We’ve heard of Kybella, Scarlet RF, Magic Needle, and Morpheus8. It’s a fairly new treatment and works similarly to other forms of microneedling, but it offers the best penetration for impressive results with little downtime.
However, as with most cosmetic treatments, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is almost always a part of the equation, so it’s crucial to know what the common side effects are.
Can Morpheus8 cause hyperpigmentation?
Morpheus8 treatment can cause hyperpigmentation. However, the risk is very low. Because the cosmetic procedure creates micro lesions on the skin, you can expect some redness and bruising. This can temporarily darken the treatment area.
Fortunately, it offers more benefits that outweigh the downsides. Below, we delve into the amazing benefits of this new technology and why it’s worth the money. We’ll also cover the side effects of Morpheus8 to help you prepare for the initial treatment.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment process for skin rejuvenation. Similar to other micro needling devices that use radiofrequency energy, it consists of tiny needles that are stamped onto the skin to create micro-abrasions to stimulate collagen and elastin production, both of which are essential for healthier and tighter skin.
It’s a highly advanced and FDA-approved technique for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging and loose skin. Morpheus8 also works well for acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
This cosmetic is similar to RF microneedling, except that it incorporates radiofrequency technology or RF energy. It’s safe to use all over the body, especially on the face and neck. And it suits different skin types, from light to dark skin tones.
How Does Morpheus8 Work?
Morpheus8 skin treatment can target a range of skin issues. With a combination of microneedling and radio frequency energy, it can tighten, smoothen, and improve skin texture.
It creates micro-wounds on the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process. This induces new elastin and collagen production, and it can also help increase the production of hyaluronic acid in the body.
Benefits of Morpheus8 Treatment
As mentioned earlier, Morpheus8 skin treatment offers a range of benefits. It’s a great way to allow cell turnover on the skin because it penetrates and treats the deeper layers of the skin, better than regular microneedling.
Morpheus8 can be used for different skin concerns and offers many benefits including:
- Minimizing hyperpigmentation
- Skin firming and skin tightening (jowls, fat deposits, cheek and sagging skin)
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful look
- Smoothing rough skin
- Getting rid of dark spots, sun spots, and sun damage
- Reducing acne scars
- Improving stretch marks
- Treating inflamed pores
- Improving overall skin tone
When used on other parts of the body like the buttocks and tummy area, Morpheus8 body treatment can also reduce fat and tighten those areas. But instead of tiny needles, the treatment involves smaller microcannulas. The goal is to cause as little scarring as possible and make recovery quicker.
This is really an amazing technique because patients going for this procedure don’t need to go under the knife as they would with traditional liposuction or surgical procedures. Plus, it has zero downtime.
Potential Side Effects of Morpheus8 Treatment
Morpheus8 skin treatment can come with a range of side effects, including mild redness, swelling, peeling skin, and some bruising and tenderness. If you notice any of these side effects post-treatment, know that it’s completely normal. They are often mild and should subside over time.
In the debate about whether it causes hyperpigmentation, Morpheus8 skin treatment might cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in people with dark skin tones. However, the risk is very low.
But this is also why it is so important to have the treatment performed by a skincare specialist or a board-certified dermatologist. PIH is a potential risk, especially in dark skin tones, if the treatment is not carried out by a qualified person.
Cost of Morpheus8 Treatment
The cost of Morpheus8 skin treatment varies depending on where you choose to get it done. It will also depend on the area that needs to be treated and the overall skin condition.
Typically, Morpheus8 facial treatment will cost around $300 to $900 per session. Treatment on the neck costs about the same. But if you’re going for a full-body Morpheus8 treatment, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800.
Are Morpheus8 Results Permanent?
You should start noticing Morpheus8 results within a few days after the treatment. But to truly appreciate the results, you can wait for about three weeks.
The treatment usually requires 1 to 3 sessions. But depending on the number of sessions recommended to you by your derm, you should expect to see long-term results within three months.
The results, however, are not permanent. But it is long-lasting and can last around 12 or 198 months. Morpheus8 is not a magic treatment that can reverse the body’s normal aging process. If you want to prolong the results of the treatment, maintenance is key.
Morpheus8 Is Not for Everyone
It’s not for all situations, to say the least. Just because Morpheus8 offers promising results doesn’t mean you can get it done whenever. If you currently have active acne, rosacea, burns, herpes simplex, and other lesions, you should wait until your skin heals. Otherwise, you’ll risk spreading bacteria all over your skin.
In addition, you cannot undergo Morpheus8 skin treatment if you are extremely tan or fresh out of sunbathing. You should also reconsider if you just got done with other invasive treatments within the last three months prior to your Morpheus8 treatment. Make sure to disclose all of this info to your derm.
Also, while Morpheus8 works well in targeting almost all kinds of skin concerns, it may not do a good job of reversing severe sagging of the skin and deep wrinkles. In such cases, you might need to go through a more invasive approach.
Conclusion: Can Morpheus8 Cause Hyperpigmentation?
Morpheus8 treatment offers a great way to address various skin concerns. While it’s minimally invasive, just like any other microneedling treatment, Morpheus8 can come with downsides, one of which is hyperpigmentation.
That said, the risk is very minimal. And even if the treatment does cause hyperpigmentation, the effects are short-lived. Plus, you can always treat the pigmentation from Morpheus8 using over-the-counter medications. You can use skin products with Kojic acid, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid to lighten the pigments.
The best protection, though, would be to apply sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure. Make sure to consult with your dermatologist before you do the treatment.
If you have more questions about the Morpheus8 treatment, let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading!