Facial microneedling, or microneedling, is a cosmetic medicine treatment that has been gaining popularity due to its various benefits for the skin. It is a non-invasive technique that uses small needles to pierce the skin and stimulate collagen production.
With the evolution of Cosmetic Medicine, an even more effective treatment emerged, called Morpheus 8, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency. It is this treatment that we will focus on throughout this article.
Next, we will explore the benefits of microneedling on the face, with a particular focus on Morpheus 8, its effectiveness in treating blemishes, sagging, wrinkles, enlarged pores and scars, in addition to discussing related topics, such as price, number of required sessions, recovery time, expected results, skin care after the procedure, among others.
Facial microneedling: what it is used for
Facial microneedling has multiple therapeutic purposes and cosmetic benefits, namely:
- Reduces blemishes;
- Reduces acne scars;
- Improves sagging skin;
- Smoothes wrinkles and expression lines;
- Reduces the appearance of enlarged pores;
- Soothes scars.
Blemishes
Facial microneedling has been shown to be effective in treating blemishes. Microtraumas stimulate cell renewal and the production of uniform melanin, resulting in clearer, more uniform skin over time.
Acne scars
Microneedling can also be an effective option for improving acne scars. Microperforations stimulate skin regeneration and collagen production, helping to reduce inflammation and the appearance of the scars.
Sagging
By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, microneedling can improve facial sagging. As the skin regenerates, it becomes firmer and more toned, resulting in a younger, more revitalized appearance.
Wrinkles
Microneedling helps smooth fine and deep wrinkles. The healing process that occurs after microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which increase the firmness and texture of the skin, thus improving the appearance of wrinkles.
Enlarged pores
Likewise, collagen helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of pores.
How does it work?
Microneedling is a technique that creates microscopic holes in the skin, crossing the epidermis and exposing the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Through microtrauma, this procedure stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and other substances important for the health and appearance of the skin.
In the case of Morpheus 8, the small needles that pierce the skin also apply radiofrequency energy.
Living Clinic’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Francisco Martins Carvalho, explains: “Piercing the skin with needles causes microtrauma that will trigger the production of new collagen in the skin. In parallel, radiofrequency will promote electrocoagulation in tissues, which will improve the texture and appearance of the skin in addition to achieving greater firmness.”
One of the advantages of Morpheus 8 is that it allows us to customize the depth at which we want the radiofrequency to act, thus making it possible to treat the superficial, intermediate or deep level according to the needs or parts of the body.
That’s why Morpheus 8 is the most effective microneedling treatment for sagging skin, wrinkles, blemishes and scars.
What body areas can be treated?
Morpheus 8 can be applied to many parts of the body, including the face, neck, abdomen, buttocks, chest, arms or legs.
How many sessions are necessary?
What we most often recommend are 3 sessions spaced over 4 weeks. However, the number of sessions required will depend from case to case. In many cases 1 session has proven enough for a very satisfied patient.
How long does each microneedling sessions last?
A Morpheus 8 facial session lasts up to 30 minutes while a body session lasts up to 60 minutes.
Does microneedling hurt?
Different people tolerate pain differently. That’s why Living Clinic developed a powerful anesthetic topical that allows for a great reduction in the sensation of pain during the Morpheus 8 procedure. Whether on the face or body, the application is always carried out.
Recovery period
Recovery time after microneedling can vary from person to person, but is generally quite short. In the first 2-3 days after the procedure, there may be some redness, swelling and sensitivity of the skin. However, these symptoms usually disappear quickly, and most people can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Microneedling side effects
Microneedling on the face using Morpheus 8 is very safe and has virtually no risks or side effects. It is a treatment approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and, therefore, you can rest assured.
In addition to being approved by the FDA, there are already several scientific studies that prove the effectiveness and safety of this treatment. Some examples:
- Dermatologic facial applications of Morpheus8 fractional radiofrequency microneedling
- A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy Performance of the Morpheus8 Applicator for the Treatment of Cellulite: A Case Series
- Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity
- Adjustable Depth Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Minimally Invasive Combination Treatment for Skin Laxity
- Review of Applications of Microneedling in Dermatology
The only thing that may appear, as previously mentioned, is a slight redness, heat or swelling immediately after the treatment, which disappears within a few days. Over time, as your skin regenerates, you will notice an improvement in texture, tone and firmness, resulting in a healthier, more youthful appearance.
A spot of blood may also appear in a needle mark. The dots left by the needles are visible in the first few days but disappear completely after about 15 days.
What results to expect?
In a few days you should start to notice an improvement in the texture of your skin. The production of collagen and elastin is a time-consuming process and as such, the complete results of better texture and greater skin firmness (including reductions in localized fat) appear after around 3 months. However, after 6 weeks you will be able to see significant improvements.
Post treatment care
After microneedling on your face, you should avoid sun exposure for the first 15 days. Whenever you really have to go out, you should use at least 30% sunscreen to avoid hyperpigmentation.
You should also hydrate your skin well and drink lots of water.
Deeper Morpheus 8 treatments can leave significant channels in the skin during the first 72 hours, so during this period you can apply medical cream to enhance the results of the treatment.
Benefits of Morpheus 8 facial microneedling
The Morpheus 8 treatment has numerous benefits, namely:
- It is a minimally invasive treatment;
- Treatments are quick, between 30 and 60 minutes (depending on the location of the treatment);
- It is practically painless (the prior application of anaesthetic makes the treatment easy to bear);
- The equipment’s adjustable parameters allow you to fully customize the treatment to the patient’s needs;
- Recovery is simple and quick.
Who performs the treatment?
Given the complexity of the treatment, at Living Clinic, it is carried out by plastic surgeons or dermatologists, contrary to what happens in most aesthetic clinics.
Price for microneedling
The price of Morpheus8 essentially varies depending on the area to be covered. Prices per session are as follows:
Facial: 400€
Facial + Neck: 500€
Body (small area, eg: abdomen): 450€
Corpo (large area, eg: thighs): 650€
Facial microneedling with Morpheus8: before and after
Check out more clinical cases in Microneedling Before and After
Schedule an appointment
Don’t wait any longer to improve yourself. Try microneedling at Living Clinic (through Morpheus 8) and discover what this procedure can do for your face and self-esteem. Schedule an appointment today at our Cosmetic Medicine Clinic in Porto!
Plastic surgeon
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He completed his degree in Medicine at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto and the Internship in Specific Training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery took place at Hospital de São José (Lisbon) and Hospital de São João (Oporto).
He currently also works at the Hospital de São João – Porto, and is an Invited Lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto.
In the field of cosmetic surgery, he has a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery, breast cosmetic surgery, body contouring surgery and vaginal cosmetic surgery.
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