What is Morpheus8?
One of the prominent factors influencing cosmetic aging is the end of collagen production that occurs in early adulthood. Morpheus8 represents a leap forward in addressing this cause of aging. The FDA-cleared device combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to achieve profound collagen remodeling through fractional resurfacing. Morpheus8 targets the tissue beneath the outermost layer of skin by delivering radiofrequency waves through the microneedles that permeate as deep as 4 mm. This causes the reorganization of the skin’s vital building blocks: collagen and elastin.
What are the benefits of Morpheus8?
Radiofrequency, as a form of energy, has the ability to produce a thermal effect. In the skin, heat induces collagen and elastin tightening and production. This means patients may see an initial improvement that only gets better over time. Radiofrequency in combination with microneedling also encourages expedited cellular turnover, which helps healthy new cells make their way to the surface more quickly.
Radiofrequency is advantageous in itself because it is a lower frequency than the average laser, so it safely penetrates to a deeper layer of tissue. The Morpheus8 device enhances this action by delivering energy in a way that no penetration is necessary. Microneedling, also advantageous in itself, enhances the healing response by creating tiny channels in the upper layers of the skin to “trick” the body into believing an injury has occurred. The punctures of microneedles are so tiny that they heal nearly instantaneously but still stimulate tissue repair.
Morpheus8 has color-blind technology. It is safe for all skin types and even darker skin tones that are generally challenging to treat with other resurfacing methods.
Who is a good candidate for Morpheus8?
The Morpheus8 device can treat a variety of skin issues, including sun damage, discoloration, stretch marks, jowls, scars, and lines and wrinkles. This versatility makes it ideal for adults of all ages who are interested in reinstating more youthful qualities to their skin. Morpheus8 is customizable to target the face or body wherever tissue remodeling is needed.
Adults with mild to moderate skin laxity on the face or body can achieve outstanding benefits through Morpheus8 treatment. The tissue remodeling stimulated by treatment can result in smoother, tighter, more radiant skin.
How does Morpheus8 work?
Morpheus8 treatment delivers energy directly to the dermis. Heating within this layer of the skin tricks the body into a wound-healing response when no significant injury has occurred. A wound-healing response involves minor inflammation followed by an increase in collagen production. Collagen is the structural scaffolding of the skin. Morpheus8 reaches into the latticework of collagen fibers to tighten them and also gradually remodels the scaffolding with healthy new collagen.
What is the Morpheus8 procedure?
The Morpheus8 procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes. However, patients should expect to arrive at the office about one hour early so we can apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. Comfort is a priority. After some time, the cream is removed and treatment begins. The process is quite simple. While you lie comfortably on the treatment table, your provider places the Morpheus8 handpiece against your skin. This is a momentary “stamp” that extends the microneedles to the appropriate depth of tissue. Depth ranges from 1 millimeter to 4 and is adjusted based on the area. Shallower depths are targeted on the forehead and around the eyes. Microneedles are set deeper across the lower face and neck. At the targeted depth, the microneedles deliver a pulse of radiofrequency energy. This process repeats quickly every time the provider moves the applicator tip to stamp an adjacent area of skin.
Is there any recovery with Morpheus8?
Patient downtime is minimal after Morpheus8. Post-treatment instructions include applying a moisturizer such as Aquaphor as directed to maintain adequate support for healing. You must also avoid direct sun exposure and, before you go outdoors, apply a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treatment area. You may also want to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Makeup can be applied after a day or two. Maintaining the sunscreen habit, you may extend the effects of your Morpheus8 treatment.
What our patients have to say
"I trust my face only to Dr. Gaines and Gaines Plastic Surgery. I first visited Gaines Plastic Surgery a year ago for Juvederm and Botox injections. I was 62 years old at the time and had grown displeased by the weathered appearance the creases of age had etched in my otherwise interesting face. The injections resolved the worst of my creases, so I moved on to a series of Morpheus treatments, an FDA-approved procedure that minimizes fine facial lines much in the way dermabrasion does, but without the loss of surface skin. Dr. Gaines recommended this procedure to me, and I have been exceedingly pleased with the results. My face has a renewed suppleness and freshness it was losing before the treatments began."
Are there any side effects to Morpheus8?
As a microneedling technique, Morpheus8 can result in tiny dots on the skin. These may be apparent right after treatment and may become more prominent over a few days before they begin to fall off. Do not rub or pick at these micro lesions. Your skin may appear red for up to a week.
Schedule a Morpheus8 Consultation
The team at Gaines Plastic Surgery loves helping patients achieve their cosmetic goals. We will help determine if you are a good candidate for Morpheus8 non-surgical skin tightening by conducting a thoughtful consultation and assessment of your skin. To schedule an appointment at our Gainesville, Florida practice for a facelift consultation, contact us today.