Morpheus8 treatment: everything you need to know

More and more people want to rejuvenate their skin without surgery and without a long recovery. A treatment we therefore get many questions about is Morpheus8. In this article you can read what it is, how it works, what you can expect during and after the treatment and which results are achievable. We also address the concerns that sometimes appear in the media.

What is Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 is a treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency. Microneedling means that very fine needles make tiny punctures in the skin. That sounds drastic, but the punctures are superficial and intended to set the skin to work renewing itself. Heat is also linked to these needles through radiofrequency energy. This heat penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, causing the existing collagen to contract and the body to start producing new collagen. Collagen is the building block that keeps the skin firm and elastic. As we get older, the amount of collagen decreases, making the skin looser and less smooth. By stimulating this process, the skin can look firmer, smoother and younger.

How does the treatment work in practice?

During the treatment the needles of the device are inserted into the skin while heat is released at the same time. For most people this feels like a combination of tiny pricks and a warm, tingling sensation. To increase comfort, a numbing cream is often used. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to the goal: for fine lines and skin texture, superficial settings are enough, while for firmness the treatment sometimes works deeper in the skin.

The advantage of Morpheus8 is that the depth and the amount of energy can be set very precisely per zone. For example, the cheeks or jawline can be treated slightly deeper, while a much milder setting is used on sensitive areas such as the forehead or around the eyes.

What can you expect during and after the treatment?

Straight after the treatment the skin is usually red and somewhat swollen. It can feel as if you have spent a little too long in the sun. These effects usually fade within a few days. Some people develop tiny pinpoint bleeds or small scabs, but these also disappear by themselves. It is important to care for the skin well after the treatment with a mild cream and to protect it from the sun with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Make-up is usually not recommended on the first day.

Most people find the treatment quite bearable. There is some discomfort during the needling and the heat, but this is brief and, thanks to the numbing cream, acceptable for most.

Which results are achievable?

The results of Morpheus8 develop gradually. You often see an improvement in the firmness and smoothness of the skin after a few weeks, but the process of collagen production continues for months. The final result usually becomes visible after three to six months.

For the best results, a series of two to three treatments is usually advised, each four to six weeks apart. After that, a yearly maintenance treatment may be enough to maintain the result. Research shows that Morpheus8 is effective in reducing fine lines, improving the skin texture and softening acne scars. It is also suitable for all skin types, unlike some lasers that can mainly be used on lighter skin.

Safety and possible risks

As with any medical or cosmetic treatment, there are always risks. With Morpheus8 the most common side effects are temporary and mild: redness, swelling, small scabs or changes in pigmentation. Serious complications are very rare and usually only occur if the wrong settings are used or if the treatment is not carried out according to protocol.

A topic that has received a lot of attention recently is the fear that Morpheus8 “burns away the fat in the face”. These stories mainly come from abroad and are often linked to incorrect settings, where the treatment was done far too deep and with too much energy. The device can also be used for treatments on the body, where the aim actually is to work deeper in the fatty tissue. On the face in the Netherlands, however, only settings that stay within the skin itself and spare the underlying fat are used. This means that the risk of volume loss in the face is negligible here.

It is also good to know that practitioners in the Netherlands work under the European rules for medical devices (MDR). Only devices that meet strict safety requirements are permitted. In addition, practitioners receive extensive training and work according to fixed protocols. As a result, the risks in the Netherlands are small.

Pros and cons of Morpheus8

Pros

• Firmer, better skin without surgery.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• The depth can be set per zone.
• Relatively short recovery time.

Cons

• Several treatments are often needed.
• Temporary redness or swelling.
• Not suitable during pregnancy, with active infections or with certain medical devices, such as a pacemaker.

Frequently asked questions

Is the treatment painful? Most people find the treatment easy to tolerate, especially with numbing cream. You mainly feel warmth and light pricks.

When will I see results? An improvement is often visible after a few weeks, but the real tightening and refinement of the skin only develop in the months that follow.

How long does the result last? Collagen production continues for months. The ageing process naturally carries on, but with maintenance treatments the result can be maintained for a long time.

Can the fat in my face disappear? No, not with a correct treatment in the Netherlands. Practitioners here use settings that are safe for the face and that target the skin, not the fat underneath.

Conclusion

Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency to make the skin firmer and younger from within. Performed by a well-trained practitioner with the right settings, the treatment is effective and safe. Negative reports you may have read relate to incorrect use in other countries and are not representative of how the treatment is used in the Netherlands.

Would you like to improve your skin without surgery and with little recovery time? Then Morpheus8 is a good option. During a free intake we discuss whether it suits your skin.