What is Secret RF Microneedling?

The latest technologies have made it possible to combine microneedling with the release of radiofrequency energy. As a result, we now have Secret RF microneedling which treats the skin through the application of ultrasound energy added to the traditional technique of microneedling. This combined treatment penetrates the skin and stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Secret RF microneedling uses a medical RF device that penetrates the skin with the help of fine needles and reduces fine lines, wrinkles and pore size through ultrasound energy. This basically means that RF microneedling therapy delivers better results in comparison to typical microneedling as it employs not only needles but also heat. The method and delivery system utilized by this type of treatment allows the skin to be targeted by ultrasound waves.

The reason behind Secret RF fractional microneedling treatment being so popular is its efficiency at reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Several studies have been conducted on this matter which have shown that such a treatment as Secret RF is more transformative when it comes to reversing the aging process than other similar procedures available on the market. As years go by, the human body becomes less resistant to damages from free radicals. This happens because with aging the body becomes unable to produce enough collagen and elastin. As a result we face things like sagging skin, slowed production of new collagen, and loss of skin elasticity. All of the mentioned issues are targeted by Secret RF. The before and after photos of the clinical results delivered by Secret RF have proven the consistency and reproducibility of the treatment outcome.

There are different types of procedures developed to help the skin regenerate itself more efficiently. However, if your case is approved to be treatable by Secret RF then go for it as it promises to deliver superior results. The procedure targets the deep layers of the skin. This means that the amazing results won’t come right after the first session. Keep in mind that it is all right for the results to take some time to become obvious; several sessions will be needed to witness and enjoy the best results the treatment is capable of producing. Secret RF microneedling targets the collagen that is present in the deepest layers of the skin, namely, the SMAS layer. This is the reason why it is so important to trust your skin and the procedure to a board certified doctor only. A certified and experienced physician will be able to explain to you the process through which the Secret RF fractional microneedling works and the phases your skin goes through when treated by that technology. Make sure to fully be aware of the nuances the procedure implies before going for it, in order to prevent any unnecessary risks. Attain some information on the types of needles as well as the pain relieving agents that will be used during the treatment. Be aware that such a procedure is a cosmetic treatment, hence it requires for all the necessary measures of precaution to be in place.

Does Secret RF Really Work?

Through this advanced microneedling procedure – Secret RF – fractionated radiofrequency waves are directly delivered into the deep layers of the skin. There are a number of cosmetic treatments on the market that are similar to Secret RF and promise to achieve the same outcome as it produces. However, none of them works the same way that Secret RF does. True, a lot depends on the end result that you have in mind, as well as the initial condition of your skin and the complexity of your issue. However, fractional microneedling with radiofrequency does work and does deliver great results. This has been proven by numerous clinical trials showing that the results achieved by fractional microneedling are above and beyond the outcome delivered by other similar procedures. RF microneedling can serve the purposes of eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing the size of your pores, hydrating your skin, and even treating acne scars (please note that Radiofrequency microneedling is not recommended when the acne is in its active stage, as the radiofrequency heat involved in the procedure can spread the acne making the situation worse, instead of improving it).

The average number of Secret RF sessions required for optimal results is 2 to 3. And yet even after the first session you will be able to see the difference.

Does Secret RF Tighten the Skin?

Fractional radiofrequency microneedling has anti-aging properties. It makes the skin look radiant and younger. Actually, Secret RF is a great tool for skin tightening, fine lines and wrinkle reduction around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. Besides, it also reduces pore size, stretch marks and acne scars. The treatment utilizes ultrafine needles that release radio-frequency waves which penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. The procedure boosts collagen and elastin production and achieves lasting results. Secret RF does not involve painful sensations and is pretty quick, taking about 30 minutes, requiring little to zero downtime.

The tiny needles cause micro damage to the skin through punctures that make the skin generate a healing process. As the skin heals from the wounds created by microneedles, collagen production is boosted which makes the skin tighter and reduces the appearance of fine lines. As a part of the healing process the body is made to produce additional collagen and elastin, which in reality is scar tissue formed in the deeper layers of your skin. As a result you are left with a tightened skin. Skin tightening with collagen can be compared to scar tissue formation; when a scratch heals, you can observe how your skin gets tighter. A similar process occurs in the deeper layers of the skin after the fractional radiofrequency treatment, which then shows on the outer layers of the skin, making the overall area of treatment tighter and firmer after each session.

Does Secret RF Have Advantages Over Traditional Microneedling?

Traditional microneedling therapy utilizes a mechanical hand held device with a number of fine needles. The needles move evenly over your skin to create precise punctures. The size of the punctures is so small that they are practically unnoticeable. Through these tiny punctures collagen production is stimulated in the skin as it tries to repair itself from the minimal trauma caused by the needles that penetrate the skin. Thus, the micro damage caused to the skin provokes a natural self-healing process through increased collagen and elastin production. The outcome is a firmer and smoother skin. Microneedling is considered to be a safe and a minimally invasive treatment. The level of damage caused to the skin is adjustable, so is the stimulation of collagen and elastin production. This is a highly effective treatment for most of the skin issues. It can also address stretch marks by reducing or removing them.

Radiofrequency microneedling is the traditional microneedling combined with radio frequency energy, meaning it achieves better results than mere microneedling. The radiofrequency energy utilized during the procedure is gentle, hence it does not cause any severe damage to the skin or the surrounding tissue. RF microneedling targets deeper layers of the skin with a specialized RF machine that releases radiofrequency energy. The microneedling device can also be equipped with fine needles, the penetration depth of them being adjustable. There is a microneedling depth chart that defines the depth of penetration depending on the area of treatment and the unique skin type of each patient.

Just like with every other treatment, Dr. Schwarzburg holds a detailed and personalized consultation with every one of his Secret RF patients before moving forward to the actual procedure. During the one on one consultation he gathers information about your skin type, your goals and medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Through the heat released through radio frequency microneedling energy collagen and elastin production is boosted. The outcome is always amazing and the skin is always tighter when this method is applied. Secret RF microneedling is more effective than a traditional microneedling as it accomplishes more within a session than a regular microneedling treatment would. Secret RF reviews prove that this RF facial device provides results that are superior to all the other microneedling facial results. Both fractional radiofrequency and traditional microneedling treatments can boast with the benefit of quick skin recovery. In just a few hours after the treatment you can go back to your normal activities and work. There may be some redness and swelling after the procedure, which will go away within 24 to 48 hours.

How Many Sessions of RF Microneedling Will Do the Job?

You may need from 1 to 4 Secret RF sessions, mainly depending on the quality of your skin before the treatment, as well as how your body responds to the treatment. Generally, most of the patients can already observe results after the first treatment session, however, again, this is based on the initial quality of your skin before the procedure. And while you could see some results after a single treatment, Dr. Schwarzburg usually recommends undergoing three sessions within a course of three months to see optimal results.

Some patients greatly benefit from the combination of Secret RF and other cosmetic procedures, like Fraxel dual laser treatment. Being a non-ablative fractional laser system, Fraxel Dual targets more superficial layers of skin and triggers an increased cell turnover, partially removing the epithelial skin layer to reveal healthy renewed skin which is typically tighter and smoother. Fractional radiofrequency can also be paired with other relatively milder skin care treatments, such as the carbon laser facial or mesotherapy. Mesotherapy involves non-cross linked hyaluronic acid, vitamins and peptides which are delivered to the skin through hollow needles. This results in skin hydration and collagen stimulation and has an intense rejuvenation effect. During the Carbon laser facial a custom made carbon paste is applied to the skin to bind the organic impurities of it after which the system blasts off the carbon with all the residues through powerful and yet gentle laser energy.

If the end result you have in mind is eliminating deep acne scarring, then one session of Secret RF will probably not be enough. To tackle issues like deep scar tissue removal, you will need multiple sessions.

And even if your skin is generally in a good condition, you will need 2 – 3 sessions of Secret RF spaced one month apart from each other to witness the best results that the treatment has to offer.

You will have a chance to be consulted by Dr. Schwarzburg before initiating the treatment. The purpose of this consultation is discussing your overall expectations from the treatment and establishing an optimal treatment plan that will suit your particular needs.

At What Age Could One Start a Microneedling Treatment?

Patients from all age groups can benefit from microneedling. In the end, we all share the same skin components and microneedling has many advantages to offer to its beneficiaries. Depending on their age teenagers may need the permission of their parents, however they can surely get microneedling treatments if Dr. Schwarzburg finds the treatment to be suitable for them. If you have any questions related to microneedling Dr. Schwarzburg will eagerly meet you and answer your questions.

Microneedling is best to begin in your 20s or 30s, as the increase in collagen production is more noticeable at a younger age. This will train your skin to produce collagen more often and help you look younger for longer. Even if you’re older, you can still get great benefits from this treatment and have a wonderful boost of collagen.

Are RF Microneedling Results Permanent?

One should consider the efficacy of Secret RF results, rather than their longevity. Technically, the results are permanent, however Secret RF can neither stop you from aging, nor protect you from the outer skin damaging factors. Even after your amazing results achieved through Secret RF treatment such processes as photo aging, gravity, wrinkle formation, sun damage and others will continue affecting your skin. That is why Dr. Schwarzburg suggests undergoing two to three initial sessions of RF microneedling treatment within the first three months and continue maintaining the results through follow up sessions from two to four times a year. This way you will have the stunning results of a smoother skin, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, smaller pores, and various other benefits offered by Secret RF microneedling alongside with the longevity that you strive to have with your results.

If the specific purpose of your Secret RF treatment is scar/acne scar elimination, then the results are permanent. Once gone, acne scars will not come back, of course if there are no new breakouts that could potentially cause new scars.

How Long Do Secret RF Results Last?

With traditional microneedling the results tend to last for three to five months. The majority of microneedling patients prefer taking follow-up sessions twice a year to maintain their results. Good skin care regimen with meticulously chosen products is another requirement to preserve the results. Besides, you should avoid excessive sun exposure with the help of sunscreen and protective clothing.

As for Secret RF, the results of the treatment are expected to last from 9 to 12 months. This is a facial cosmetic procedure the effect of which can stay for up to 12 months or even longer, depending on the initial condition of the patient’s skin. When it comes to scars, like atrophic acne scars, if treated by RF microneedling, the results are permanent. The reason for such a high efficacy of the treatment is the combination of the techniques it utilizes. The Secret RF system works in the deep layers of the skin and starts the rejuvenation process from within by stimulating the body’s own collagen production. Besides, it also exfoliates the superficial layers of the skin that are probably affected by age-related issues. This complementary treatment system, that targets both the top and the sub-dermal skin issues simultaneously, promises to grant long-lasting results. There is another reason for the longevity of the results. The system can aim at scar tissue treatment and collagen production for skin texture improvement purposes. Regardless of your age Secret RF results can sometimes last for months. However, at a younger age when more collagen is produced, the results tend to last longer.

Is Secret RF Painful?

Prior to the procedure Dr. Schwarzburg thoroughly sanitizes the area of treatment and applies a topical lidocaine rich numbing cream to it in order to decrease the possible pain sensations even more. Remember that Secret RF is a microneedling treatment that penetrates quite deep into the skin, targeting the deep layers of it, including the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, also called the SMAS layer of the skin. Besides, it also involves added heat from the radiofrequency energy delivered to the skin which is why many patients report discomfort and unpleasantness during the treatment despite significant numbing.

How Does the Secret RF Process Work?

Before moving forward with the procedure you will have a one on one consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg. This is a good opportunity to discuss your skin condition, treatment goals and medical history. This is the time to raise all of your treatment-related questions and concerns and go over your treatment plan with Dr. Schwarzburg. Once you and Dr. Schwarzburg have come to an agreement about your treatment plan and you are ready for the treatment session, you can either take your Secret RF session on that same day, or schedule another appointment on a day and time that will suit both your and Dr. Schwarzburg’s schedule.

Please do not wear any makeup on the day of your appointment, otherwise your makeup will be removed and your face will be thoroughly cleansed. After that the skin will be sanitized and a topical numbing cream that contains lidocaine will be applied to the area of treatment. This is a measure to prevent any strong pain imposed by the procedure. Usually it takes 15 – 30 minutes for the numbing cream to settle, after which it is removed and the area is sanitized one more time before the treatment. You might experience some discomfort and have some pricking sensations during the procedure which itself takes about 30 minutes.

After the completion of the procedure the treated area gets sanitized again. You will be given an ice pack and a cream to be applied to the skin several times a day to prevent skin dryness. Ice pack is usually very helpful if the treatment area is swollen, which is possible after your Secret RF session. Don’t be misled if you experience some discomfort, redness, swelling, and sometimes bruising after the treatment. Make sure to avoid working out and direct exposure to sunlight and heat for two days after the treatment. Based on the treatment plan that Dr. Schwarzburg has established for you, you may need to come to the clinic one month after your initial treatment.

What Should Be Avoided Before a Secret RF Session?

For at least 3-5 days before your Secret RF session make sure to avoid Retin A, Retinoids and Vitamin A creams. Also do use sunscreen on a daily basis and incorporate the right home care products into your skin care routine, like Urban Skin Rx Even Tone cream or Retinol Pads.

Secret RF Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment and does not require specific downtime. You need to prepare for the treatment and put into practice some aftercare regime, though. Do avoid Accutane and heat-based cosmetic treatments prior to the treatment. And do your best to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, as well as NSAIDs after the treatment.

Can I Wear Makeup after Secret RF?

It would be best if you waited for at least 24 hours after the treatment before wearing makeup. Secret RF leaves very tiny punctures in your skin, if you wear makeup right after the treatment over those punctures, you will make your skin absorb the chemicals present in the makeup products; that is the last thing you want to do. If possible follow Dr. Schwarzburg’s recommendation and avoid wearing makeup for two days following your treatment. Although this will not necessarily ruin your results, a good measure of precaution will do no harm.

Which One Is Better: Fraxel or Microneedling?

If we compare Fraxel to regular microneedling, then most of the time Fraxel will be a better option to choose. When it comes to Secret RF, keep in mind that this is not an average microneedling and offers a whole bunch of amazing benefits. Thus, when we compare Secret RF to Fraxel, none of them can be named “better than the other”. In this case, the best results do not depend on the procedure but on patient’s individual needs. During your personalized consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg, he will examine your skin and get familiar with your goals. Afterwards he will decide whether Fraxel or Secret RF is a better option for you based on various personal factors unique to you. Your desired results, and the condition of your skin will determine if you need Secret RF, Fraxel, or a combination of the two.

Can Secret RF Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Secret RF microneedling can be delivered on its own or can be combined with a number of other treatments. It works as a great tool for skin tightening and many patients prefer combining it with other skin rejuvenation treatments, like Botox injections with the purpose of fine line and wrinkle elimination. Besides, it is a common practice to complement Secret RF with facial dermal fillers, especially with under eye fillers, to bring youthfulness back to that  area and give the face a more ‘awake’ appearance.

It is usual for the patients to combine Secret RF with other cosmetic skin treatments to help maintain their results, namely carbon laser facial and other lighter facials. Based on the overall goal of the patient, it is also possible to combine Secret RF with Fraxel; this combination ensures optimal results.

What Are the Side Effects of Secret RF?

There are little side effects associated with Secret RF, it being a minimally invasive treatment. Redness, swelling, and some discomfort are the most common side effects that you can expect after a Secret RF session. Some patients may also bruise mildly. Once the treatment is completed Dr. Schwarzburg will provide you with an ice pack which will help lessen the discomfort and swelling. Besides, you will be given a cream to keep your skin moisturized, as it is typical to experience dryness after a Secret RF session.

How Much Does Secret RF Microneedling Cost?

The initial condition of your skin, the size of the treatment area, the qualifications of your physician, and the location of your secret laser clinic are the decisive factors based on which the price of Secret RF is determined. The cost of your fractional radiofrequency facial treatment will probably vary from from $800 to $1400 depending on the mentioned criteria. The penetration depth of RF microneedling can be adjusted based on which RF system is used for your treatment.

How Can I Get Started with Secret RF?

If you want to schedule an appointment and get your Secret RF treatment, feel free to call Schwarzburg’s office at 212-774-4264 or email us at info@skinlyaesthetics.com. You will get a personalized consultation by Dr. Schwarzburg, during which you will discuss your skin goals and treatment options. As an outcome, the best possible treatment plan will be developed by Dr. Schwarzburg to meet your individual needs. After establishing your optimal treatment plan you can go ahead and schedule your first appointment!