Microneedling (Secret RF & SkinPen)

Nima Skin Institute Chicago offers two distinct microneedling modalities: Secret RF fractional radiofrequency microneedling and SkinPen II collagen-induction microneedling. Secret RF delivers RF energy through insulated microneedles at programmable depths, triggering collagen remodelling at the dermal level; sessions take approximately 20 minutes and a series of 3–4 treatments is recommended, with visible results appearing around three months after the final session. An optional EXO|E three-step post-treatment add-on reduces redness, shortens downtime, and improves overall skin tone. SkinPen II uses sterile microneedles to create controlled micro-channels that stimulate the skin's natural collagen production without thermal energy.

Microneedling at Nima Skin Institute in Chicago is offered through two complementary technologies that address skin texture, tone, and firmness at different tissue depths — allowing the clinical team to match the treatment modality to the patient's skin concerns and recovery tolerance. Secret RF is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling system that combines the physical collagen-induction stimulus of traditional microneedling with the thermal remodelling effect of radiofrequency energy delivered directly into the dermis. Unlike surface-applied RF devices, Secret RF uses a handpiece fitted with insulated microneedles that penetrate to a programmable depth — typically 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm — and emit RF energy from their tips at the target tissue depth while the insulated shafts protect the overlying epidermis from thermal injury. This bipolar or monopolar RF emission at the dermal level creates a controlled thermal wound that triggers robust fibroblast activation and collagen neogenesis in the mid-to-deep dermis, producing progressive skin tightening, pore size reduction, and improvement of textural irregularities including acne scarring and fine lines. Each Secret RF session at Nima Skin Institute takes approximately 20 minutes once a topical anaesthetic cream has been applied; the clinic recommends a series of three to four treatments, typically spaced four to six weeks apart, with the full remodelling benefit becoming apparent approximately three months after completing the series as newly synthesised collagen matures. The optional EXO|E add-on is a three-step post-treatment protocol applied immediately after Secret RF — comprising a growth factor exosome serum — designed to accelerate barrier recovery, reduce immediate post-treatment erythema, shorten the social downtime window, and further enhance the skin tone and texture outcomes through synergistic regenerative signalling. For patients seeking a purely mechanical collagen-induction approach without RF energy, SkinPen II provides precise, sterile microneedling using a cartridge-based device with 12-needle disposable tips. The SkinPen's motorised oscillation creates microscopic channels in the epidermis and papillary dermis at a controlled depth and density, triggering the wound-healing cascade — proliferation, migration, and activation of fibroblasts — that results in increased collagen and elastin deposition without heat. SkinPen microneedling is effective for fine lines, mild textural irregularities, enlarged pores, and early scarring, and is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types with minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to more aggressive resurfacing modalities. Chicago patients at Nima Skin Institute can discuss which microneedling platform — or combination approach — best suits their skin goals during consultation with Dr. Nilam Amin or the PA team.