Patients are asking for collagen stimulation by name. The real decision is which platforms deliver the outcomes to strengthen your practice. RF microneedling and 1064 nm laser cover nearly every patient — from the downtime-averse first-timer to the one ready for deep structural remodeling.
RF Microneedling: Skin Resurfacing for Collagen Remodeling with Secret RF
RF microneedling is one of medical aesthetics' fastest-growing segments, projected at a 13.0% CAGR through 2031.¹ Insulated or non-insulated microneedles pair micro-injury with RF energy to trigger new collagen and elastin production — addressing aging skin, scars,²,³ and large pores.3 Secret RF by Cutera delivers precise energy at varying depths with little to no downtime — built for the patient ready for a more advanced approach to collagen-driven structural change.
1064 nm Laser Facial: Zero-Downtime Collagen Building with Laser Genesis
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser gently heats the mid-dermis to stimulate new collagen, improving fine lines and skin quality. It passes through skin without targeting surface pigment, making it safe across all skin types with zero downtime. Laser Genesis by Cutera is a 15-minute treatment with no numbing and little disruption to the patient's day — an accessible, lowcommitment entry point into collagen-driven skin quality.
Choosing Your Collagen Stimulation: Why Both Belong In Your Practice
The right choice depends on your patient, practice mix, and goals.
Secret RF — The Clinical Workhorse
- Transformative, structural results that justify premium pricing
- Built for patients ready to commit to a multi-session series
- May require some time between treatments
Laser Genesis — The Accessibility Play
- Zero downtime, 15-minute sessions, easier yes for hesitant patients
- Keeps patients engaged between bigger treatments
- Gradual results best suited as a complement, not a standalone fix
Why Both Matter
Together, they build a patient journey that converts casual inquiries into long-term patients. Used as independent treatments on their own schedules, Laser Genesis becomes your conversion tool for hesitant patients, your complement to Secret RF between sessions, and a quarterly maintenance visit that keeps them coming back.
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References
- MarketsandMarkets. Medical Aesthetics Market Report 2026–2031. Projected CAGR 13.0%, 2025–2031.
- Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468. PMID: 27559496; PMCID: PMC4976400.
- Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatol Surg, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.
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Important Safety
Information Indications for Use: Secret RF is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. Contraindications: Patients with cardiac pacemaker or other active implantable metal device in treatment area. Patient with unknown skin disease. Pregnant women. Subjects with body piercing (in the treated area). Subjects with clotting disorders. Patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer history of any kind of cancer. Any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema, and rash. Sensitive patients with hot sensation or subjects who have any form of suspicious lesion in the treatment area. Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HTV, or use of immunosuppressive medications. Important Safety Information and Warnings: The following adverse effects can occur when treating with the Secret RF System for all indications: Discomfort/pain, swelling, redness, skin color changes, milia/acne, wounds, contact/allergic dermatitis or skin sensitivity, infection, scarring, treatment pattern, petechiae, dilated pores, sun exposure / tanning beds / artificial tanning, allergy. Precautions: Only treat over known benign lesions (Do not treat over dysplastic nevi or questionable pigmented lesions). Botox®/collagen/fat injections or other methods of augmentation with injected material in the treated area within 6month prior to treatment. Patient who has very thin skin after many High frequency treatments. Patients with history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, may be treated only following a prophylactic regime. History of skin disorders, keloids, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin. Face lift or eyelid surgery within a year prior to treatment. Facial dermabrasion, facial resurfacing, or deep chemical peeling within the last 3 months, if face is treated. Having received treatment with light, RF or other devices in the treated area within 1 month prior to treatment. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g., ibuprofen containing agents) one week before and after each treatment session. Any surgical procedure in the treatment area within the last 3 months or before complete healing. Do not treat over tattoos or permanent makeup. Sun exposure, tanning beds or tanning creams within the last two weeks. Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams within the last two weeks. Any other medical condition according to the doctor’s judgment. Use caution in patients with known sensitivities or allergies to the metals. (include chromium and nickel and any other metals that are included in the needles) Refer to the Operator Manual to view the laser safety labels of the product.
Indications for Use: The xeo+, excel V+ and excel HR (1064 nm Nd:YAG - Laser Genesis Treatment) is indicated for: removal of unwanted hair; stable long-term, or permanent hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles; treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB); coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, hemangiomas, port wine stains, telangiectasias, rosacea, venous lakes, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of Civatte; treatment of wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and perioral wrinkles; reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar; treatment of warts; treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. Important Safety Information: The following treatmentrelated expected transient side effects and possible adverse events may occur during or following treatment with xeo+, excel V+ and excel HR (1064 nm Nd:YAG - Laser Genesis Treatment): Erythema; Edema; Purpura; Hyperpigmentation; Hypopigmentation; Burns; Erosion; Epidermal crusting; Blistering; Scarring; Deep tissue injury; Prolonged wound healing; Temporary or permanent gray hair; Stimulation of terminal hair growth; Undesired hair loss in hair-bearing areas; Red rash/bumps; Hemosiderin staining; Textural changes; Cutaneous indentations; Itching/dry skin; Sun exposure, tanning beds, and artificial tanning mat increase the risk of side effects and adverse events. Some discomfort may be experienced during treatment. Pain may include the feeling of burning, stinging, and radiating pain. Contraindications: Pregnant patients; patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer. In Canada, contraindications also include dysplastic nevi; Accutane if taken in the prior 6 months; photosensitizing drugs (Tetracycline, etc.); bleeding disorders or history of coagulopathies. Warnings: Do not treat over dysplastic nevi or questionable pigmented lesions. Do not treat over open wounds. Do not treat over or close to tattoos or permanent make-up. Do not treat over or close to metal or electronic implants. Do not treat over tanned skin. Treatment of tanned skin should be delayed to avoid complications. Precautions: Use caution when treating patients with any of the following: History of coagulopathies; History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring; History of herpes - pre-treatment with an antiviral may be indicated; History of vitiligo - may cause de-pigmentation; Diabetes - may impede wound healing Metal or electronic implants; Current or recent use of the following medications: Accutane – do not treat if taken in the past 6 months; Gold Therapy – may cause blue-gray discoloration; Anticoagulants – may increase risk of purpura or bruising; Photosensitizing medications/agents. In addition, observe the following precautions: Use caution when treating over hair bearing areas. Laser energy may affect hair growth. Laser energy may affect teeth. Treat at least at least 15 cm (6 in) from pacemakers/defibrillators. Reaction to metal or electronic implants is unknown. Refer to the Operator Manual to view the laser safety labels of the product.
