is talking about Morpheus8 and posting about it on social media. Just in the last few weeks I’ve noticed Morgan Stewart, Catt Sadler and Hilary Rhoda all be vocal about it (in good ways).
So what is this procedure that can supposedly turn back the clock?
“Morpheus8 is a revolutionary noninvasive fractional skin treatment that remodels skin and soft tissue, stimulates collagen production and improves skin tone and texture,”says Adam R. Kolker, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., a doctor of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and an associate clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Using programmable radio frequency micro-needling technology, Morpheus8 delivers controlled energy deep into the dermis and the adipose planes beneath the skin of the face, neck and body to remodel, restore and rejuvenate skin appearance.”
He goes on to explain that, in contrast with traditional laser-light therapies that treat superficially and are restricted to only certain skin types, Morpheus8 deeply and effectively treats multiple skin and tissue planes and is applicable to a wide array of skin types.
But it can be painful.
Unlike Botox, which is pretty painless, depending on who you speak with, you’ll hear various levels of pain discussed when talking about Morpheus8 – though anecdotally people don’t say the pain stops them from repeating the treatment. “Topical anesthetic cream is used to numb the skin and makes the treatment comfortable and well tolerated for most,” says Dr. Kolker. “For those individuals who prefer, an oral medication regimen can be prescribed to further minimize any discomfort as desired.”
It requires several treatments.
According to Dr. Kolker noninvasive deep fractional energy delivery requires several treatments to achieve an exceptional cumulative effect. He recommends a foundational series of three treatments at four to six week intervals, followed by single maintenance treatments yearly or as needed (6 – 18 months).
The results are cumulative and generally last for one to two years. “Remember that we remain subject to genetics, gravity, sun and environmental stresses, so more or less frequent maintenance may be required for different individuals.”
How much money are we talking?
Pricing varies, but in NYC where Dr. Kolker practices, for example, a comprehensive three-treatment series package of Morpheus8 treatment of the face and neck (the most common combination), is $3800. For those that prefer, or for any future maintenance treatments as desired, a single, individual treatment session is $1500.
So, how does Morpheus8 compare to other treatments?
$3,800 is nothing to laugh at, but according to Dr. Kolker that’s because Morpheus8 is a groundbreaking, highly evolved fractional treatment.
“Most other non-invasive technologies cannot match the depth of penetration and focus exclusively on either pigmentation, texture or tone; Morpheus8 targets all of these with a single treatment modality. Further, in comparison with other common non-invasives that are laser- or light-based and restricted to a narrow range of skin-pigment types, Morpheus is largely ‘color-blind,’ and can be used to treat a wide variety of skin types. Morpheus8 can also result in skin tightening and remodeling that improves the way your skin ages over time.”
