Skin sagging is one of the first visible signs of ageing. With more than 1 in 5 Canadian residents at the age of retirement or older, millions of people can benefit from treatments like Ultherapy and Morpheus8. Morpheus8 and Ultherapy procedures offer skin tightening benefits to fight the signs of ageing. Additionally, Morpheus8 offers skin resurfacing advantages. These treatments are non-surgical and come with little to no downtime. There are crucial differences when it comes to Ultherapy vs Morpheus. Those deciding between the two can benefit from understanding what Morpheus8 can do that Ultherapy can’t. That’s why we created this guide.
Are you searching for a treatment to make your skin look young again? One of these procedures can help. Keep reading to learn which is right for you.
What Is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a skin-tightening and rejuvenating treatment powered by microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy. Health Canada has approved Morpheus8 for the face, neck, and body.
This treatment is an upgrade to traditional microneedling. Microneedling can only reach the epidermis (superficial skin) and the uppermost part of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin).
Morpheus8 technology can go much deeper. The needles are longer than those used in microneedling treatments. Additionally, RF energy can reach sub-dermal levels, targeting the fat layer beneath the dermis.
One goal of microneedling and Morpheus8 is to produce collagen and elastin. These substances can rejuvenate the skin. Collagen and elastin also offer mild skin tightening and thickening benefits.
Morpheus8 has the additional advantage of targeting fat cells with its RF energy. RF energy creates thermal damage to sub-dermal fat. The damage ultimately results in fat elimination.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a skin tightening and lifting treatment powered by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy. Health Canada has approved Ultherapy for the face and neck, but not the body.
Compared to Morpheus8, Ultherapy delivers more targeted and intense energy to the sub-dermal skin layer. The sub-dermal skin layer is also known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS).
The SMAS helps control facial movements. It has a network of fibres that connect to the dermis. The SMAS and dermis work together to help facial muscles contract and produce facial expressions.
The SMAS system contains collagen, elastin, and a layer of fat. Ultherapy uses HIFU energy to stimulate collagen and elastin in the SMAS. It also targets fat cells to help lift and tighten sagging skin.
Importantly, Ultherapy only targets these deeper skin layers. It does not provide many benefits for superficial skin. The treatment will not help with skin texture or pigmentation, though it does impact some fine lines and wrinkles.
How Does Morpheus8 Work?
Morpheus8 works by creating damage to the dermis, superficial skin, and the SMAS. It causes two types of damage. The first is mechanical damage to the dermis and superficial skin, and the second is thermal damage to the SMAS.
Mechanical damage comes from fine needles on Morpheus8 applicators. These needles are virtually identical to those on a microneedling device. They create tiny injuries to skin cells.
These tiny injuries activate the body’s natural healing response. Collagen is one of the most critical ingredients in skin healing. It also happens to help tighten skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, and more.
Yet, Morpheus8 does not just amp up collagen production in the epidermis as microneedling does. It also targets the deepest parts of the dermis, leading to more robust and longer-lasting effects.
Thermal damage explains Morpheus8’s face and body contouring benefits. Morpheus8 microneedles deliver RF energy to melt away and reshape fat cells in the face and body. Microneedling alone can’t provide this benefit.
How Does Ultherapy Work?
Ultherapy works by producing thermal damage via ultrasound energy. Ultrasound is the same energy that powers ultrasounds for pregnancy. Like Morpheus8, Ultherapy’s goal is to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response.
Why is collagen so crucial for younger-looking skin? Collagen production starts to decline as people get older. Declining collagen is one of the primary reasons for the external signs of ageing, which include:
- Wrinkles
- Moisture loss
- Dullness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots and dark marks
- Large pores
- Rough texture
Collagen is also involved in skin sagging. A type of protein, collagen helps provide structure for the skin. When it declines, the skin begins to sag under gravity’s pull.
Ultherapy’s ultrasound energy renews collagen in all three layers of the skin. The dermatologist who administers Ultherapy can customize treatment frequency and depth. This way, they can target patients’ unique skin concerns.
Before the release of technology like Ultherapy, surgery was the only way to tighten loose skin significantly. Ultherapy is a non-invasive and more affordable way to address early signs of facial ageing.
Morpheus8 Skin Tightening Benefits (and More)
Morpheus8 is minimally-invasive, safe for all skin types, has little to no downtime, and is safe and effective. Patients can see results in as little as three to four weeks with 1–3 treatment sessions.
It combines two different types of technology to correct a wide array of complaints, including:
- Loose skin
- Saggy skin
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Undereye bags
- Undereye wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Scars from injuries
- Discolouration
- Hyperpigmentation
- Crepey skin
- Sun damage
- Dark spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Uneven skin texture
- Rough skin texture
- Active acne breakouts
- Cellulite
- Large pores
As we have mentioned, Morpheus8 works for the face and body. Many people get this treatment for loose skin around the jawline and neck. It also offers more robust benefits for acne scarring than microneedling alone.
The difference between Morpheus8 facial and body treatments is the number of microneedles. Devices for the face typically come with 12 to 24 needles. Meanwhile, Morpheus8 Body has 40 microneedles on the applicator.
Are Morpheus8 Benefits Permanent?
Some Morpheus8 benefits are permanent. For example, Morpheus8 can permanently remove acne scars. However, the skin will develop new scars if patients do not incorporate a healthy skincare routine.
Skin tightening benefits are not typically permanent. They will last long since Morpheus8 stimulates collagen production in all three skin layers. Still, patients will need the occasional top-up (more on this in a moment).
Ultherapy Benefits
Ultherapy is also safe and effective and safe for all skin types. Unlike Morpheus8, the device does not puncture the skin. So, it is completely non-invasive and requires absolutely no downtime.
This treatment offers two primary benefits for the skin: lifting and tightening. Unlike Morpheus8, it does not provide significant skin resurfacing effects. Also, Ultherapy is only suitable for the face and neck.
It is best for people who want to deal with loose skin on the upper and lower face, jowls, neck, and decolletage. Dermatologists do not recommend it for loose skin on the body.
Although Ultherapy does not have skin resurfacing benefits, it does have modest effects on wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles can look more pronounced when the skin starts to sag.
Ultherapy can lift and tighten skin. As a side effect, those areas may have fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Unfortunately, the results of Ultherapy can take longer to show up. Patients often report seeing full results within three to six months.
Are Ultherapy Benefits Permanent?
No, Ultherapy benefits are not permanent. They may last longer in younger people. Yet the ageing process and gravity will eventually lead skin to sag again over time.
As skin gets looser, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will return, too. The same is true if patients do not care for their skin after receiving this treatment.
How Long Does Each Treatment Last?
Morpheus8 results will last one to three years, while Ultherapy results generally last up to two years. After that time, patients must return to their dermatologist or specialist for a top-up.
The exact duration of someone’s results depends on multiple factors. For example, Ultherapy results may not last as long in older patients as they will for younger patients.
Poor lifestyle habits can also reduce the duration of these treatments. Consider the following to help Morpheus8 and Ultherapy results last as long as possible:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid harmful UV rays
- Use SPF 30 sunscreen or higher
- Moisturize the skin regularly
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a diet rich in nutrients
Practising healthy skin care habits will not only prolong results. It also makes investing in these procedures worth it in the long run.
Morpheus8 Costs
On average, RF microneedling procedures like Morpheus8 can cost between $500 to $1,525 per session. This is only an average, meaning some procedures and others cost less.
Morpheus8 body treatments come with higher price tags. Body areas are larger, requiring longer treatment times. Getting face and body Morpheus8 treatments will also increase the total cost.
The price of RF microneedling is significantly higher than traditional microneedling. In Canada, professional microneedling sessions can cost as little as $350–$420 per session.
Patients may be tempted to choose traditional microneedling due to the lower price tag. However, RF microneedling requires fewer treatment sessions and lasts longer.
Ultherapy Costs
Ultherapy procedures such as Ulthera cost $1,200 to more than $3,500 in Canada. The exact Ultherapy cost depends on the size of the area and the number of areas a patient wants to target.
This may seem like a lot. Yet, compared to surgical facelifts, it is only a fraction of the price. Surgical facelifts cost at least $12,000 or more than $19,000.
Morpheus8 and Ultherapy Aftercare Treatment
Morpheus8 treatments take longer to recover from than Ultherapy procedures. Patients typically need one to two days to recover from Morpheus8. With Ultherapy, there is no downtime, and patients can return to work the same day.
The difference comes down to the types of technologies used. Ultherapy devices do not penetrate the skin. The only side effects of this treatment are slight redness or flushing and mild swelling.
Morpheus8 is still less invasive than a surgical facelift. However, fine needles penetrate the skin, which leads to similar side effects as microneedling. These symptoms may include:
- Light bleeding
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Scabbing
- Peeling
People with deeper skin tones may also be at risk for hyperpigmentation following Morpheus8 treatment. It is essential to follow all aftercare instructions to avoid this symptom.
For Morpheus8, that means avoiding sunlight for at least 24 hours post-procedure and wearing a moisturizer with SPF. Wait to touch the area for at least 48 hours, and avoid applying makeup for one to two days.
Ultherapy procedures do not have limitations like these. Patients can return to life as usual immediately after treatment.
Ultherapy vs Morpheus: Which One Is Better?
Morpheus8 is better than Ultherapy for patients who want quicker, longer-lasting results. It is also the superior choice for skin tightening and resurfacing benefits in one.
Another reason to choose Morpheus8 is that it can treat the body. Ultherapy only works for the neck and face.
Finally, Morpheus8 tends to cost less than Ultherapy. The fact that it lasts longer also means patients pay less for the total cost of Morpheus8 treatment.
Searching for Morpheus8 Treatment in Montreal?
We hope this guide helps patients understand the important distinctions between Ultherapy vs Morpheus. Morpheus8 may be the best option for quicker, longer-lasting results, offering two benefits in one session.
Are you interested in Morpheus skin tightening treatments? Dermafina offers Morpheus8 for face and body to patients in Montreal, Quebec. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
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