If you’ve been scrolling through treatment menus at medspas, you’ve probably seen both Secret RF and Vivace pop up under the “RF Microneedling” category.
At first glance, they sound the same — tiny needles, radiofrequency energy, collagen stimulation. But when I dug deeper (and talked to providers), I realized the experience, comfort, and results can be a little different depending on the device.
So, if you’re stuck wondering whether to book Secret RF or Vivace, here’s the full breakdown 👇
🔬 What They Are
Secret RF (by Cutera)
- RF microneedling device that combines adjustable depth (0.5–3.5 mm) with customizable RF energy levels.
- Comes with different handpieces:
- 25-pin for deep scars/wrinkles
- 64-pin for larger areas and faster coverage
- Known for targeting acne scars, fine lines, large pores, and mild sagging.
Vivace (by Aesthetics Biomedical)
- RF microneedling with a twist: combines radiofrequency energy, microneedles, AND LED light therapy in one session.
- LED modes: red (stimulates healing & collagen) and blue (targets acne-causing bacteria).
- Marketed as one of the “most comfortable” RF microneedling devices thanks to a robotic precision delivery system and numbing cream protocols.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Secret RF | Vivace |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Depth | 0.5–3.5 mm (customizable) | 0.5–3.5 mm (customizable) |
| Energy Options | Fractional RF; adjustable for deeper scars or superficial texture | Fractional RF + LED light therapy |
| Treatment Focus | Acne scars, wrinkles, pores, mild laxity | Anti-aging, redness, acne, scars, glow |
| Comfort Level | Moderate; numbing cream required | Marketed as more comfortable, robotic delivery for smoother feel |
| Downtime | 1–3 days (redness, mild swelling) | 1–2 days (less redness, thanks to LED) |
| Sessions Needed | 3–4 sessions | 3–4 sessions |
| Results Timeline | 4–6 weeks for visible changes | 2–4 weeks for visible glow, ongoing tightening |
| Cost (per session) | 💲600–900 | 💲800–1200 |
💡 Key Differences
- LED Light Advantage (Vivace): Vivace’s built-in red/blue LED helps reduce redness, inflammation, and acne bacteria, so downtime feels shorter.
- Pin Options (Secret RF): Secret RF offers different pin tips, making it more customizable for deeper scars vs large treatment areas.
- Comfort Factor: Vivace is branded as more tolerable thanks to its precision delivery system. Secret RF may feel more like a “standard” RF microneedling session.
- Price: Vivace usually costs a bit more per session due to the added LED technology.
✅ Who Should Choose Which?
Go for Secret RF if:
- Your main concern is acne scars, enlarged pores, or fine lines
- You want strong collagen induction with customizable tips
- You don’t mind a bit more downtime for more intensive results
Go for Vivace if:
- You want anti-aging + redness control + acne support all in one
- You’re nervous about pain and want a more comfortable experience
- You want that “post-treatment glow” faster, with less downtime
🧴 Post-Treatment Recovery for Both
Recovery is quite similar — but Vivace’s LED may make the healing process feel quicker.
What to Do:
- Gentle cleanser & rich moisturizer
- Hyaluronic acid serum for hydration
- Daily mineral sunscreen SPF 30–50
- Cold compresses if you feel heat or swelling
What to Avoid (5–7 days):
- Retinol, AHAs/BHAs, exfoliants
- Heat, sweating, and direct sun exposure
- Makeup for at least 24–48 hours
🛒 Affiliate-friendly product suggestions can go here (like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, EltaMD UV Clear).
💬 Final Thoughts
Both Secret RF and Vivace are excellent choices for rejuvenating skin with minimal downtime.
- If your priority is scars, texture, and pores, Secret RF might edge out.
- If you want a gentler, more comfortable treatment with faster glow and added LED benefits, Vivace could be worth the higher price.
Think of it this way:
👉 Secret RF = targeted correction (scars, texture)
👉 Vivace = all-in-one refresh (aging, redness, acne, glow)
