Secret RF Isn't for Everyone — Here's Who Actually Benefits
Pores, Scars, and Lost Elasticity: The 3 Skin Concerns Where Secret RF Delivers Real Results
Secret RF Isn't for Everyone — Here's Who Actually Benefits
Let me get straight to the point.
Secret RF is not a procedure that works well for every skin concern.
In fact, the range of conditions where it delivers truly noticeable results is fairly narrow.
In this post, I'll walk you through exactly why that is.
So What Actually Makes This Procedure Different?
Secret RF works by inserting ultra-fine needles into the Dermis,
then delivering Radiofrequency (RF) energy directly from the needle tips.
Unlike laser-based procedures such as Fraxel,
Secret RF barely touches the surface of the skin.
Instead, it delivers energy as precise focal points deep within the Dermis.
This significantly reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation,
making it a relatively safer option for Asian skin types.
Why Do Some Patients See Less of a Difference?
Key Takeaway
Pores, Scars, and loss of Elasticity — the 3 skin types where Secret RF consistently delivers meaningful improvement.
When it comes to the skin concerns where Secret RF truly performs,
it really does come down to these three.
Honestly,
a fair number of patients who come in for a Secret RF consultation
are primarily concerned about melasma, dark spots, or Rosacea.
And here's where things get a little tricky —
pigmentation concerns are not the primary indication for Secret RF.
I had a patient in her late 30s visit last month
who had already received 4 sessions of Secret RF at another clinic.
Her melasma hadn't budged, though her Pores had improved slightly.
When I assessed her skin, it was clear that her melasma
would have responded far better to a dedicated Laser toning protocol instead.
But here's something important to understand.
The needles on Secret RF can be adjusted between 0.5mm and 3.5mm in depth,
and that precise depth control is everything.
Pores are addressed at a shallow depth of 0.5–1.0mm,
Acne Scars at a mid-range of 1.5–2.5mm,
and loss of Elasticity at a deeper level of 2.5–3.5mm —
each requiring different energy output settings as well.
So even with the same device, the outcome can vary dramatically
depending on who is calibrating and delivering the procedure.
Because Secret RF works by creating micro-channels in the Dermis and delivering targeted heat,
its indications are quite specific.
Pores, Scars, and early-stage loss of Elasticity.
If pigmentation or Rosacea is your primary concern, a different procedure should come first.
Here's How I Break It Down in the Consultation Room
Every case is different, of course,
but this is generally how I approach the assessment during consultations.
There's one thing I always make sure to mention:
Secret RF does come with some real limitations.
Redness on the day of the procedure can linger for quite a while,
and minor Scab marks may be visible for 2 to 3 days afterward.
This is not a zero-Downtime procedure.
That said, for structural concerns like enlarged Pores and Scars,
there aren't many devices that produce as consistent a response,
which is why — when the indication is right — it's still one of the first options I recommend.
The Three Questions I Hear Most Often in the Clinic
Q1. I've had 5 sessions at another clinic with no change in my Scars. Should I just keep going?
A. Before adding more sessions,
I'd encourage you to question the settings first.
Effective Scar treatment requires a depth of at least 2.0mm
along with adequate energy output.
When settings are dialed back due to Pain tolerance,
even 10 sessions may produce minimal change.
In my experience, patients who saw little improvement elsewhere
have often noticed a meaningful difference after just 2 to 3 sessions
once the settings were properly adjusted.
Q2. How many sessions will I need, and how long do the results last?
A. For Pores, 3 to 4 sessions is typical.
For Scars, 4 to 6 sessions is more common,
with intervals of approximately one month between each.
Results generally last around 1 to 2 years.
Structural improvements to Scars tend to be long-lasting,
while gains in Elasticity will gradually diminish with natural aging over time.
Q3. Is there a risk of Bruising or Scarring afterward?
A. Because this is a needling procedure, pinpoint bleeding occurs in almost all patients,
and minor Bruising can occasionally develop as well.
Permanent Scarring, however, is uncommon.
As long as you apply Sunscreen consistently for the week following the procedure,
the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation remains low.
You're also welcome to reach out via KakaoTalk for a consultation before your visit.
