In recent years, non-invasive aesthetic treatments became increasingly popular as they can improve one’s appearance without surgery or extensive downtime. These treatments range from minimally invasive procedures like injectables and laser treatments to completely non-invasive options like radiofrequency and ultrasound. Non-invasive treatments target various concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, among others. With advancements in technology and techniques, non-invasive aesthetic treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, Fractora, and Morpheus8 treatment, are more effective and accessible than ever. They are a go-to choice for those looking to enhance their appearance with minimal risk and discomfort.
What is Radiofrequency Microneedling?
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a popular, non-invasive aesthetic treatment that combines the benefits of two effective cosmetic procedures: radiofrequency and microneedling! This combination treatment involves using a handheld device that delivers radiofrequency energy through tiny needles that puncture the skin. This process stimulates collagen production and can improve skin texture, tone, and tightness. RF microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a variety of benefits. It is suitable for individuals with a range of skin concerns.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. It is a popular cosmetic procedure involving a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This leads to the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. This process can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize scarring. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure suitable for various skin types. A technician performs it on the face, neck, chest, and other areas of the body. A traditional microneedling treatment is often offered in two forms: a microneedling pen or roller treatment.
Microneedling rollers
Microneedling rollers consist of a small handheld device with a rolling head covered in tiny needles. The depth of the needles on the roller is generally fixed. This means the depth of the treatment is consistent across the entire skin surface. One moves the roller back and forth across the skin, creating small puncture wounds.
Microneedling pens
Microneedling pens, more commonly found at clinics, have a pen-like shape. They use a disposable cartridge with needles that rapidly oscillate up and down. A dermatologist will move the pen over the skin, and adjust the depth of the needles according to the patient’s specific needs. This allows for more precision in treating certain areas of the skin, such as around the eyes or mouth. It can also allow for deeper treatment in certain areas. The size and shape of a microneedling pen, as opposed to a roller, allows the pen to get into many of those small, difficult-to-reach areas. This helps improve the skin overall. It’s more adaptable and can uniformly penetrate areas like the upper lip, sides of the nose and around the eyes. Regular microneedling rollers just can’t get into those areas, so the skin isn’t treated as thoroughly.
What is Radiofrequency?
Radiofrequency is a non-invasive treatment that uses radio waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin. The heat stimulates collagen production. This can help to tighten and firm the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. A study from 2020 showed the procedure is safe and effective.
The early use of radiofrequency in aesthetics dates back to the late 1990s when it was first used for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. Initially, large, bulky devices were primarily used for surgical procedures. However, as the technology evolved, radiofrequency became more accessible and affordable. This led to the development of non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments that technicians can perform in an office setting.
Radiofrequency treatments target various parts of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and abdomen. RF treatments are also often used to address issues such as sagging skin, cellulite, and stretch marks.
While various radiofrequency devices are available on the market, the most popular RF treatments in medispas are the Exilis Ultra treatment, the Forma facial, Facetite, Morpheus 8 and Fractora.
Combining Radiofrequency and Microneedling
Certainly, combining microneedling and radiofrequency treatments produces a more comprehensive and effective solution for various skin concerns. New technologies, such as the Morpheus8 procedure, combines the benefits of both technologies. This creates a powerful treatment that addresses a range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production.
Radiofrequency treatment uses heat to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. When these two treatments are combined, the micro-injuries caused by microneedling can enhance radiofrequency energy absorption into the skin. This allows for deeper and more targeted heating of the tissues.
Overall, combining microneedling and radiofrequency treatments can provide a more significant improvement in the appearance of the skin than either treatment alone.
Fractora vs. Morpheus8 Treatment
Fractora and Morpheus8 are different radiofrequency microneedling treatments created by InMode. These interchangeable technologies deliver radiofrequency energy into the skin while creating the beneficial micro-punctures that make microneedling treatments effective. These non-surgical skin resurfacing treatments provide a uniform pattern of fractionated radiofrequency energy. The energy travels beneath your skin’s surface, creating a gentle and beneficial warming effect. The warmth then stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for tighter skin.
What is Fractora Treatment?
Fractora, developed by InMode, is a versatile bipolar radiofrequency treatment. It uses a handheld device with a multi-needle head. The needles perforate the skin and deliver radio frequency energy to heat it, which triggers collagen production and accelerates cellular turnover. This process can help to ease skin textural issues, such as crepey skin and fine lines. Many face and body areas, including the skin under the eyes, around the mouth, jowls, acne scars, the neck and chest, as well as crepey skin under the arms, and around the knees are suitable for treatment.
Fractora treatment is FDA-cleared and safe for treating fine lines and crepey skin. Before the treatment, a technician applies a high-potency topical anesthetic to the treatment area to maximize your comfort during the procedure. Redness and swelling are common but typically subside within a few hours to a few days. A treatment plan usually includes 3 to 6 treatments spaced out about four weeks apart. We recommend one maintenance treatment per year. Results can appear as soon as two weeks after the first treatment. You will see the most noticeable results after the final treatment, with continuous improvement for approximately three months after the treatment cycle is complete.
What is Morpheus8 Treatment?
Morpheus8, also developed by InMode, is another fractional radiofrequency treatment that uses a handheld device with a head of gold-plated steel micro-pins to disperse radio frequency energy in preselected depths of 2 millimetres, 3 millimetres, or 4 millimetres. This allows the radio frequency energy to reach deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin remodelling while perforating the skin to accelerate cell turnover. Morpheus8 is commonly used for treating acne scars, laugh lines, sagging jowls, crepiness, and wrinkles, and various areas of the body, including the chest, arms, and knees.
Morpheus8 is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Before the procedure, a technician will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. Mild redness and swelling may occur, but these usually disappear within a few days. Scabbing and flaking are also normal. Like Fractora, a technician will tailor your treatment plan based on individual needs. Some patients may see results almost immediately after the first treatment, with continuous improvement for approximately three months after the treatment cycle is complete.
What Sets Fractora and Morpheus8 Apart?
While both treatments use radio frequency energy and microneedling, Fractora is best for improving skin texture, while Morpheus8 is best for tightening the skin. Morpheus8 also penetrates deeper into the skin, reaching into the fat layer to smooth and contour. Choosing between Fractora and Morpheus8 depends on your individual goals and concerns. Consulting with a skin care professional can help determine which treatment is right for you.
What Can Fractora and Morpheus8 Treat?
Radiofrequency Microneedling treatments like the Fractora or Morpheus8 are incredible devices indicated to treat the following concerns and conditions:
- fine lines
- skin laxity
- wrinkles
- stretch marks
- appearance of large pores
- acne scars
- scars from injury or surgery
- hyperpigmentation
- loose, sagging skin
- cellulite
- hyperhidrosis
Morpheus8 recently introduced a new body handpiece. The Morpheus Body uses a handheld device with small needles that penetrate the skin, delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the tissue. The energy heats the underlying layers of skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Morpheus8 Body is often used to treat areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms, and is a popular alternative to more invasive surgical procedures such as liposuction or tummy tucks. The treatment is relatively quick and requires minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Fractora vs. Morpheus8: Is there a real winner?
At first glance, both Fractora and Morpheus8 seem almost the same. After all, both treatments use radio frequency energy combined with microneedling. While they might seem similar, however, they are pretty different. Fractora works to improve skin texture, while Morpheus8 works to tighten skin. Morpheus8 also penetrates deeper into the skin.
When choosing between Fractora and Morpheus8, there is no real winner. Both devices offer unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual’s specific needs and concerns. Fractora is a more versatile device that treats a broader range of skin concerns, while Morpheus8 offers more precise and controlled treatment. It’s important to consult with a qualified skin health professional to determine which device is best suited for your needs.
Conclusion
Combining microneedling with radiofrequency technology has revolutionized the world of non-invasive aesthetic treatments. With treatments like Fractora and Morpheus8, patients can achieve smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin without surgery or downtime. By creating micro-punctures in the skin and delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the dermal layers, these treatments stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer, brighter, and more rejuvenated skin. The popularity of these treatments will likely continue to rise as more people discover the benefits of non-invasive, safe, and effective aesthetic treatments.
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