Morpheus 8 RF Microneedling
What is RF Microneedling (Morpheus 8)?
Morpheus8 is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment that combines two proven facial rejuvenation treatments to remodel the skin from the inside out: radiofrequency energy (RF) and microneedling. Morpheus8 RF microneedling uses cutting-edge technology to improve signs of aging and tighten the skin, and it is a treatment of choice to enhance facial rejuvenation results at our Philadelphia plastic surgery practice.
How the technology works
Using a specially designed handpiece, tiny needles penetrate the skin to create micro-injuries and deliver targeted radiofrequency waves to precise depths. The radiofrequency (RF) technology in Morpheus8 RF microneedling heats the underlying layers of skin tissue to encourage the growth of new collagen and elastin (essential proteins to maintain youthful, firm skin). Morpheus8’s dynamic process tightens the skin and smooths out imperfections to fine-tune the results of surgical procedures.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves mild skin laxity
- Diminishes scars and stretch marks (including acne scars)
- Improves rough skin texture
- Correct pigmentation irregularities
- Boosts collagen and elastin production for overall improvement in skin’s health and appearance
Collagen induction therapy (CIT): Another term for microneedling, emphasizing its effect on boosting collagen production.
Thermal injury: Controlled damage caused by heat, such as from RF energy, to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and collagen production.
Fractionated RF: A treatment that delivers RF energy in a pixelated or fractionated manner, allowing for targeted treatment with reduced downtime.
Dermal layer (Dermis): The middle layer of the skin, which contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands.
Subdermal layer: The layer beneath the skin, which contains fat tissue and connective tissues.
Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.
Topical anesthetic: A cream or gel applied to the skin to numb the area before a procedure.
Contraindications: Conditions or factors that suggest a treatment might not be suitable or safe for an individual.
Radiofrequency (RF): A type of energy that creates heat, used in cosmetic procedures to tighten and rejuvenate the skin.
Collagen: A protein in the skin and other connective tissues that provides structure and firmness.
Elastin: Another protein found in the skin, which provides elasticity.
Subdermal Adipose Remodeling Device (SARD): Refers to devices like Morpheus8 that can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and fat to bring about more profound remodeling.
Microneedling: A procedure using tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which helps to stimulate collagen production.
Keloid: A keloid is an overgrowth of thick, puckered, raised scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound, often appearing shiny and dark in color.
Hypertrophic scar: A raised, red scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound and may diminish over time.
Chemical peels: Treatments that use a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove the outermost layers of the skin.
Skin laxity: The loss of skin tightness or firmness, resulting in sagging or loose skin. This condition typically occurs due to the natural aging process, but other factors such as sun damage, significant weight loss, genetics, and lifestyle choices can also contribute.
Treatment areas
Morpheus8 RF microneedling is highly effective and versatile: We can incorporate this treatment with nearly every face and body procedure.
- Face: We use Morpheus8 RF microneedling treatments to preserve and maintain a smoother, toned skin appearance after facial procedures.
- Body: The Morpheus8 device fades stretch marks, minimizes scars, and improves skin tone and texture on the arms, knees, thighs, abdomen, or any other treated areas.
Choosing a medical professional for your treatment
Unlike most med spa treatments performed by aestheticians, our non-surgical treatments are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor and our aesthetic Physician Assistant, Julie Holesh. Their advanced medical backgrounds and deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology help to promote safer, better results from your treatment. Our medical professionals would be happy to examine your skin and personalize a treatment plan to preserve and maintain your surgical results.
Dr. Claytor’s clinical study, “Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars,” shows how effectively this treatment transforms the skin’s appearance. The study was the first of its kind and was recognized with a 2023 Best Paper award from the publisher, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Julie Holesh, PA
Physician assistant Julie Holesh is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. With both an artistic eye and medical expertise, she can help you achieve optimal skin quality with injectables, laser treatments, and other med spa services.
What distinguishes Morpheus8 from other microneedling treatments?
While traditional microneedling relies solely on needle-induced trauma to promote collagen production, Morpheus8 RF microneedling takes this a step further by delivering RF energy directly into the deeper layers of the skin called the dermis. Adding thermal energy amplifies collagen and elastin synthesis to achieve more profound and longer-lasting results.
Preparing for RF microneedling
Preparation is key for a smooth RF microneedling procedure and optimal results. Here are some general guidelines to follow at least 2 weeks before your primary procedure and subsequent Morpheus8 RF microneedling treatments:
- Avoid UV exposure
- Pause the use of retinoids or other exfoliants to avoid irritating your skin
- Inform your provider about any medications you are taking or recent skin treatments to prevent treatment delays
Your consultation
Your consultation includes a thorough examination and discussion of your unique skin needs and goals. During this appointment, Dr. Claytor will guide you through the entire process to ensure you’re informed and comfortable with adding Morpheus8 RF microneedling to your treatment plan.
What to expect from a Morpheus8 radiofrequency treatment
Your provider will consider your skin concerns and procedure and program the Morpheus8 system to penetrate the ideal depth for the best results. Working in small sections, the device quickly “stamps” the sterile needles into the skin until the entire treatment area is addressed. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling painful?
You may feel a mild prickling or warming sensation during the treatment. Morpheus8 RF microneedling is performed without the need for IV or sedation anesthesia and is generally well-tolerated, although we will apply a topical numbing cream to help you feel more comfortable.
Recovery and downtime after RF Microneedling
There is little-to-no downtime after a Morpheus8 RF microneedling treatment—you will simply follow the recovery guidelines of your primary procedure(s). We’ll provide detailed post-treatment care guidelines based on the treatment area and your skin’s condition.
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Morpheus8 RF microneedling side effects
Side effects of Morpheus8 RF microneedling are minimal. You may notice pinpoint bleeding or a grid-like pattern on the skin immediately after your treatment; however, this will fade within a few hours. Most patients experience mild redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, for about a week following their treatment, with these effects improving each day.
What should I avoid after a radiofrequency microneedling treatment?
Avoid excessive sun exposure and harsh skincare products to prevent irritation and damage to healing tissues or scarring. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you experience superior results with Morpheus8 treatments.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling results
You will notice improvements in skin texture and tone just a few weeks after treatment and continued improvement as new collagen layers help plump and lift the skin.
How many treatments will I need to see optimal results?
The number of treatments will vary depending on the procedure(s) you’ve had and the level of enhancement you’d like to experience. We typically recommend 1-3 treatments to achieve optimal results, with appointments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and respond to the treatment.
How long do Morpheus8 RF microneedling results last?
Many patients enjoy pleasing RF microneedling results for up to 1 year and as many as 3 years—often much longer since this treatment is used alongside surgical transformations. Several factors will influence the longevity of your results:
- The condition of your skin
- The number of treatments you receive
- Your lifestyle
How can I make my results last longer?
You can extend your procedure and Morpheus8 RF microneedling results by using a daily sunscreen, a personalized skincare routine, and getting intermittent skincare treatments. These measures prolong your results and prevent future skin concerns from developing.
Combining RF microneedling with other procedures
We incorporate Morpheus8 RF microneedling with surgical and non-surgical treatments to amplify short and long-term results.
Surgical procedures
Morpheus8 RF microneedling complements several transformative surgical procedures, including:
- Facelift
- Deep plane facelift
- MyEllevate neck lift (minimally invasive neck lift)
- Neck lift
- Brow lift
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
- Facial fat grafting
Non-surgical skin care treatments
Morpheus8 also pairs well with non-surgical treatments, such as:
- Injectable neurotoxins: including Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Dysport
- Dermal fillers: Juvéderm, Restylane, the RHA filler collection, Bellafill, and Sculptra
During your procedure consultation, we’ll discuss how Morpheus8 can be used to enhance your results without adding recovery or downtime.
RF microneedling FAQs
If you are interested in adding non-invasive skin rejuvenation to your surgery plan, call our office at (610) 527-4833 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out our contact form to receive a call from us. The medical professionals at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery would be happy to meet with you and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
References »
Chandrashekar, Byalekereshivanna, et al. Evaluation of Microneedling Fractional Radiofrequency Device for Treatment of Acne Scars. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 7, no. 2, Apr. 2014.
Dayan, Erez, et al. Adjustable Depth Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Minimally Invasive Combination Treatment for Skin Laxity. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 39, May 2019.
Iriarte, Christopher, et al. Review of Applications of Microneedling in Dermatology. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 10, Aug. 2017.
Areas Served:
Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Feb 20, 2024
