Morpheus 8 is a micro-needling device that utilizes radiofrequency energy to remodel and contour the face and body via subdermal fat remodelling. This FDA-cleared technology is a fractional treatment that uses tiny needles to deliver RF energy deep into your skin, creating micro lesions that trigger your body’s natural healing response and promote the production of new collagen and elastin, to provide skin tightening and rejuvenation.
What is the treatment like?
The treatment takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. Treatment begins by covering the treatment area with numbing cream, which may need up to half an hour to take effect. If your treatment requires the use of higher settings on the device, you may need local anaesthesia.
What sets Morpheus 8 apart from similar micro-needling devices is that the depth of the radiofrequency heat delivered by its microneedles can be customized to reach different depths of the dermal layers (e.g., superficial, intermediate, deep), so your provider can adjust it based on your specific skin concerns.
They should begin with a test spot, to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Then they’ll stamp the device across your skin, allowing the needles to puncture below the surface and deliver the radiofrequency energy. You may feel pressure and dull discomfort during the procedure, but your skin will be numb, so it’s typically not too painful.
Who are suitable candidates for this treatment?
The treatment benefits a wide range of skin concerns. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm lax skin, smooth out rough or uneven skin texture, reduce the size of large pores, treat hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, help fade stretch marks, and even reduce some fat, though not significantly enough that you’d have to worry about volume loss in your face.
Morpheus 8 can be used anywhere on the body, including the abdomen or buttocks, though it’s most popular for the face, jawline, jowls, and neck. A special indication is a treatment of mild to moderate eyebags to reduce the fatty bulge and induce skin tightening and contraction of the loose skin. For optimal results, you’ll need a series of 2-3 sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive procedure that’s suitable for all skin tones, with little to no risk of hyperpigmentation. Treatments can be performed on any body area, for a wide range of skin concerns. Morpheus 8 treatments are quick, non-invasive, and relatively painless (with the help of topical numbing cream or local anaesthesia).
Cons It can take up to three months after your initial treatment series to see your full results (new collagen production takes time). You’ll need yearly maintenance treatments to keep up noticeable results. In Morpheus 8 reviews, there have been incidences of unwanted side effects, including bumps, grid marks, and discolouration for about a week post-procedure. A few have experienced hyperpigmentation and scarring, which required additional treatments to resolve. It can be painful if your provider uses a higher setting on the device, so ask whether you’ll need just numbing cream or local anaesthesia.
What can you expect during recovery?
Morpheus 8 recovery is relatively simple, with no real downtime. You can expect one to three days of redness, itchiness, and mild swelling. That means you can schedule the procedure on a Friday and likely be socially ready by Monday, depending on the intensity of the treatment. You can boost your results post-treatment with targeted skincare.
Aftercare recommended products include those with growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid, as well as mild exfoliating cleansers and enzymatic masks, to turn over scabbing or crusting as your skin heals. You’ll also need to avoid direct sun exposure for 1-2 weeks and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you have to be out and about, to avoid post-procedure hyperpigmentation. With the potential for increased potency, avoid any skin-care products that might irritate your skin. If you’re usually sensitive to active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids or retinol, hold off on those until your skin heals sufficiently.
How long does the results last?
Results last about a year, provided you take good care of your skin and regularly wear sunscreen. The skin will continue to age at its usual rate, so you’ll need an annual follow-up session to maintain ramped-up collagen production and all its youthful benefits.
