Sponsored by Cutera
As the market for energy-based skin revitalization continues to increase, physicians and providers have more opportunities than ever to offer a wide range of treatments to meet this demand. The SecretTM PRO by Cutera® (Brisbane, Calif.) combines CO2, the gold standard of skin resurfacing, with radiofrequency (RF) microneedling to create a dynamic duo that allows aesthetic practices to rise to the challenge. This device is 
highly customizable and addresses a variety of patient concerns like scars, sun damage, stretch marks and the general signs of aging.1
The versatility of the Secret PRO, paired with the convenience of a single device, is what makes this technology top of its class. “This is an all-in-one device to address multiple layers of the skin,” explained Michael Somenek, MD, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and co-founder of Somenek + Pittman MD (Washington, D.C.). “Microneedling and RF treat the deeper dermal layers while the CO2 resurfacing targets the more superficial layers, making it a very comprehensive approach to skin revitalization,” he expanded.
Dr. Somenek pointed out several factors that make the Secret PRO highly customizable. “The CO2 laser resurfacing has been a very powerful tool because you can adjust not only the energy but the distance and spot size,” he explained. “Equally as impressive is the RF microneedling because of the number of factors that we can adjust, such as the intensity percentage, the depth of needle penetration and the treatment area size.”
The RF microneedling feature of the Secret PRO features 25-pin and 64-pin treatment tip options that can be used in one handpiece. Flexible needle penetration depths from 0.5 to 3.5 mm provide the ability to offer skin revitalization or more aggressive treatments such as scar revision. Adjustable settings for both the CO2 and RF microneedling allow for various treatment options to address the full spectrum of anti-aging concerns with little downtime while providing both immediate and long-term results.
Manu Aggarwal, MD, a board-certified physician at Vein Care Center Laser Specialists, with locations in Lima, Celina and Findlay, Ohio, shared that the Secret PRO has helped her provide consistent results with improved patient outcomes. “Patients are more satisfied with the results using the fractionated CO2 alongside RF microneedling. We can achieve greater resolution of scars, large pores, photo-aging and dermal remodeling,” Dr. Aggarwal clarified. “And we can customize results without having patients move from room to room for another laser.”
In Dr. Aggarwal’s opinion, while not all skin types can be treated with CO2, the most impressive feature of the Secret PRO is the ability to treat Fitzpatrick I through VI skin types with the RF microneedling handpiece. “With both semi-insulated and non-insulated needles, we are able to treat all skin types and colors without raising pigmentation concerns,” Dr. Aggarwal shared. Adjustable RF in
tensity and laser settings allow aesthetic physicians to address each patient’s area of concern to provide truly unique and personalized results.
Furthermore, with a positive impact on patient throughput and ROI, Cutera’s Secret PRO is a safe, versatile and effective device that can benefit any aesthetic practice.
“Patient satisfaction is always our top priority, and this device has helped us achieve high levels of patient satisfaction,” Dr. Somenek emphasized.
References:
1. Based on the published findings below:
Cho, Soo Ick, et al. Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores. Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.
Magnani, Lauren Rose, and Eric S. Schweiger. Fractional CO2 Lasers for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, vol. 16, no. 2, 2013, pp. 48–56., https://doi.org/10.3109/14764172.20 13.854639.
Ryu, Han-Won, et al. Clinical Improvement of Striae Distensae in Korean Patients Using a Combination of Fractionated Microneedle Radiofrequency and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser. Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 39, no. 10, 2013, pp. 1452–1458., https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12268.
Tierney, Emily P., and William C. Hanke. Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Photoaging: Prospective Study in 45 Patients and Review of the Literature. Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 37, no. 9, 2011, pp. 1279–1290., https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02082.x.
Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244., https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468.
