The anti-aging market in North America is worth more than $17 billion. So, those searching for ways to look and feel younger and more beautiful are certainly not alone. A few decades ago, going under the knife was the only way to significantly improve the texture and look of the skin. Today, minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedures like Morpheus8 skin treatment and microneedling offer better alternatives. Yet, it can be challenging to choose between Morpheus8 vs microneedling. They both use similar technologies and are Health Canada-approved. However, there are some important differences consumers need to know. In this guide, we break down these crucial distinctions. That way, patients can choose the best treatment for their individual goals, as well as learn about essentials like microneedling costs and aftercare. Check out this complete guide to learn more.
How Does Morpheus Skin Treatment Work?
Morpheus skin treatment works by thickening and stimulating collagen production in the deepest layers of the skin. It creates tiny injuries that activate the body’s natural healing response.
What is Morpheus8? It is also known as radiofrequency (RF) microneedling because of the methods behind it. Morpheus8 uses radio waves and microneedles to create tiny skin injuries.
Radio waves create thermal (i.e., heat) damage up to 8mm deep. Meanwhile, super-fine needles measuring up to 4mm long puncture the skin. Combined, these two methods go deeper than other types of anti-ageing procedures.
One of the body’s natural responses to damage from these two techniques is to activate collagen production. Collagen helps heal the tiny wounds Morpheus8 produces. It also results in thicker, more youthful-looking skin.
The Morpheus8 Procedure
A professional applies Morpheus8 via an applicator covered in 12–24 fine needles. He or she will first apply a topical numbing cream to the area. The numbness will help reduce discomfort throughout the procedure.
When the professional presses the applicator to the skin, the needles physically stimulate the dermis. They also deliver pulses of radiofrequency energy to create minor injuries.
Health Canada has approved Morpheus8 treatments for the face and body. It can help tighten and resurface skin on the face and neck. It also has benefits for the body, similar to other body contouring procedures like CoolSculpting.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling also works by stimulating collagen production. It is similar to Morpheus8 in that small needles create tiny injuries. However, it can only penetrate superficial layers of the skin.
Unlike Morpheus8, this treatment can’t reach deep layers of the skin, such as the dermis. The results may not be as effective or robust as what a patient could access with Morpheus8 treatment.
Additionally, microneedling professionals typically recommend this technique for the face only. It may only work for some people when used in other areas of the body.
The Microneedling Procedure
During a microneedling procedure, professionals apply a numbing cream to reduce discomfort. A microneedling device has 12 fine needles a professional applies to the patient’s skin. These needles can be 1.5mm to 2mm in length.
The professional will stamp the applicator device onto the target area(s). The needles penetrate the skin, creating tiny injuries. Depending on the length of the needles, the procedure can be relatively painless.
Microneedling and Morpheus8 procedures only take 10–25 minutes. The session itself may last up to 90 minutes. The doctor will want to wait for the numbing cream to take action before starting the procedure.
What Can Morpheus Skin Treatment and Microneedling Treat?
Morpheus skin treatment and microneedling both treat skin texture and the signs of ageing, including:
- Scars from acne and injuries, including ice pick, boxcar, rolling, and keloid scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles, including frown lines, crows feet, smile lines, and forehead lines
- Stretch marks and cellulite
- Dark marks, discolouration, and undereye bags
- Large pores
Microneedling offers minimal skin tightening benefits through its activation of elastin production. However, Morpheus8 offers more robust skin tightening. It also provides added skin-thickening benefits via RF energy.
RF energy penetrates deeper into the dermis compared to other treatments like microneedling. Deeper penetration means Morpheus8 can reach the layer of fatty tissue beneath the dermis.
As people age, they begin to lose fat in the face. Creating safe levels of thermal damage can expand existing fatty tissues. Fat expansion leads to plumper and tighter-looking skin.
Morpheus8 vs Microneedling Aftercare
Morpheus8 and microneedling are minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedures. Most people need little to no downtime after these procedures. They often return to work the same day or the day after their procedure.
Microneedling aftercare instructions may include the following:
- Staying out of sunlight for at least 24 hours
- Wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
- Keeping the area well-moisturized
- Avoiding fragrances (even natural ones) as they may irritate the skin
Also, do not pick at or scratch the area. Patients may have flaky skin and other irritating side effects, so apply lotion to soothe the itch. Scratching and picking can lead to infection or, worse, unsightly scarring.
Potential Morpheus8 and Microneedling Side Effects
The needles used in these technologies may cause minor bleeding. Other potential side effects include minimal discolouration, swelling, bruising, scabbing, peeling, tightness, and itching.
In rare cases, people may develop an infection. It is crucial to care for the skin properly to avoid this complication. Caring for the skin includes following the doctor’s microneedling aftercare instructions.
How Long Do Morpheus8 and Microneedling Last?
Morpheus8 treatments last from one to three years, while microneedling results need touching up every six to 12 months. However, some results are permanent.
For example, Morpheus8 and microneedling can permanently eliminate facial scars. Patients can still obtain new ones without a proper skincare routine, but the old scars will not return once eliminated.
The skin-smoothing and anti-ageing effects of these treatments are not always permanent, though. With microneedling, these results will only last as long as the new collagen. The skin returns to normal after a cell turnover cycle.
Morpheus8 technology penetrates much deeper into the skin than microneedling treatments. Anti-ageing and skin resurfacing benefits are still not permanent, but they last much longer than those with microneedling.
How Many Morpheus8 and Microneedling Sessions for Results?
To see full results, patients need at least three microneedling sessions and up to three Morpheus8 sessions. The exact number of sessions a patient needs depends on their goals.
For instance, deep scar resurfacing can take longer. Patients may need three to six microneedling sessions to achieve their desired results. With Morpheus8, patients may only need two to four treatments.
Patients can get Morpheus8 and microneedling treatments every four to six weeks. That is usually enough time to heal from the procedure. Waiting longer between sessions may lead to slower or less noticeable results.
What Is the Difference in the Cost of Each Treatment?
The difference in the cost between Morpheus8 and microneedling is that microneedling costs less than Morpheus8.
Microneedling costs $250 to $600 per session. The exact cost depends on multiple factors. These factors include the target area, the number of areas, the doctor’s skill level, and more.
Morpheus8 costs anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per session. The technology is relatively new, which is one reason for its higher price tag. Yet, Morpheus8 also works better and is longer-lasting than microneedling.
Many patients believe they should go with microneedling because it is more affordable. However, patients pay more long-term since Morpheus8 results last much longer.
For those who want to know the cost of Morpheus8 vs microneedling in their area, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetician. A professional can tell patients exactly how much their treatment will cost.
What Are the Benefits of Morpheus Skin Treatment Compared to Traditional Microneedling?
The benefits of Morpheus skin treatment compared to traditional microneedling include deeper skin penetration, increased effectiveness, more consistent results, and safety for all skin types and tones.
Learn more about each of the benefits below.
Morpheus8 Penetrates Deeper Into the Skin
Morpheus8 needles are longer, and the RF penetrates the skin more deeply than microneedling. Microneedling needles measure only up to 2mm. Meanwhile, Morpheus8 needles can reach up to 4mm and RF energy up to 8mm.
The epidermis (the most superficial layer of the skin) measures 0.05mm to 1.5mm thick. The exact thickness depends on the area of the face or body.
For example, the eyelids have very thin layers of epidermis. The palms of the hand have very thick layers of epidermis.
The next layer of skin — the dermis — is much thicker. On average, this layer of skin measures 1mm to 4mm thick.
Even the longest microneedling needles can’t reach the entire dermis layer. On the other hand, Morpheus8 needles and RF energy waves can. For that reason, Morpheus8 provides more robust and longer-lasting effects.
The difference in penetration depths also explains why Morpheus8’s skin tightening benefits are better. Morpheus8 technology targets more profound into the dermis and sub-dermal fat to lift the skin and tighten significantly better than microneedling.
Morpheus8 Is Safer and More Effective
Canadian dermatologists have been using microneedling since the 1990s. This technology has not undergone little innovation since that time. So, it should be no wonder the technology is not as safe or effective as it could be.
The makers of Morpheus8 introduced their technology to the North American market in 2020. Dermatology appliances have innovated and advanced a lot from the 1990s to today.
Additionally, more people are eligible for safe and effective Morpheus8 treatment compared to microneedling. Still, Morpheus8 is not safe for people who are pregnant or nursing.
In terms of efficacy, Morpheus8 wins, too. It uses two methods of stimulating collagen and plumping skin. Microneedling offers minimal skin tightening, which may not be suited for significantly saggy skin.
Morpheus8 Offers Consistent Results
Many people seek treatments like microneedling and Morpheus8 to even out their skin tone. Unfortunately, microneedling can cause hyperpigmentation to worsen in some cases.
People who are prone to skin inflammation should consider an alternative treatment. Often, hyperpigmentation will not go away after recovery, leading to worse dark spots than before the treatment.
Morpheus8 may cause temporary hyperpigmentation as a rare side effect. People with deeper skin tones are more likely to report this side effect. However, the skin will even out during recovery.
Also, choosing a skilled practitioner can prevent this side effect in people with deeper skin tones. These professionals can change the depth of the treatment to suit the needs of different skin tones better.
Morpheus8 also tends to offer more even results. Patients do not have to worry about uneven areas after treatment. The treated skin will look smoother, younger, and tighter.
Morpheus8 Works for All Skin Types
Morpheus8 is suitable for more skin types than microneedling. Specialists do not recommend microneedling for people suffering from eczema or active acne breakouts. Morpheus8 is different.
People of all skin types can benefit from Morpheus8. Getting RF treatments combined with microneedling is also an excellent way to prevent uneven skin texture in the future.
Which Treatment Is the Right Choice for You?
The treatment that is the right choice for you depends on your goals, including how quickly you want to see results. Morpheus8 tends to offer faster, more robust results compared to microneedling alone.
Morpheus8 also offers longer-lasting and more affordable results. Patients do not need as many sessions to see results. The results only need topping up every one to three years or so, lowering the total cost of treatment.
Ready to Book a Morpheus8 Treatment in Montreal?
Morpheus8 and microneedling are both treatments for younger-looking skin. However, Morpheus8 plumps skin and reduces sagginess far better than microneedling. It also offers more robust and longer-lasting effects.
Are you wondering about the difference between Morpheus8 vs microneedling? Dermafina is a med spa in Montreal, Quebec, offering Morpheus8 and other aesthetic treatments.
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and find out which one is best for your needs.
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