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Is Morpheus8 the Most Powerful Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Treatment Yet?
AUTHOR - DR. DAVID JACK
In the world of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, few technologies have generated as much buzz recently as Morpheus8. Touted by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and aesthetic doctors worldwide, this game-changing device merges microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target multiple layers of the skin in ways that are not possible with other non-surgical skin treatments. Morpheus8 is unique among it’s competitors in that it offers a more customisable solution (compared to other fractional radio frequency devices) for many different skin issues whether you’re tackling under eye bags, sagging skin, stubborn fat under the chin or even stretchmarks due to it’s modifiable energy delivery and depth of application. In this article, I explore Morpheus8 to help you understand what it is, how it works, its specific applications and what you need to know before and after treatment.
Morpheus8: How it works and it’s unique attributes
Morpheus8 is a fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device developed by InMode that uses ultrafine, titanium needles which are insulated with a layer of gold, to penetrate the skin and deliver RF energy into the dermis and subdermis. This controlled thermal and mechanical injury triggers the skin’s natural healing response, promoting collagen production, elastin remodelling, and fat remodelling.
Unlike other fractional radiofrequency devices, energy delivery from Morpheus8 is unique in that it is only released from the tips of the pins (not the shaft) by virtue of it’s patented gold coating, to avoid over-damaging tissue. This in turn limits the amount of damaging inflammation and potential side effects, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling also has the ability to reach deeper into the skin compared to all other devices of it’s type - up to 7mm - allowing targeting of multiple layers of the skin in one treatment. This allows your practitioner to precisely target the skin for tightening treatments, and also deeper treatments to also target subcutaneous fat, should fat reduction be desirable (for example under the chin, or on body areas). This makes it one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available for skin tightening, body contouring and textural improvements.
Morpheus8 for Skin Tightening
If you’re struggling with loose or crepey skin, for example in ageing facial skin or even post-pregnancy loose skin on the body, Morpheus8 for skin tightening is one of the most effective non-invasive options on the market. The delivery of radiofrequency energy to the dermis of the skin causes contraction of existing collagen fibres while also stimulating the formation of new collagen, leading to firmer, smoother skin over a period of 3–6 months post-treatment.
Morpheus8 is particularly effective on the lower face, jawline, neck and décolleté - all areas prone to skin laxity with age. Areas such as the abdomen can also significantly benefit from Morpheus8 treatments to improve lax skin. Many patients notice improvement after a single session, though a course of two to three treatments (around a month apart) is typically recommended for optimal results. Patients often will repeat one or two treatments again after a year.
Morpheus8 for Double Chin
One of the standout applications of Morpheus8 is treating double chin concerns, more so than other radiofrequency microneedling treatments by virtue of it’s ability to treat the skin at multiple depths in the same session. Not only can it be used to tighten the skin under the chin and jawline, but it can also be set to a deeper level to reduce the appearance of submental fat and tighten the deeper fascia in this area. This dual action of dermal collagen stimulation and fat remodelling can help to redefine the contour of the lower face and neck without surgery, or even injectables. When paired with other treatments like fat-dissolving injections or laser lipolysis, the results can be even more dramatic.
Controversy around Morpheus8 and Facial Fat Loss
There has been some discussion around Morpheus8 and facial fat loss, particularly in leaner patients or those receiving high energy settings, especially when poorly trained or inexperienced practitioners perform the treatment without correct consideration of the anatomical layers of the face. By treating the skin correctly, where fat loss is not desired - there is virtually no risk of unwanted fat loss, aligning with the scientific literature on this treatment.
Conversely, in areas where there is unwanted fat, Morpheus8 can be used to reduce pockets of stubborn fat. This fat-reducing function of Morpheus8 is typically used under the chin, along the jowls or buccal fat reduction on the face, as well as body areas where there are pockets of stubborn fat. It is particularly useful in patients who have lost weight but are struggling to target these small pockets - especially there is some accompanying skin laxity. Such cases should only be handled by highly experienced medically qualified practitioners who can carefully plan treatments to avoid unwanted fat volume loss. Compared to other fractional RF devices, Morpheus8 has the safety benefit that practitioners can adjust the depth and energy settings to focus purely on skin tightening in thinner individuals, thereby minimising risk of undesired fat loss.
Morpheus8 for Under-eye Bags
Treating the delicate under-eye area requires precision and skill, and whilst blepharoplasty surgery is probably the most definitive option in this area, Morpheus8 is a useful option in treating issues such as festoons, crepey under-eye skin and eye bags. Indeed, Morpheus8 is used by many Oculoplastic surgeons alongside blepharoplasty surgery to improve skin quality. Using low settings and low penetration depths, Morpheus8 can tighten thin undereye skin, reduce puffiness and stimulate collagen and elastin production to smooth out fine lines and crepey texture.
Because this area has thinner skin and less fat, settings are typically adjusted to be gentler, with shallower needle depth and reduced radiofrequency energy settings. Patients often report improved skin quality and a more rested appearance, with minimal downtime. In my clinics, we often combine this treatment with other treatments, such as Polynucleotide injections to further enhance results.
Morpheus8 for Body Contouring
There is a growing evidence base for the use of Morpheus8 for body contouring procedures, particularly in the post-pregnancy and post-bariatric (weight loss) group of patients, where skin laxity and mild fat excess is present. Due to it’s ability to target both the skin and subcutaneous fat (up to 7mm depth), Morpheus8 Body can both reduce pockets of body fat, whilst also tightening skin concurrently. Morpheus8 Body has also been upgraded with ‘burst’ technology, which allows more efficient multi-layer targeting. Generally, three to four body treatments will be recommended, about a month apart, for best results.
Morpheus8 for Stretchmarks
Another growing application is Morpheus8 for stretchmarks. Although stretchmarks are difficult to treat, many patients so see some improvements after a course of Morpheus8. While no treatment can completely erase stretchmarks, the degree of dermal remodelling possible with Morpheus8 can help improve skin texture and tone to reduce the appearance of stretchmarks anywhere on the body. Morpheus8 is particularly useful for stretchmarks on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or breasts. A series of treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typically recommended, and again, combination treatments with other biostimulators, such as Polynucleotides, may further enhance results.
Is Morpheus8 painful?
One of the most commonly encountered concerns around Morpheus8 is discomfort during the treatments. Many patients will read online that the treatment may be painful, so avoid it for this reason. Good anaesthetic technique in the hands of an experienced practitioner can almost eliminate all pain from this procedure. In my clinics, we offer a few different techniques - either injections of local anaesthetic (for body treatments) or using an exceptionally strong local anaesthetic cream (which we have specially formulated) for 90 minutes. Most patients are surprised about how painless their procedures are with the latter method!
Morpheus8 Aftercare: What to Expect Post-Treatment
Proper Morpheus8 aftercare is essential for achieving optimal results and avoiding complications. Immediately after the procedure, the skin will appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a sunburn. Tiny pinpoint marks may be visible where the needles entered the skin.
Aftercare tips include:
• Avoid makeup for at least 24–48 hours.
• Use gentle, non-active skincare - no retinoids, acids or exfoliants for 3-4 days.
• Apply a healing ointment or barrier cream as recommended by your practitioner.
• Avoid sun exposure and always use a broad-spectrum SPF.
• No intense workouts, saunas, or hot baths for 48 hours post-treatment.
• Keep the skin hydrated with simple moisturisers.
Most patients experience mild flaking or dryness as the skin renews, and improvements in texture and tightness continue for up to 12 weeks.
Is Morpheus8 Right for You?
Whether you’re in your 30s looking for preventative skin tightening or you’re in your 50s or 60s wanting to lift and smooth without surgery, Morpheus8 offers a powerful, versatile solution for all of these issues. With applications ranging from skin tightening and under eye rejuvenation to targeting a double chin and treating stretchmarks, this multi-depth technology delivers visible, lasting results with minimal downtime and risk.
It should be clear that the key to a successful outcome lies in choosing a skilled provider who understands the technology and how to tailor the settings to your skin type, age, and facial structure. This is especially essential when it comes to preventing unwanted facial fat loss. With the right technique and a careful aftercare routine, Morpheus8 can transform your skin with minimal downtime and maximum impact.
Sources
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https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.15231
Sharkov, E. (2023). Lower Body Lift Procedures in Combination with Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Techniques. In Body Contouring Surgery: The Role of Non-Invasive, Minimal-Invasive and Surgical Technologies (pp. 95-99). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-33350-7_10
Stein, M. J., Vranis, N. M., & Aston, S. J. (2025). An Anatomical Approach to Radiofrequency-Assisted Facial Rejuvenation: Beyond the Treatment Gap. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 45(Supplement_1), S1-S9.
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/45/Supplement_1/S1/7958338
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