The early roots of microneedling can be traced back to the turn of the last century. It has long been a favorite treatment at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care and is an effective means of collagen induction therapy with no downtime. Collagen is the building blocks of taut, youthful skin. We produce less of it as we age, but collagen induction therapy tells our body to produce more (and exactly where you need it). One way to induce collagen production is through controlled trauma, and that’s what microneedling does. Microneedling uses specialized needles to puncture microchannels into the skin. These punctures are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye (though some spot bleeding with microneedling can occur). However, the procedure is painless. Most clients compare it to an exfoliation.
When the body undergoes a trauma, controlled or not, it starts producing collagen at the injured site. This takes time, so microneedling does not provide immediate results. You will start to see initial improvement about one month after any microneedling session. To amplify and sustain those results, ongoing collagen induction therapy is recommended. Most people get microneedling every 4 – 6 weeks, and combining other collagen induction therapies is a great way to optimize results.
Microneedling technology has understandably advanced in the last 120 years. Simultaneously, a variety of other methods for collagen induction therapy have been discovered or invented, such as using radiofrequency (RF) energy alongside microneedling. With so many ways to kick-start collagen synthesis, it just makes sense to combine treatments when you can—and that is exactly what Morpheus8 does.
Morph Your Skin with Morpheus8
Is Morpheus8 a microneedling technology or RF delivery device? It’s both, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of microneedling and RF at the same time rather than as back-to-back treatments. However, this isn’t simply a method that puts the two together. Morpheus8 microneedling needles have been expertly designed to penetrate to multiple depths at once, including a depth that is unprecedented by any other microneedling treatment. Creating micro-channels at just the right depths is crucial for getting collagen to be produced at the right level. After all, what is the point of collagen induction at a depth or level that it isn’t necessary?
While Morpheus8 provides microneedling at customized depths, it’s also delivering RF energy to those same levels. RF uses low-energy radiation that heats up deeper levels of the skin which, in turns, stimulates collagen production. When collagen is reintroduced, skin looks healthier, smoother, and clearer. Sagging is reduced, wrinkles lighten, and even scars can be reduced. RF (and microneedling) is safe for all skin tones and types. The major contraindication for Morpheus8 and any microneedling treatment is open lesions on the skin. Otherwise, Morpheus8 can go a long way in helping you clear up your skin and turn back the clock.
The Morpheus8 Difference
For those familiar with microneedling, the feel of Morpheus8 is not going to be much different. The heat from RF is rarely felt beyond a warming sensation and often mimics the heat of a traditional microneedling treatment. Although numbing topicals are available for sensitive skin, the vast majority of patients find that they do not need this extra aid. Morpheus8 can be used on virtually any part of the body, but the face remains the most popular.
After your treatment, skin can look a little pink for a few hours, but it is nothing that will get in the way of your daily tasks. However, it is a good idea to give your skin a few days rest between Morpheus8 and a big event. If you are thinking about committing to routine Morpheus8 treatments, keep in mind that results are slow and steady. Taking photos every month can help you track your progress.
You can also pair Morpheus8 with other, gentler in-office treatments such as dermaplaning or a facial. Dermaplaning will remove the skin’s peach fuzz so Morpheus8 can better access the skin’s surface. The micro-channels created by Morpheus8 allow topicals from a facial to best penetrate the skin. To design your customized skin care solution, contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or completing the online contact form.