Radiofrequency or microneedling? How about both?

It’s not exactly cosmetic surgery but it isn’t a run-of-the-mill facial experience either. We’re describing “tweakments”, or subtle aesthetic procedures such as lasers, injectables, electromagnetic pulses and now…something called radiofrequency microneedling. All of these are gaining momentum as pandemic restrictions ease and women (and men) are once again emerging from their hideouts looking a bit like Tom Hanks in Castaway.

But hold that chemical peel, honey, because there’s a new high-tech skin tightening device in town. It’s one that’s been attracting heaps of attention even among the Hollywood set: the Morpheus8, a device that uses radiofrequency microneedling, the new buzzword in beauty.

Last year, Kim Kardashian posted an IG video of herself trying out the Morpheus8 on her postpartum body. And Amanda Holden of Britain’s Got Talent fame called it “the best hour investment for looking at least five years younger.”

The Morpheus8 works wonders because it combines two of the most effective salon treatments – radiofrequency and microneedling. And because it yields better results than getting those procedures individually, it’s been likened to “microneedling on steroids”.

But if the idea of getting pricked on your face and body repeatedly for 20 minutes – yes, that’s how short the procedure is! – sounds about as appealing as life back in 2020, medical director of Aesthetic Loft, Dr Shane Alexander Abucewicz Tan, will put your mind at ease. Here, he explains why Morpheus8 is a buzzword right now – and why it might be just the thing we need.

How does the Morpheus8 work?

It’s a skin tightening device uses 24 tiny needles to bypass the skin barrier and deliver collagen-stimulating radiofrequency energy up to 4mm beneath the surface of the skin to create controlled microdamage. This kick-starts a wound-healing response and promotes cell turnover and production in the skin.

As the injuries heal and the skin produces capillaries, collagen and elastin, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and photodamage are reduced.

There are many other skin-tightening devices. How does the Morpheus8 compare?

While similar devices have been in the market for some time, most of them have been used in more superficial treatment of the skin (such as in post-acne scarring). The Morpheus8, however, has certain tweaks in its mechanics that allow it to produce much more significant effects on deeper tissue. As such, it offers the deepest penetration depth and thus works on fat tissues as well.

The Morpheus8 is a much more effective device for fat and skin tightening and stretch-mark management. Competitor products like Ultherapy (which I also have) and Thermage cost more but deliver less prominent results.

What should we be aware of before signing up for it?

The Morpheus8, being a minimally invasive instead of non-invasive procedure, has a short downtime of swelling and redness for two to three days.

It’s also a tightening device, and it does just that – tighten. It doesn’t replace volume. As such, it won’t replace procedures such as fillers; in fact, they are actually complementary to the Morpheus8! As we age, we experience deeper volume loss and more superficial tissue laxity; tighten the upper layers and give a little boost of volume to the deeper layers and you can erase years.

Does longer downtime translate to greater risk of side effects?

Yes, but only rarely, if done properly. Mild side effects of radiofrequency microneedling include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks that take several weeks to clear, while major side effects from over-enthusiastic use include physical scarring. The biggest piece of advice when undergoing treatment with the Morpheus8 is to ensure your practitioner has good experience with it and patient load to show for it.

Who are good candidates for the Morpheus8?

It’s safe for use even in darker skin types. But Caucasians tend to have less swelling and downtime than Asian skin types.

Does it work on all parts of the body?

Indeed! I use it to manage postpartum stretch marks with results I’ve not been able to produce previously with other devices. It’s my go-to for scars, stretch marks, general lifting and tightening. I also use it on lax skin around the arms, elbows, knees, back and double chin area.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of radiofrequency microneedling sessions during the initial intense treatment period depends on the issue being managed as well as its severity. For patients just looking for a good tightening, a single session with maintenance sessions done once a year is sufficient. Patients with moderate to more severe laxity would benefit most from a series of two to three sessions, each a month apart, followed by maintenance sessions done yearly. Scars and stretch marks typically need three to four monthly sessions to get the best results, though patients do typically see good outcomes after two sessions or so.

Can the Morpheus8 be combined with other treatments?

Yes, it can – and it should! Combining the procedure with ablative lasers for superficial skin and scar remodelling is a good combination to ensure optimal outcomes.​ Furthermore, adding stimulatory treatments such as Profhilo could provide damaged tissue with the nutrients it needs for cellular growth and tissue remodelling.

The need for other treatments will be decided during your consultation and advised if necessary.

Written in collaboration with:

The Aesthetic Loft Clinic
#03-13 SBF Medical Suites, 60 Robinson Road
6242 6404 | aestheticloftclinic.com

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