Morpheus8

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Morpheus8 is an advanced technology that utilizes microneedles and radiofrequency (RF) to stimulate a boosted healing response in the skin, enhancing overall facial appearance. The microneedles penetrate the skin and cause a dramatic increase in collagen and elastin production, beautifying skin texture and complexion.

Radiofrequency is an electromagnetic energy that becomes mild thermal energy, provoking the contraction of collagen fibers and causing a subtle skin-tightening effect. The two technologies available on one device work together to support more substantial and longer-lasting results. Over multiple sessions, patients can efficiently reduce the appearance of rosacea, acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and fine wrinkles.

To learn more about this minimally invasive treatment to provide you with more youthful, refreshed skin in any area of the face or body, get in contact with Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (COPS) in Chicago. Our experienced team can walk you through the process of just how Morpheus8 can reverse signs of aging and transform your confidence. Call us at (312) 888-5754 or use our contact form to request your consultation today. 

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is an aesthetic procedure that involves using incredibly thin needles to create tiny micro-injuries within the skin, triggering cellular regeneration. Though most microneedling devices contain needles that are roughly 0.5 mm to 3 mm long, Morpheus8 has customizable settings that allow its needles to penetrate at any depth between 0.5 and 8 mm into the skin. This can accommodate skin throughout the entire body, no matter how thick or thin.

As the needles invoke micro-injuries, the skin responds in ways that encourage healthier skin growth. It triggers the release of fibroblast growth factor that becomes a chemical signal for the dermis to increase its production of fibroblast cells. These are the very cells that create collagen and elastin, so this gradual change will result in improved skin rigidity and elasticity over time. With the restored balance of these fibers, the skin will look and feel softer and more radiant, resembling the skin texture of your youth.

The microneedles also work to rearrange the existing fibers within the dermis, working to break down the abnormal collagen formation of atrophic scars. Morpheus8, too, can reduce the appearance of atrophic acne scars, chickenpox scars, and other injuries. Even without the added effect of radiofrequency, microneedles can increase blood circulation to these scarred tissues, a vital part of restoring smoother, blemish-free skin. (1)

How Does Radiofrequency Work?

Radiofrequency is a type of low-level electromagnetism that surgeons have utilized in various aesthetic procedures and more invasive surgeries. For example, RF is a commonly used technology to eliminate fibrous septae, the bands of tissue under the skin responsible for the dimples of cellulite. (2) Other tools that incorporate radiofrequency eliminate fat non-invasively. (3) In the Morpheus8 device, radiofrequency transfers heat to the targeted collagen fibers, causing them to tighten up and create a lifting effect that complements the collagen induction process.

Benefits of Morpheus8

You can effectively eliminate a variety of cosmetic conditions with the power of Morpheus8, including:

  • Fine lines
  • Overly lax skin surrounding the mouth and eyes
  • Dull, rough skin
  • Liver spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation
  • Rosacea
  • Acne scars
  • Mild jowls
  • Festoons, malar mounds, and malar edema (4)

Aside from the results, many patients choose this revolutionary treatment for several other reasons related to its less invasive nature and versatility:

  • Clinicians only need to apply local or topical anesthesia to the treatment area
  • It only requires around 1 to 3 days of downtime.
  • The rejuvenating effects can last a year or more after the initial round of sessions.
  • Depending on the surface area of the skin, sessions typically only last a few minutes to about an hour.
  • Clinicians adjust the device to create a personalized experience. Besides needle depth adjustment, they can choose between a 24-needle tip for larger areas and a 12-needle tip for softer, more delicate areas.
  • Best of all, it takes advantage of your skin’s natural renewal process, invoking changes from deep within. It does not involve relying on ineffective topical anti-aging approaches.

Though Morpheus8 is cleared for use on facial skin, Morpheus8 Body is more capable of slimming down superficial fat in the deep dermis, correcting deeper lines, and resolving stretch marks. It can even help reduce cellulite. Morpheus8 Body has a larger application window with a 40-needle tip for covering large areas of the body in a timely manner.

Personal Consultation

During a consultation, you will be able to ask questions concerning the procedure, the device itself, and recommended aftercare instructions. We will assess your skin concerns and get an accurate idea of the results you would like to attain with Morpheus8 sessions. We may outline a personalized treatment plan that will be the most safe and effective approach for your unique skin needs. We may also speak with you about alternative procedures that may be better suited for you if you have severely lax skin, such as the face and neck lift. After your consultation, you will feel confident enough to make a well-informed choice.

We invite you to get in touch with our Chicago practice by calling (312) 888-5754 or using our online form to inquire about any of our services and procedures. We look forward to introducing you to the dramatic skin improvements made possible by Morpheus8. 

Preparation

Before your appointment, we will ensure that your skin is healthy and prepared in order to promote the best possible outcome. You should:

  • Avoid sunlight and tanning beds; the UV rays can cause sun damage that will slow down your rate of healing. If you expose yourself to the sun, remember to regularly apply your sunscreen as directed.
  • Avoid waxing or using depilatory creams in the treatment area.
  • Refrain from using retinol, retinoids, exfoliants, and harsh products for the skin.
  • Stop using blood-thinning medications and/or supplements that can induce more bleeding during the treatment.
  • Speak with us about antiviral medication if you have ever had an outbreak on or near the treatment area. This medication can prevent another outbreak from developing post-procedure.

Morpheus8 Procedure Steps

We will first thoroughly cleanse the area to mitigate the risk of infection. We will then lather a topical numbing cream or administer local anesthesia. Local is typically reserved for those with larger treatment areas to sustain the desensitization for a longer period. If you start with topical numbing and find the procedure to be more uncomfortable than expected, we will gladly provide you with a local anesthetic.

Once the anesthesia settles into the skin, we will change the needle depth setting and apply the window directly onto the skin, allowing the device to perforate into the dermis. As the needles press into the skin, the RF will travel to the needle tips and distribute controlled warmth of 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit. We will then move the device’s window to an adjacent spot, ensuring proper coverage. With every press, you may notice pinpoint bleeding and some irritation, but these will go away within a few hours of your procedure. While the average session with Morpheus8 is about 30 minutes, it may range anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.

Recovery and Results

Although recovery is minimal, you will not be able to notice immediate results because it takes time for collagen and elastin fibers to regenerate and erase cosmetic irregularities. You should expect your skin to feel red, tender, and itchy for a few days, but over-the-counter remedies and a cooling fan can relieve you of these negative side effects. You should consult us on the best and safest non-prescription medications to use. We may prescribe a post-procedure ointment to keep your skin infection-free and well-protected from the environment. You should take extra care to avoid harsh soaps or products, sun exposure, sweating, or rubbing/picking at your skin. Within 3 days to a week, you will be able to continue your everyday skincare routine, but it will depend on your rate of healing. You should continue to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to better protect yourself from UV and to prevent further development of blemishes and wrinkles.

You may be able to see some improvements in the weeks after your first Morpheus8 session, but you will likely require multiple sessions to target and eliminate long-standing blemishes and lines. We may recommend a standard treatment plan of 3 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, but this may vary from patient to patient.

Cost of Morpheus8 Microneedling in Chicago

The cost of your Morpheus8 treatment will depend on the surface area covered and the number of sessions you undergo. At your consultation, we will review all cost factors and provide you with a total estimate. Patients see the results of Morpheus8 treatments approximately 6 weeks after a series of 3 treatments of their face and neck, which typically costs around $3,000. As a prospective patient of Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel excited by the benefits and incredible results of Morpheus8.

Please call us today at (312) 888 5754 or fill out our contact form to let us know which treatment you are most interested in. Our staff will work to help you find a convenient time and day for a consultation at our Chicago location.

References

  1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):244-254. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468
  2. Busso M, Born T. Combined Monopolar Radiofrequency and Targeted Pressure Energy for the Treatment and Improvement of Cellulite Appearance on Multiple Body Parts. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2023;16(5):35-39. Accessed August 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10243725/
  3. Qin J, Guo ME, Xu XG, et al. A clinical evaluation of noninvasive and contactless radiofrequency technique in the treatment of abdominal fat. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;20(9):2765-2768. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13892
  4. Karlin J, Vranis N, Dayan E, Parsa K. Post Hyaluronic Acid Recurrent Eyelid Edema (PHAREE): Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and a Proposed Treatment Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad102