Written by Dr Gerard Ee, MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), sole author. Founder and Medical Director, The Clifford Clinic and The Clifford Surgery, Singapore.
I provide both Infini and Secret RF. For deeper depressed scars after acne has settled, I often favour Infini’s insulated-needle approach, particularly when the skin pigments readily. Secret RF remains an option for selected scar and texture concerns. This reflects my clinical practice rather than a conclusion that either device produces better results for everyone.
This comparison focuses on choosing between the two systems for acne scars. Scar type, ongoing breakouts, needle configuration and previous treatment all inform that decision. For an introduction to the procedure, general prices and aftercare, read the RF microneedling guide for Singapore.
Infini vs Secret RF: the main differences
| Question | Infini | Secret RF |
|---|---|---|
| How does needle design affect delivery? | Insulated needles concentrate RF delivery at exposed portions of the needles | The manufacturer describes non-insulated and semi-insulated tip options; the actual cartridge matters [1] |
| Where does it fit in my practice? | Often considered for deeper remodelling of depressed scars after acne has settled | Considered for selected scar and texture goals within the wider skin plan |
| What about skin prone to pigmentation? | I often favour an insulated approach in suitable patients, while assessing pigment history and treatment settings | Pigment history, the cartridge and treatment settings still need individual assessment |
| Can it replace every other scar procedure? | Tethering or narrow deep pits may need a different treatment | The same limitation applies |
| Where are the treatment details? | Infini sessions, recovery and quotation | Secret RF sessions, recovery and fees |
These are clinical selection considerations, not a universal ranking. A suitable plan accounts for the scar and surrounding skin rather than choosing from a specification table alone.
Needle design, treatment depth and energy
Insulation changes where RF energy is delivered along the needle. Secret RF should not be described as having only one needle configuration, because its manufacturer lists both non-insulated and semi-insulated options. [1] The discussion needs to concern the cartridge actually being used.
Maximum generator output is a technical specification, not a measure of scar improvement. The delivered treatment also depends on needle arrangement, depth, pulse duration, tissue contact and the selected settings. A higher advertised wattage does not, by itself, establish a better clinical result.
Insulated needles still penetrate the skin, and neither configuration eliminates pigment change, burns or scarring. The darker-skin acne scar guide explains how pigmentation history affects the wider treatment discussion.
Which device if you still have acne?
Ongoing breakouts need assessment alongside the scars. I may consider Secret RF within a wider plan for selected acne-prone patients, but active acne does not automatically make it the right procedure. This is different from treating across every inflamed lesion or relying on resurfacing alone to prevent new scars.
Acne treatment may need to come before deeper scar work. Read how I approach acne treatment for the assessment of ongoing breakouts and treatment sequencing.
When a different scar treatment matters more
A depression held down by fibrous tethering needs assessment for subcision. Narrow deep pits may need a focal method such as TCA CROSS. A mixture of scars may require more than one approach.
The acne scar treatment guide explains those distinctions. Changing from Secret RF to Infini, or the other way round, may leave the main structural problem unaddressed.
Is either device proven better for every acne scar?
The material discussed here does not establish that either device is superior for every patient. My preference for selected deeper scars is clinical judgement, not a head-to-head trial result. The microneedling evidence review separates research on RF, conventional needling and combination treatment, with their respective limitations.
Comparing recovery, sessions and cost
Ask which scars the proposed course is intended to improve, what may remain and how progress will be assessed. Discuss visible recovery, pigment history, previous procedures and the complete quotation, including any separate charges. The device pages linked above cover their respective session plans and fees or quotation requirements.
Redness, swelling and temporary surface changes can follow treatment, and recovery varies. RF microneedling also carries risks including burns and scarring; the FDA has reported fat loss and nerve injury with certain uses. [2] These risks require a procedure-specific discussion rather than an assumption that either brand is risk-free.
Before repeating treatment, compare photographs in similar lighting after the agreed review period. Further sessions should follow the response and recovery, rather than a fixed assumption that every patient needs the same package. Complete scar removal cannot be guaranteed.
Also considering Sylfirm X?
For a comparison that includes a third system, read Sylfirm X vs Secret RF vs Infini. I provide Infini and Secret RF, but do not provide Sylfirm X; the article explains relevant device distinctions and the limitations of the evidence.
Arrange an acne scar assessment
Dr Gerard Ee consults and performs Infini and Secret RF acne scar treatment at The Clifford Clinic, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore. Consultations are by appointment. Message the clinic on WhatsApp, or call 6532 2048.
Arrange an assessment with Dr Gerard Ee to discuss Infini, Secret RF and the alternatives for your scars. Bring details of previous procedures and any persistent reactions so the next step can be considered in context.
Sources
Show the 2 references
- Cutera. Secret RF product brochure: tip options. Manufacturer information supports device features, not comparative clinical superiority.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Potential risks with certain uses of radiofrequency microneedling. Safety communication, 15 October 2025. This is a category-level safety notice, not a comparison of Infini and Secret RF.
