How Does Secret PRO RF Microneedling Uniquely Treat Acne Scars?

Secret PRO RF Microneedling is a simple in-office treatment for acne scars that blends dermal microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) technology designed to improve the appearance of facial acne scarring.

The procedure begins by performing dermal microneedling, where fine needles puncture the skin to induce controlled micro-injuries. These injuries kickstart the body’s natural repair process, resulting in the formation of new collagen and elastin, which smoothens the skin’s texture and lessens the visibility of acne scars.

Additionally, Secret PRO RF intensifies this healing process by directing RF energy into the skin’s deeper layers via the created micro-channels. This targeted energy boosts collagen synthesis and skin tightening, significantly amplifying the microneedling’s effects on acne scar reduction.

Compared with other RF Microneedling devices, our Secret Pro RFa Microneedling system at Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center offers adjustable settings, including needle depth and RF energy intensity. Therefore, this customization ensures that the treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each individual’s skin type and acne scar severity, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing the risk of side effects.

The Secret Pro is effective for treating various types of acne scars, including atrophic (depressed) scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars. By promoting skin regeneration and remodeling from within, it helps to diminish the visibility of acne scars, leading to smoother, healthier-looking skin.

What are the Benefits of Acne Scar Treatment With the Secret Pro RF Microneedling?

Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center is one of a handful of practices in the DFW area that utilize the Cutera Secret PRO RF Microneedling device for the treatment of acne scars.  The Secret Pro RF Microneedling device represents a significant advancement in the treatment of acne scarring, emphasizing both efficacy and safety. When considering safety and minimizing complications for the treatment of acne scarring, several aspects of the Cutera Secret PRO’s technology are noteworthy:

1.     Precision and Control: Secret Pro RF Microneedling device offers precise control over the specific depth and intensity of dermal microneedling and the delivery of RF energy.  This concept is extremely important as it allows for tailored treatments according to the specific needs and skin conditions of the each patient, thereby reducing the risk of unintended damage to the skin.

2.     Non-Invasive Procedure: Secret Pro RF Microneedling is minimally invasive, limiting the disruption to the skin’s surface. This approach significantly lowers the risk of infections and complications associated with more invasive procedures like Co2 laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or acne scar subcision.

3.     Stimulates Natural Healing: By leveraging the body’s natural healing processes, Secret Pro RF Microneedling treatments promotes the production of collagen and elastin without the use of chemical peels or other extensive nonsurgical methods like laser Co2 skin resurfacing. This approach minimizes adverse reactions and enhances skin recovery.

4.     Suitability for Various Skin Types: The Secret Pro RF Microneedling device is designed to be effective on a wide range of skin types. Its versatility ensures that individuals with different skin tones and textures can undergo treatment with a lower risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which are common concerns with other types of skin treatments.  Secret PRO RF Microneedling is safe for treating acne scarring on fair skin tones as seen in European descent, medium or olive skin tones as seen among people of Mediterranean, Asian, Latin America, Middle Eastern backgrounds, and mixed ethnic backgrounds, and dark brown or black skin tones found in individuals of African and Indian descents.

5.     Reduced Downtime: Patients typically experience minimal downtime, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities. The Secret PRO RF Microneedling treatment’s non-invasive method ensures that recovery is as comfortable and rapid as possible.

6.     Pre- and Post-Treatment Care: Proper care before and after the procedure plays a critical role in ensuring safety and minimizing complications. Our patients are provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the treatment and care for their skin afterward, which includes avoiding direct sun exposure and using recommended skincare products to support healing.

7.     Clinical Evidence: The Cutera Secret PRO is a FDA-Cleared Energy Device for the treatment of mild to severe acne scarring.  The development and application of the Cutera Secret PRO devices are backed by clinical research and evidence, underscoring its safety and effectiveness for treating acne scars.

While RF Microneedling with the Cutera Secret Pro is generally considered safe and effective, it’s important for individuals to consult with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.  Our team of professionals will determine the appropriateness of the RF Microneedling treatment for each individual based on their skin tone, the severity of acne scarring, and overall health. As with any non-surgical cosmetic procedure, understanding the potential risks and benefits is crucial to making an informed decision.

Who is the Best Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment using Secret PRO RF Microneedling?

Ideal candidates for acne scar treatment using Secret PRO include those who have residual scarring from previous acne outbreaks, including various types of scars such as boxcar, rolling, and ice-pick scars. It’s best if patients are not currently experiencing active acne breakouts. Treating clear skin helps to avoid exacerbating existing inflammatory acne and ensures our focus remains the appearance of acne scars.

Ideal candidates should also be in good overall health, without active skin infections or conditions that might impair skin healing. Patients with a history of keloid scar formation or hypertrophic scarring should discuss these concerns during the consultation.  In addition, patient with a recent history of using Accutane® (Isotretinoin) must discontinue this medication for at least 6 months or longer.

Finally, individuals who understand the treatment process, possible outcomes, and have realistic expectations about the results of acne scar treatment are best candidates. While the Secret Pro RF can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, it’s important for patients to have a clear understanding of what the treatment can and cannot achieve.

What are the Expectations During Treatment for Acne Scarring with Secret PRO RF Microneedling?

Undergoing acne scar treatment with the Secret Pro RF microneedling device involves a straightforward procedure with manageable recovery expectations.

We first begin by preparing and cleaning your face and a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. The numbing cream is usually left on for about 30 minutes before starting the procedure.

Next, we always choose a semi-insulated RF Microneedling tip that provides maximum benefit and control while minimizing risk for skin complications.  Secret Pro’s semi-insulated RF microneedling tips are designed to focus the RF (Radio Frequency) heat energy into the specific depths of the dermis while sparing the epidermis (the outer layer).  By minimizing the transmission of heat to the skin’s surface , semi-insulated tips reduce the risk of thermal damage.  This careful control of energy delivery is crucial for treating darker skin tones, including those more prone to hyperpigmentation or scarring from heat-based treatments.

The actual treatment process begins with selecting device settings that are customized based on the patient’s skin type, the severity of the scars, and the treatment goals. This includes adjusting the depth of needle penetration and the intensity of RF energy to match the specific needs of the area being treated.

The Secret Pro RF mechanical tip is carefully moved across the target facial areas while delivering precise microneedles and RF energy into the skin. Patients will feel a sensation of heat and slight pressure, but discomfort is minimized due to the numbing cream.  Because we use semi-insulated tips and the targeted delivery of RF energy, patients experience minimal downtime and have a more comfortable recovery compared to using non-insulated microneedling RF treatments.

On average, the treatment session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated and the specific concerns being addressed.  Our professionals perform several passes in various directions to ensure even coverage of the acne scars.