Cutera Secret PRO

RF Microneedling · CO2 laser + RF microneedling combo

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Electrosurgical — electrocoagulation and hemostasis (RF microneedling side); CO2 resurfacing under separate clearance

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $90k–$140k|Used: $50k–$80kmarket estimate, no email required

Save device

Bottom line

Genuinely two workhorses in one box — a fractional CO2 laser and the well-regarded Secret RF microneedling platform — one of the smartest single-purchase resurfacing plays for a growing medspa. The combination "Ultimate" protocol (CO2 + RF same session) is a real revenue ticket at $1,500-2,500+. Caveats: the RF side is an OEM'd Korean device (ilooda) also sold in other wrappers, and Cutera's 2024-2025 restructuring means you should stress-test service and parts commitments before buying. If the service question checks out, the economics are excellent.

Overview

Dual-energy resurfacing+deep remodeling

How it works

The science

Pairs a 60W fractional 10,600nm CO2 laser with bipolar RF microneedling (semi-insulated and non-insulated 25/64-pin cartridges, 0.5-3.5mm depths). The CO2 side ablates and remodels epidermis and upper dermis — wrinkles, sun damage, scars, texture — while the RF needles coagulate mid-to-deep dermis for tightening and scar remodeling. Treating superficial and deep layers in one session produces more complete remodeling than either alone, at the cost of more downtime (5-7 days for the combo). CO2 alone runs light micro-peel modes for lower-downtime glow treatments.

Patented tech

Secret RF technology (OEM ilooda, South Korea) is needle-based bipolar RF with precise electronic depth control; Cutera's contribution is the CO2 engine with adjustable pulse modes and scanning. The pitch is the validated pairing of two proven modalities on one cart.

Origin

RF module by ilooda Co., Ltd., South Korea; marketed by Cutera (Brisbane, CA) — ask the rep to put the OEM/manufacturing chain in writing.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Electrosurgical — electrocoagulation and hemostasis (RF microneedling side); CO2 resurfacing under separate clearance

510(k) numbers

K233374

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

RF microneedling alone $750-1,200/session (series of 3); fractional CO2 alone $1,000-2,500 by depth; combined Ultimate sessions $1,500-2,500+, usually 1-2 sessions. Light CO2 glow protocols $500-800 feed the funnel.

Consumables & recurring cost

RF cartridges single-use at ~$85-150 per tip; CO2 side has no per-treatment consumable beyond eventual optics/tube service. 15 RF treatments monthly = $15k-25k annually in tips; CO2-only treatments are nearly pure margin.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

A medspa or derm practice wanting one device covering the full resurfacing menu — lunchtime glow to aggressive scar revision — without two platforms. Patients 35-65 for CO2 (Fitzpatrick I-IV; caution in darker types), all types for RF. Strong in markets where "CO2 + RF combo" positions as the premium annual treatment.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II laser + electrosurgical; CO2 lasers are physician-level or closely delegated in many states — expect tighter supervision than RF alone; verify with your board.

Contraindications & screening

Active infection (HSV prophylaxis before CO2), recent isotretinoin, keloid tendency, pregnancy, pacemakers (RF side), recent tans and Fitzpatrick V-VI for the CO2 modality, unrealistic downtime expectations.

Ownership

Warranty & service

1-year standard; Cutera extended historically $10k-18k/year — given the restructuring, get written commitments on parts, loaners, and response SLA, and talk to current owners in your region first.

Resale & used market

Moderate — Secret-family devices trade steadily ($30k-60k by configuration), but Cutera's corporate turbulence softened buyer confidence; CO2 tube condition and tip eligibility drive price.