CUTERA SECRET RF

Sales manager, Lisa Morrin visited TIME Clinic for a treatment of Cutera’s Secret RF microneedling device

THE LOWDOWN

I’m 48 (nearly 49) and I’ve started noticing a bit of cheek sagging and my eyelids slowly getting more hooded. Nothing dramatic, but it was making me feel like I looked tired. I’m not ready for anything major, but I wanted to do something to future-proof my face.

After researching different treatments, I kept seeing amazing before-and-after results from radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, and a colleague recommended Dr Manav Bawa at TIME Clinic.

THE EXPERIENCE

We started with a video consultation, where Dr Bawa looked at my skin and suggested a course of three Secret RF treatments. A week later I went to TIME Clinic in Woodford. It felt calm, friendly and not intimidating at all. I had a thorough consultation, which made me feel safe rather than sold to.

Dr Bawa is clearly very big on doing things properly, he is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and a strong supporter of the Vet It Before You Get It campaign. When I met Dr Bawa in person, I instantly felt comfortable. He was warm, professional and easy to talk to. I knew I was in good hands.

He took before photos before doing a detailed skin scan with the Observ 520X skin scanner, which is an advanced diagnostic device that uses eight different light modes to visualise skin concerns in layers from the surface down to the dermis. This non-invasive scan highlights issues like collagen loss, pigmentation, sun damage, and vascular conditions, allowing for highly tailored treatment plans. Seeing years of sun damage was a bit horrifying, but also super helpful – it made everything make sense and reassured me that the treatment plan was really personalised.

Then I was handed over to the wonderful Karen Ellis, TIME’s advanced skin and laser specialist. She has over 13 years of experience and is completely confident with Secret RF. She explained everything clearly, answered all my questions and made the whole process relaxing.

Once the numbing cream was on, Karen talked me through how Secret RF is similar to microneedling but incorporating RF, which works deeper and provides better skin-tightening results. She explained that the magic is made by the Secret RF delivering RF energy into varying levels of the skin including deeper layers where treatment is most beneficial. It uses gold plated needles to deliver the energy into the dermis which is great for fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and overall skin quality.

I was told I’d need three treatments, spaced four to sixweeks apart, and that results really start showing after a few months when the new collagen kicks in.

The treatment itself was nowhere near as bad as I’d imagined. I only really winced a bit on my forehead and lip area – everywhere else was totally manageable. After two passes over my face, Karen applied Calecim, which is a professional-grade skincare line using ethically sourced red deer umbilical cord lining stem cells to stimulate skin regeneration, reduce wrinkles and is typically used after treatments to help with recovery. My face was pretty red… but after applying Calecim as advised, the redness subsided by the following morning.

THE VERDICT

I left feeling really looked after and very calm about the whole thing. Within a few days my skin already felt smoother, firmer and fresher – and I know the best is still to come as the collagen builds.

I had such a great experience at TIME Clinic. Dr Bawa and his team are knowledgeable, kind and genuinely care about doing things properly.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

The Secret RF is a device that can transform the way many practitioners approach the common signs of ageing, allowing them to provide a dramatic improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration – all without the downtime.

Patients typically need three treatments or more and unlike some other lasers, the Secret RF can be used on all skin types.