatment efficacy.
The Erbium Glass fractional laser, furthermore, delivers laser beams deep into the skin. It induces dermal collagen remodeling while having no ablative effect or damage done to the epidermis.

Is there downtime? 

There is some mild redness or swelling following the procedure. Patients can expect the redness to subside quickly in the first hour of the treatment. The remaining redness and swelling will go away in the next 24 to 36 hours.
All side effects are temporary and should resolve within a few days. This means that patients can immediately go back to their indoor or work activities immediately and return to outdoor activities or exercising after five to seven days.

How many treatments will I need?

While many patients are able to see improvements after just a single session, the recommended number of treatments for optimal results is three to five, scheduled a month apart. A consultation with our aesthetic doctor will let you know how much treatments are required for your individual concerns

What result can I expect?

Secret DUO patients usually experience continuous improvement for six months after the last treatment. Within a month of Secret Duo treatment, patients are likely to experience improvement in elasticity, firmness, smoothness, and texture.