Treatment Overview
Remodel Your Skin From Within With Morpheus8 in San Francisco
Morpheus8 combines the best in multi-depth microneedling therapy with radiofrequency (RF) energy for dermal remodeling that promotes health even as it reshapes skin contours.
You’ll see plumper, tighter skin with improved elasticity for years to come. Imagine those wrinkles, lines, and scars becoming less visible—or disappearing. Plus, as fresh, healthy cells replace older ones, your skin will glow!
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Targets
Skin laxity, crepiness, collagen stimulation, enlarged pores, fine lines, acne scars, mild body laxity (especially abdomen, arms, knees)
Overview
Morpheus8 technology uses fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy indicated for the face, neck, chest, and back of hands, as well as body areas. RF energy induces skin tightening, which improves the appearance of rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and depressed scars such as acne scars. The treatment also induces skin rejuvenation by heating of the dermis which stimulates collagen production and skin tightening.
Morpheus8 Body handpiece is specifically used to treat areas of the body such as upper arms, abdomen, abdominal stretch marks, cellulite, among other indications.
Treatment Plan
Treatments are typically performed in a series of three, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and then once yearly for maintenance. Number and frequency of treatments varies depending on your skin type and treatment area. Results will typically last 2-5 years.
What To Expect
If it’s your first time receiving a Morpheus8 treatment, don’t worry because you’re in good hands! You’ll first have an initial consultation with the provider to assess your goals and develop a treatment plan.
On the day of treatment, a strong topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area for 45 – 60 minutes. After this, you’ll be given ProNox™ to breathe through, which is an FDA-cleared blend of 50/50 nitrous oxide and oxygen, designed to optimize your comfort.
The Morpheus8® treatment typically takes about 40 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. Immediate aftercare includes AnteAGE® stem cell-derived growth factor solution and a hydrating mask to expedite the healing process and further boost collagen production.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
One Month Prior to Treatment
- No intentional tanning; daily broad-spectrum SPF.
- If prone to hyperpigmentation, your provider may recommend pre-treatment pigment suppression cream prior to your treatment.
Seven Days Prior to Treatment
- Avoid NSAIDs/blood-thinning supplements if medically safe: ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo, fish oil, etc. If prescribed anticoagulants, do not stop without approval of the prescribing clinician.
- Hold topical irritants : retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid waxing/depilatories/tweezing/bleaching/dermaplaning on the treatment area.
Two Days Prior to Treatment
- If history of HSV/cold sores around the treatment area, discuss with your medical provider about starting an antiviral medication.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Facial hair in men should be trimmed 24-48 hours prior to treatment.
Day of Treatment
- Hydrate & eat a snack beforehand.
- Tylenol may be taken pre-visit to reduce discomfort (avoid NSAIDs unless your clinician approves).
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup/lotion/perfume).
- Expect topical numbing ~45-60 minutes. The treatment is typically ~40 min (can be longer depending on area and treatment density).
- Following treatment, the team provides post-care along with detailed instructions and recommended products.
Aftercare & Recovery
- Results take time, typically 2-3 months after your first treatment.
- Mild redness and swelling typically occur after treatment and will last for 5-10 days for the face and approximately 10-14 days in areas of the nexk and body where healing typically takes longer.
- You may resume normal activity immediately; however, we do recommend avoiding intense exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to help reduce any swelling.
- Swelling is common, especially around the eyes and under the chin. To help reduce swelling, it is recommended to sleep with 2 pillows during the first few days of recovery.
- Washing your face with a gentle face wash is okay!
What to Avoid
- Avoid getting shampoo/conditioner on treated skin for the first 72 hours
- No picking/scrubbing/exfoliating tools or brushes until fully healed.
- Avoid retinoids, acids, vitamin C and exfoliants until cleared at follow-up session (commonly ~2 weeks).
- Avoid overheating/heavy sweating, or exercise until redness resolves.
- Avoid shaving/swimming/hot tubs/saunas, make up until healed.
- Avoid direct sun exposure; strict photoprotection is mandatory.
- Do not apply pressure to the treated area, no facial massages, no Hydrafacial® for 24 hours after your treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Morpheus8 treatment include local pain, skin redness (erythema), and swelling (edema). Less frequently, the following side effects may occur: damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, burn), change of skin pigmentation (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation), and scarring. Although these effects are rare and expected to be temporary, redness and swelling may last up to 3 weeks and are part of a normal reaction to the treatment. Burns and resulting pigmentation change and scarring are rare and may happen in dark skin that is not taken care of according to instructions. Tiny scabs appear on the face for a few days as a part of a normal healing, however make-up may be applied as soon as 3 days after the session to mask them and residual redness. Adverse side effects are uncommon but may occur.
Post-Care Instructions
Keep skin CLEAN and MOISTURIZED. If your skin is dry to the touch, re-apply the recommended skin care products. You may need to re-apply moisturizer 5x per day – that’s ok! Sun avoidance and mineral sunscreen on the following day are essential.
Day Zero (procedure day)
- In the evening, gently rinse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat dry with clean towels. Wash hands before applying skincare, reapply a thin layer of the provided post-procedure cream/occlusive, and keep skin moist as directed (thermal water spray may be used).
- Change to a clean pillowcase every night for the next 3 days.
- If significant swelling occurs, cold compresses as needed; sleep with head elevated (2 pillows) first night to limit swelling; antihistamines such as Zyrtec may be recommended for patients prone to swelling.
- Take Tylenol for pain.
- Continue to take your antiviral medication if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Day One -Seven
- Cleanse twice daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser; pat dry. Do not rub or scrub.
- Moisturize generously and reapply post-procedure cream/occlusive as needed to prevent dryness.
- Avoid all actives (retinoids, acids, vitamin C, exfoliants).
- Begin broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ once the skin tolerates it (commonly the next day); apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure for the first 7 days; continue diligent sun protection thereafter as advised.
Day Seven – Fourteen
- Resume retinoids/acids/exfoliants only when fully healed
Side Effects
Common side effects of HALO Tribrid® treatment include feeling of warmth, swelling, peeling/MENDs, and transient pigment darkening as spots lift. Rarely, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (higher risk with sun exposure, picking, or in patients with more melanated skin), infection, HSV flare) may occur.
Call immediately for signs of infection/complication:
- Drainage that looks like pus, rapidly worsening redness, severe warmth, fever, blistering
- Severe pain out of proportion, spreading rash, or any concern for burn/scar
- New neurologic symptoms (numbness/weakness) (very rare)
- Prolonged hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
If you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call: (415) 400-5315 or email us at hello@elineasf.com.
One Month Prior to Treatment
- No intentional tanning; daily broad-spectrum SPF.
- If prone to hyperpigmentation, your provider may recommend pre-treatment pigment suppression cream prior to your treatment.
Seven Days Prior to Treatment
- Avoid NSAIDs/blood-thinning supplements if medically safe: ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo, fish oil, etc. If prescribed anticoagulants, do not stop without approval of the prescribing clinician.
- Hold topical irritants : retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide.
- Avoid waxing/depilatories/tweezing/bleaching/dermaplaning on the treatment area.
Two Days Prior to Treatment
- If history of HSV/cold sores around the treatment area, discuss with your medical provider about starting an antiviral medication.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Facial hair in men should be trimmed 24-48 hours prior to treatment.
Day of Treatment
- Hydrate & eat a snack beforehand.
- Tylenol may be taken pre-visit to reduce discomfort (avoid NSAIDs unless your clinician approves).
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup/lotion/perfume).
- Expect topical numbing ~45-60 minutes. The treatment is typically ~40 min (can be longer depending on area and treatment density).
- Following treatment, the team provides post-care along with detailed instructions and recommended products.
Aftercare & Recovery
- Results take time, typically 2-3 months after your first treatment.
- Mild redness and swelling typically occur after treatment and will last for 5-10 days for the face and approximately 10-14 days in areas of the nexk and body where healing typically takes longer.
- You may resume normal activity immediately; however, we do recommend avoiding intense exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to help reduce any swelling.
- Swelling is common, especially around the eyes and under the chin. To help reduce swelling, it is recommended to sleep with 2 pillows during the first few days of recovery.
- Washing your face with a gentle face wash is okay!
What to Avoid
- Avoid getting shampoo/conditioner on treated skin for the first 72 hours
- No picking/scrubbing/exfoliating tools or brushes until fully healed.
- Avoid retinoids, acids, vitamin C and exfoliants until cleared at follow-up session (commonly ~2 weeks).
- Avoid overheating/heavy sweating, or exercise until redness resolves.
- Avoid shaving/swimming/hot tubs/saunas, make up until healed.
- Avoid direct sun exposure; strict photoprotection is mandatory.
- Do not apply pressure to the treated area, no facial massages, no Hydrafacial® for 24 hours after your treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Morpheus8 treatment include local pain, skin redness (erythema), and swelling (edema). Less frequently, the following side effects may occur: damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, burn), change of skin pigmentation (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation), and scarring. Although these effects are rare and expected to be temporary, redness and swelling may last up to 3 weeks and are part of a normal reaction to the treatment. Burns and resulting pigmentation change and scarring are rare and may happen in dark skin that is not taken care of according to instructions. Tiny scabs appear on the face for a few days as a part of a normal healing, however make-up may be applied as soon as 3 days after the session to mask them and residual redness. Adverse side effects are uncommon but may occur.
Post-Care Instructions
Keep skin CLEAN and MOISTURIZED. If your skin is dry to the touch, re-apply the recommended skin care products. You may need to re-apply moisturizer 5x per day – that’s ok! Sun avoidance and mineral sunscreen on the following day are essential.
Day Zero (procedure day)
- In the evening, gently rinse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat dry with clean towels. Wash hands before applying skincare, reapply a thin layer of the provided post-procedure cream/occlusive, and keep skin moist as directed (thermal water spray may be used).
- Change to a clean pillowcase every night for the next 3 days.
- If significant swelling occurs, cold compresses as needed; sleep with head elevated (2 pillows) first night to limit swelling; antihistamines such as Zyrtec may be recommended for patients prone to swelling.
- Take Tylenol for pain.
- Continue to take your antiviral medication if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Day One -Seven
- Cleanse twice daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser; pat dry. Do not rub or scrub.
- Moisturize generously and reapply post-procedure cream/occlusive as needed to prevent dryness.
- Avoid all actives (retinoids, acids, vitamin C, exfoliants).
- Begin broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ once the skin tolerates it (commonly the next day); apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure for the first 7 days; continue diligent sun protection thereafter as advised.
Day Seven – Fourteen
- Resume retinoids/acids/exfoliants only when fully healed
Side Effects
Common side effects of HALO Tribrid® treatment include feeling of warmth, swelling, peeling/MENDs, and transient pigment darkening as spots lift. Rarely, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (higher risk with sun exposure, picking, or in patients with more melanated skin), infection, HSV flare) may occur.
Call immediately for signs of infection/complication:
- Drainage that looks like pus, rapidly worsening redness, severe warmth, fever, blistering
- Severe pain out of proportion, spreading rash, or any concern for burn/scar
- New neurologic symptoms (numbness/weakness) (very rare)
- Prolonged hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
If you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call: (415) 400-5315 or email us at hello@elineasf.com.
Ready to get started?
FAQs
Morpheus8 tightens skin, smooths texture (including scars), and improves skin health in many treatment areas, including:
- Forehead
- Brows
- Under-eye
- Nasolabial folds
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jowls
- Jawline
- Double-chin
- Chest
- Back
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
During your free consultation, you’ll define your target areas for dermal renewal. They’re chosen by issues you want to address/improve, including:
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Scarring
- Volume loss
- Enlarged pores
Adult women & men who are generally healthy make good candidates for Morpheus8. You’ll have the desire to address skin concerns including aging, scarring, or sagging skin anywhere on your body, and/or you wish to address melasma, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage.
Morpheus8 delivers RF microneedling for fractional coagulation of subcutaneous tissue. The dual hand-pieces allow your provider to achieve different depths of treatment. The microneedling uses a grid of extremely small needs to create micro-injuries to the skin. Simultaneously, RF energy is delivered at the tips of the needles, generating heat in the deeper dermal layers.
Both of these initiate a cascade of events to heal the damage. Your body begins to create even more new collagen and elastin for added volume and improved hydration. New, healthy skin cells also replace the old, dull cells in the treatment area for more even skin tone, tighter and softer skin, and a healthier glow.
Please inform the treating provider prior to treatment if you have any of the following conditions that may make you unsuitable for Morpheus8 treatments.
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Pacemaker or internal defibrillator or any electronic implant such as a glucose monitor
- Permanent implant in the treated area such as metal plates and screws or silicone implants
- Current or history of cancer, especially skin cancer or pre-malignant moles
- Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases or use of immunosuppressive medications
- History of cold sores around the treatment area
- Any active condition in the treatment area such as sores, psoriasis, eczema and rash as well as excessively / freshly tanned skin
- History of keloid scarring
- Any surgical, invasive, ablative procedures in the treatment area in the last 3 months or before complete healing
- Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment
If you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call: (415) 400-5315 or email us at hello@elineasf.com.
