Hi, Dr Murray from Absolute Cosmetic. I get asked a lot about the difference between micro-needling and Morpheus8, so let’s clear it up. Micro-needling is just needles, and it’s usually quite superficial. Morpheus8 skin tightening goes a fair bit deeper than that, and that difference in depth is really the whole story.
What is Morpheus8 skin tightening?
Morpheus8 is a device that combines fine needles with radiofrequency energy, so it’s doing two jobs at once rather than one. It sends electrical currents into the skin to stimulate collagen growth, and depending on the setting, it can also send currents to reduce fat in the face. Those are different settings, so you do have to be careful with that, and it’s exactly why the training behind the machine matters as much as the machine itself.
We’ve got three of these machines – one each across our Joondalup, Nedlands and Applecross clinics. If you want more background on the device itself, I’ve also covered it in this piece on what Morpheus8 involves.
Why does skin start to lose its firmness in the first place?
Skin loses firmness because collagen and elastin production slows down as we age, and that’s simply the process of laxity setting in. You’ll notice it first in areas where the skin is thinner, like the decolletage, the arms, the neck, and the knees, all common concerns we cover on our skin tightening page. Morpheus8 works by prompting the skin to make more of that collagen and elastin itself, rather than just tightening what’s already there.
How do I know whether I need Morpheus8 rather than micro-needling?
If your concern is more than surface-level texture, Morpheus8 is likely the better fit, because you can set it at different depths depending on what you’re treating. That’s the key difference. Micro-needling stays superficial no matter what. Morpheus8 lets a trained practitioner choose how deep to go, which is why you need someone who knows exactly which depth is right for your skin and your goals.
It’s worth being realistic about what it can do too. It makes a moderate difference, not a big one. It’s not a facelifting machine. If you’re after that kind of dramatic lift, this isn’t it, but if you want to improve firmness and slow down the visible signs of laxity, it does a genuinely good job.
Can Morpheus8 help with early signs of skin laxity?
It can be worth starting treatment as soon as you notice your skin beginning to lose some firmness, rather than waiting until laxity is more advanced.Come in for a consult with the nurses to find out whether early treatment is appropriate for you. Many patients have a treatment every year as an ongoing part of managing this. It won’t stop the ageing process, nobody can, but it may help slow the visible signs of it for some patients.
What does a course of Morpheus8 treatment actually involve?
Most people do a course of two to four sessions over a few weeks, then come back for a top-up treatment every year after that. Over that course, the machine is stimulating collagen and elastin in the skin, and depending on the setting, reducing fat as well.
Is Morpheus8 painful, and what happens during recovery?
I’ll be upfront about this one. It does sting a bit. The old saying, no pain no gain, is pretty accurate with this machine. The good news is we’re a health department-licensed clinic, so we can offer proper pain relief options rather than just gritting your teeth through it. You can have numbing cream, gas, tumescent local anaesthesia, or even sedation if you’d prefer it. We’re genuinely lucky to be able to offer all of those options in one place.
Recovery sits between one and five days. Usually your skin is just red for a day, though some people do get more intense after-effects like welts. We provide 24-hour aftercare, plus an urgent contact number if you’re at all concerned about how your skin is healing. It’s a pretty low-risk, low-impact treatment overall, but any welting or unusual reaction should always be checked rather than waited out.
Where on the body can Morpheus8 be used?
Pretty much anywhere. It’s a treatment I’d recommend for any part of the body where skin laxity tends to show up early. It also works well on the neck, decolletage, and knees.
Is Morpheus8 safe?
It’s a low-risk treatment when it’s used well, and I want to be clear about what “used well” means. Depth and settings need to be carefully managed by a properly trained practitioner to avoid complications such as excess fat reduction. That’s why we make sure our staff are properly trained. I’ll always say risks are possible with any machine – these are low-risk devices, not no-risk devices, and that distinction matters.
If skin tightening and collagen stimulation are what you’re after, Morpheus8 skin tightening is available at our Joondalup, Nedlands, and Applecross clinics. You can also read what to expect from a Morpheus8 treatment if you want the full step-by-step before you come in.
FAQ
Is Morpheus8 the same as micro-needling?
No. Micro-needling uses needles alone and stays superficial, while Morpheus8 combines needling with radiofrequency energy and can be adjusted to treat deeper layers of skin.
What does Morpheus8 actually treat?
It stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness, and depending on the setting, can also reduce fat in the treated area.
Does Morpheus8 hurt?
Yes, it does sting. Pain relief options including numbing cream, gas, tumescent local anaesthesia, and sedation are available to manage this.
How many Morpheus8 sessions will I need?
Most people have a course of two to four sessions over a few weeks, followed by an annual top-up treatment.
What is recovery like after Morpheus8?
Recovery generally takes one to five days, with skin typically red for the first day. Some people experience welts, and 24-hour aftercare support is provided.
Can Morpheus8 be used anywhere on the body?
Yes, it can be used on any part of the body, and is particularly popular for the arms, neck, decolletage, and knees.
For more information or to book a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit absolutecosmetic.com.au or give us a call.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Individual results vary. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to assess your suitability for treatment.
