Microneedling has been a credible skin care procedure for many decades, and involves multiple tiny punctures in the skin with very fine needles. Radio frequency produces heat energy below the skin surface to also result in a controlled injury to the skin.
As a result of their individual controlled injuries, both microneedling and radio frequency stimulate collagen growth in multiple levels below the skin. Both of these enhanced collagen stimulations tighten the skin, and are especially able to minimize the appearance of scars and fine lines.
Secret RF combines the benefits of microneedling and radio frequency energy to provide enhanced improvements in skin smoothness and tightness than either treatment individually. As one of the leading forms of radio frequency microneedling, Secret RF does require some preparation.
We at Maine Laser Skin Care recommend that patients stop using retinoids (e.g. retinols, Retin-A, etc.) and any acidic skin care products such as glycolics. These kinds of products would cause inflammation if used with micro-injuries to the skin.
On the day of the procedure, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the skin that is about to be treated roughly 30 minutes before the treatment. After the numbing time period, the skin will be cleaned with alcohol.
The Secret RF device can have multiple variables adjusted including the depth of the microneedles, the energy level of the radio frequency, and the number of passes of the device over the skin. These parameters can be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient.
The immediate after effect is that the skin looks like an intense sunburn with occasional blood specks over the bony areas treated. No matter how intense the skin looks in the first 24 hours, in about 2-3 days, the outer skin will look back to normal. The collagen stimulation then begins in earnest under the surface with maximal benefit in the next 2-3 weeks.
For most patients and most skin conditions, we generally recommend 2-3 treatments with Secret RF about 1 month apart. Once the benefits are seen, the results will last about 1 year.
We at Maine Laser Skin Care have found that Secret RF works very well for any facial scars, fine lines, and does especially well for loose skin in the neck. If you would like more information about how the technology of radio frequency microneedling could help you and your skin, give us a call for a free and confidential consultation at (207) 873-2158 in Augusta or (207) 303-0125 in Scarborough.