Morpheus 8: The Science
Morpheus8 safely utilizes powerful fractionated radio frequency coupled with the advantages of microneedling to produce deep skin rejuvenation. By penetrating the deepest layer of skin with thermal energy, Morpheus8 remodels the subdermal adipose tissue and stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate the building blocks of youthful, smooth, and radiant skin. It is especially helpful at reducing wrinkles, discoloration from acne scarring and improving skin laxity.
Morpheus8 and Morpheus8 Body are minimally invasive fractional skin treatments that utilize radiofrequency (RF) energy delivered through the tiny micro wounds to stimulate the body’s natural healing response of producing collagen (neocollagen) and healthy elastin fibers, the building blocks of what makes our skin look firm and taking advantage of the healing power of the tissue around the treated areas.
By delivering precise radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin where we can melt and remodel the fat, otherwise known as Subdermal Adipose Fractional Remodeling (SARD), tissues of the face and body can be remodeled to reveal a more radiant, youthful appearance with almost no patient downtime.
What to Expect
Morpheus8 provides full skin resurfacing and rejuvenation without the contraindications previously experienced with other lasers. This treatment provides outstanding results in treating skin tone, clarity, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, cellulite, and acne scarring. Morpheus8 not only reduces crow’s feet and diminishes fine lines around the mouth, it lifts the eyebrows and tightens the neck. Due to the depths that can be reached with Morpheus8, hyperhidrosis can be treated as well. When used on acne scarring, Morpheus8 not only reduces the acne scarring by 50%, but it also helps prevent future acne breakouts.
There are four different Morpheus8 tips with microneedles of varying lengths to ensure the precise depth for optimal results for the treatment area without penetrating too deep and causing injury.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 has 24 pins, reaches a treatment depth of 4mm – 5mm, and is used for subdermal and dermal remodeling of facial areas such as cheeks, nasolabial folds, neck, and jowls.
Morpheus8 Resurfacing
Morpheus8 Resurfacing has 24 pins, reaches a treatment depth of 0.5mm – 0.75mm, and is used for epidermal resurfacing of the superficial layer of the skin.
Morpheus8 Prime
Morpheus8 Prime has 12 micro pins, reaches a treatment depth of 4mm -5mm, and is used for subdermal and dermal remodeling of small and hard-to-reach areas such as the forehead, around the eyes and inner arms.
Morpheus8 Body
Morpheus8 Body has 40 pins, reaches a treatment depth of 7mm – 8mm, and is used for subdermal and dermal remodeling on all areas of the body, except for the face and neck.
Depth of Penetration
The Morpheus8 tips contain 12-24 microneedles that very quickly penetrate the subdermal skin layers, emit heat to stimulate collagen production, and then retract. To make the procedure more tolerable, anesthesia is utilized. Topical anesthesia is achieved by a combination of locally applied compounded topical ointment and driven into the dermis via Cryotouch MD with innovative CO2 technology achieving anesthesia within 5 minutes. Nitrous Oxide and regional anesthesia is also available to manage any discomfort if requested by the patient.
Morpheus8, Morpheus8 Prime, and Morpheus8 Body can be used on all skin tones and on any areas that can benefit from subdermal renewal. The Morpheus8 Resurfacing tip can be used on skin types I-IV and on areas that can benefit from resurfacing. Skin types V and VI have an increased risk of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, therefore, the Resurfacing tip is not appropriate for these skin types. With various treatment tip options, Morpheus8’s fractional technology can be utilized not only on the most popular treatments of the face and neck, but essentially on any troublesome body area. Commonly treated areas include:
- Face
- Around the eyes
- Neck
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Buttocks
During your consultation your practitioner will tailor the number of treatments based on your personal objectives to obtain optimal results. Typically, the best results are seen in 3 treatments received 4-6 weeks apart. Touch-up treatment(s) may be needed to maintain the desired results. These are often received 1-2 years following the initial sessions.
Some people experience visible improvements immediately after treatment, however, it is typical to start seeing results within a few days. The most noticeable results are seen after two to three weeks with improvements continuing up to three months after treatment.
Morpheus8 can be performed in combination with other treatments on the same day or a few days after, such as the Lumecca IPL. It can also be combined with cosmetic injectables, such as neurotoxins and dermal filler. Please speak to your provider if you are interested in learning more about combining Morpheus8 treatments with our other services and developing a plan to achieve the aesthetic results you desire.
Pre-Treatment Information
To optimize your treatment results it is important to hydrate. Moisturize the treatment area in the morning and evening and drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day.
If you have a history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores), you may be provided a prescription for anti-viral medication the day of the procedure to avoid an outbreak. Please let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores.
Topical retinoid therapy should be discontinued 3-4 days prior to the treatment. Discontinue any irritant topical agent 2-3 days prior to treatment.
Avoid any prolonged direct exposure to the sun 3-4 days prior to the treatment. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Arrive for the treatment with clean skin. Do not apply lotion, make-up, perfume, powder, or bath/shower oils on the treatment area prior to the procedure.
To avoid infection, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the procedure, including topical anesthetics, hairspray, gel, makeup, lotions, deodorants, self-tanning products, and ointments.
Post-Treatment Information
The side effects of Morpheus8 are minimal with almost no downtime. Patients should expect to see micro lesions a few days after treatment and slight redness depending on treatment parameters. Slight to moderate swelling and mild to moderate sunburn sensation are also common and may last 1-3 days. You may experience slight tenderness, temporary bruising, or scabbing. The skin may crust and peel for 2-7 days depending on the treatment parameters.
You may relieve the sunburn sensation and swelling by applying cool washcloths. Avoid ice packs as the skin may still be numb and you do not want to create a cold injury.
Treat the skin gently. Avoid scrubbing the treated area or exposing it to trauma. Avoid washcloths or sponges and use water or a gentle cleanser for the first 3 days to clean the skin.
You will be sent home from your procedure with your AnteAge MD skin care system and post care instructions. Once the microneedle holes close, typically in 1-3 days, you may apply moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
Avoid sun exposure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation (darker skin discoloration) to the treated area. We recommend the use of a physical sun block that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with SPF 30 or higher once the microneedle holes close 1-3 days after the procedure.
Contact the office with any questions, concerns, or if there is any sign of infection such as excessive swelling, redness, or pain.