What Secret Radiofrequency Microneedling Can Achieve
As we age, intrinsic changes in skin architecture contribute to fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture. Extrinsic factors including environmental stressors, acne and surgery may further compromise the skin’s structural integrity over time.
Secret® radiofrequency microneedling is an advanced medical-grade treatment that combines microneedling with controlled radiofrequency energy. Fine needles create precise microchannels through which radiofrequency energy is delivered to targeted dermal depths, stimulating fibroblast activity and the production of new collagen and elastin. This supports improvements in skin firmness, texture and tone and may be used for facial rejuvenation, scar improvement and, in selected patients, the management of hyperhidrosis.
Your Treatment Journey
Your treatment journey begins with a personalised consultation at The Surgery. This allows for an assessment of your skin quality, facial anatomy and individual concerns and helps determine whether Secret radiofrequency microneedling is appropriate for you.
Topical numbing cream is applied to improve comfort and nitrous oxide is available if required. For skin rejuvenation and scar modification, the typical protocol involves three treatments performed approximately one month apart. Improvements develop progressively as collagen production increases, with optimal results typically seen around three months after completion of the course. Maintenance treatments may be recommended once or twice per year depending on your individual skin goals.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear red and feel warm or tight. Mild swelling, dryness or temporary roughness from micro-crusting may occur and usually resolves within a few days.
Makeup and strenuous exercise should be avoided until the following day. Excessive heat exposure, including saunas, steam rooms and spas, should be deferred for 24 to 48 hours. Active skincare ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for five to seven days to support optimal healing. Appropriate sun protection is essential during the healing period.
Is Secret Radiofrequency Microneedling Right for You?
Secret radiofrequency microneedling may be suitable if your concerns include fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture or scarring and you would like to improve skin firmness and overall skin quality through collagen stimulation.
A consultation at The Surgery allows for a personalised assessment of your skin and treatment goals with a plan tailored to support your long-term skin health.
Radiofrequency Microneedling in Dunedin at The Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Radiofrequency microneedling is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that combines traditional microneedling with controlled radiofrequency energy. Fine needles create precise microchannels within the skin, while radiofrequency energy is delivered to targeted depths to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This supports improvements in skin firmness, texture and tone over time.
Topical numbing cream is applied for comfort and nitrous oxide is available if required. The device is passed systematically across the skin, delivering adjustable microneedling depths with targeted radiofrequency energy tailored to your skin type and treatment area. Immediately after treatment the skin typically appears red and may feel warm or tight. This usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. Mild swelling, dryness or temporary roughness from micro-crusting may occur and generally resolves within a few days.
Exosomes are naturally occurring messenger particles derived from stem cells. They contain growth factors and signalling molecules that support collagen production, modulate inflammation and enhance the skin’s healing response, playing a role in tissue repair and regeneration.
When used as an adjunct following microneedling of the face or neck, exosomes may support skin recovery and overall skin quality, helping improve skin smoothness, firmness and radiance.
When used for skin rejuvenation and scar modification, a typical course involves three treatments performed at approximately four-week intervals. Improvements develop progressively as collagen production increases, with optimal improvement typically seen around three months after completion of the course. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every six to twelve months depending on individual skin goals and clinical assessment.
Preparing well is an important part of your treatment journey and skin quality plays a key role in supporting and maintaining results from radiofrequency microneedling. Medical-grade evidence-based skincare helps preserve skin barrier function, enhance collagen signalling and strengthen antioxidant resilience. Optimising the skin before treatment may help reduce inflammation and promote a smoother, more predictable response.
Active skincare ingredients including retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for five to seven days before treatment. If you are prone to bruising it may be helpful to avoid alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning supplements in the days leading up to treatment. Please do not stop prescribed medication unless advised by Dr Collins or the team.
Radiofrequency microneedling may not be suitable for patients with certain skin conditions including active infections or inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or for those currently taking isotretinoin (Roaccutane). Suitability is assessed during your consultation and individual risk factors are discussed.
Treatments are tailored specifically for you. Outcomes and recovery vary depending on skin quality, the concerns being treated and individual response. Treatment suitability and expected outcomes are discussed during your consultation.
Makeup and strenuous exercise should be avoided until the following day. Excessive heat exposure including saunas, steam rooms, hot spas and swimming should be avoided for 48 hours. Active skincare ingredients including retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for five to seven days to support optimal healing. Appropriate sun protection is essential during the healing period.
Many patients are able to return to work on the same day if required. Mild redness or swelling may be present immediately after treatment and some patients prefer to return the following day once this has settled.
You may resume driving following your treatment provided you feel fully alert and well.
Improvements develop gradually as collagen production increases. Some patients notice early changes after a single session, with more significant and sustained improvement typically seen around three months after completion of a treatment course.
Radiofrequency microneedling is generally very well tolerated. Temporary redness, swelling, tightness and mild discomfort are common and usually settle within a short period.
As with any skin procedure potential risks may include infection, bruising, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne flare, prolonged redness, reactivation of cold sores in susceptible individuals, temporary skin patterning or irregular texture. Rare allergic or hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. These risks and aftercare requirements are discussed in detail during your consultation.
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