ilooda (Cutera dist.) Fraxis Duo

The science

The CO2 side is a conventional 10,600nm fractional ablative laser (fractional, pulsed, and surgical modes) that vaporizes microcolumns of tissue for wrinkles, scars, and lesion work — the gold-standard resurfacing physics. The RF side is ilooda's Secret technology: motorized microneedle cartridges (25- and 64-pin, semi-insulated or non-insulated, adjustable to ~3.5mm) delivering bipolar RF at depth for dermal remodeling without surface injury. Stacked in one session, the CO2 addresses epidermal texture and pigment while the RF needles remodel the deeper dermis — the combination underlies the "Secret Pro"-style protocols now backed by multi-center data on scars and photoaging. Two mechanisms, one numbing session, compounding results.

Patented tech

ilooda's Secret motorized needle-insertion mechanism with semi-insulated needle design is the signature IP — semi-insulation delivers energy along the distal needle segment for a larger coagulation zone than fully insulated designs. The dual-modality integration itself, more engineering than patent moat, is the commercial differentiator.

Origin

South Korea (ilooda Co., Ltd., Suwon); the same factory lineage supplying Cutera's US-branded Secret devices.

Best-fit practice

The value-hunting medspa or dermatology practice that wants Secret Pro-class dual capability for a third of Cutera's price and is comfortable living without manufacturer hand-holding. Poor fit for practices that need brand-name marketing muscle or turnkey service contracts — this is a machine for operators, not marketers.

Medical director & delegation

You're running two regulated modalities: ablative CO2 typically demands the strictest state delegation rules (often physician/NP/PA-operated), while the RF-MN side follows standard microneedling delegation. Write separate protocols for each modality and the combined treatment — regulators treat them as distinct procedures.

Contraindications & screening

For CO2: darker Fitzpatrick types (relative), active infection, isotretinoin history, keloids, pregnancy, and mandatory HSV prophylaxis perioral. For RF-MN: implanted electronic devices and field metal; the combo session concentrates both risk profiles into one visit, so patient selection discipline matters more than on either standalone device.

Warranty & service

No US manufacturer network — expect reseller warranties of 6-12 months and reliance on third-party laser techs; CO2 optics and the RF handpiece motor are the costly failure points ($3,000-$8,000 repairs). Buy from a dealer with documented parts access to ilooda or Secret-compatible components.

Resale & used market

Used values hold in the $20,000-$35,000 band on modest supply, supported by the machine's two-in-one utility and Cutera's marketing having educated the market on "Secret" technology. Expect gentle depreciation, not the cliff that single-modality orphan brands suffer.