Morpheus8™ Treatment in Houston & Sugar Land, TX
If you’re looking around Dr. Altamira’s website, you’ve probably heard of microneedling for improving your skin through hundreds of tiny punctures. And you may have heard of radiofrequency energy being used to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production.
What if you combined microneedling with deeply delivered radiofrequency energy?
You’d have Morpheus8™. Dr. Altamira offers this revolutionary skin improvement treatment for our patients from around the Houston/Sugar Land area.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8™ combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivery. It does so by delivering the RF energy when the microneedling pins are at their full depth. This means the RF energy doesn’t have to work to penetrate the outer epidermis; the pins allow the energy to be delivered directly into the dermis, where collagen production is triggered.
In this way, Morpheus8™ provides the superficial skin improvements of microneedling with the deep tissue collagen boost of radiofrequency energy.
Who is a candidate for Morpheus8?
If you have loose or sagging skin on your face, neck, or body, Morpheus8™ is a good treatment to tighten these areas up. Both men and women with sun damaged skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and overall dull skin are great candidates for these treatments at Dr. Altamira’s. These are not invasive treatments and there is only minimal recovery, so there aren’t any limitations.
If you have an active skin condition, such as eczema, you should wait for the flare-up to resolve before having Morpheus8™.
What is the Morpheus8 procedure like?
For your Morpheus8™ treatment at our Houston or Sugar Land offices, we ask you to arrive about one hour before we’ll start your treatment. We apply topical numbing anesthetic, and it takes about one hour to fully numb your treatment areas. Once this has fully taken effect we get started. The procedure is simple. You lie on our treatment table, and the Morpheus8™ handpiece is placed onto your skin. The microneedles extend and penetrate your skin at a set depth of up to 4mm. When they reach their depth the gold-plated tips of the microneedles deliver a pulse of radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis layer or fat layer (depending on the penetration depth). This energy heats the dermis. When the body senses heat in the dermis layer, it assumes there has been a wound, so it initiates a wound-healing response. This involves remodeling all existing collagen in the area, and then beginning the production of new collagen. Since collagen provides the skin’s structural support latticework, this instantly tightens the skin and then the increased collagen continues to build your results.
We move the handpiece in a coordinated path, placing it, activating the needles, and then moving it to the next adjacent spot. This is continued until we have completely covered your treatment areas.
What areas can be treated with Morpheus8?
Dr. Altamira likes the adjustability of Morpheus8™. The microneedle penetration can be adjusted all the way up to 4mm of depth. This allows us to use Morpheus8™ on areas with thin skin, such as the forehead, by simply shortening the needle penetration. The extra depth is great for areas of thicker skin, such as the cheeks. Morpheus8™ can be used just about anywhere on the face, neck, and body. We use Morpheus8 on areas you’d never think of treating with laser energy, such as the delicate tissues around the mouth and the upper and lower eyelids.
Here are specific areas Dr. Altamira treats with Morpheus8™:
- Entire face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Areas with stretch marks
- Post-surgical scars
- Banana roll under the buttocks
- Knees
What kinds of skin issues can Morpheus8 improve?
These treatments improve various skin problems:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dull tissue
- Large pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne scars
- Active acne
- Skin laxity
- Stretch marks
What is recovery like after Morpheus8 treatment?
After your Morpheus8™ session, your skin will be red, and you’ll likely have some mild swelling. As a response to the microneedling, your skin in the treated areas will feel tight and may be a little shiny for 3-5 days. At the sites of the hundreds of microscopic punctures, you may have small, flaky scabs and some light peeling skin. If you keep your skin moisturized, all of this can be effectively dealt with. You will need to protect your skin with 30+ SPF sunscreen or just avoid the sun for a couple weeks, as it will be susceptible to UV radiation. Patients can usually return to work the next day, but you may want to give your skin a day to calm down.
Are there any risks involved with Morpheus8?
An advantage of using RF energy to heat tissues and generate new collagen and elastin production, as opposed to lasers (which use higher-frequency light waves), is that lower frequency RF energy can safely penetrate to a deep level, without damaging the surface skin. Lasers generally work to improve the surface skin, as that is where the energy is absorbed. This is also why RF energy is safe for patients with darker skin tones, while laser treatments can cause hyperpigmentation.
Bottom line? Radiofrequency energy has been studied extensively for its impact on humans and found to be safe. The main risk associated with the use of this form of energy is the potential for burns, but Morpheus8™ delivers its RF energy in a completely controlled method. If the skin temperature rises above where it should be the system shuts down.
Morpheus8™ has been cleared by the FDA for skin tightening.
How many Morpheus8 treatments are recommended?
We’ve found that anywhere from one to four Morpheus8™ treatments can achieve the skin tightening our patients from Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding areas seek. Each of these treatments should be spaced from three to five weeks apart. This time frame allows your skin to fully heal and for the ramp-up in collagen production to fully take hold. After your series, occasional maintenance treatments will work to keep your collagen production at an elevated level.
Morpheus8 Body
Morpheus8 Body is designed for deep fractional coagulation of subcutaneous tissue. Morpheus8 Body with 3D Smart Frame and Burst technology provides up to 8mm of deep treatment (thermal profile of 7mm + an additional heat profile of 1mm).
Morpheus8™ for body is an advanced radiofrequency microneedling procedure that utilizes the deepest fractional technology available to treat areas of the body such as the stomach, thighs, and knees. It works by remodeling and contouring the underlying tissues.
As with Morpheus8, Morpheus8 Body helps promote collagen and elastin production to restore and rejuvenate damaged tissue. However, Morpheus8 Body was designed to treat large body areas efficiently and at unrivaled depth, delivering bipolar radio frequency energy that treats multiple levels of body tissue at once. Morpheus8 Body allows for full-body treatment in a fraction of the time previously required, reducing skin injury and helping ensure uniform treatment.
Because Morpheus8 Body microneedles penetrate the subdermal layer of the skin, it is an effective tool for almost anywhere on the body. Its 8 mm depth is double the depth of other treatments on the market, enabling the Morpheus8 Body technology to reach adipose tissue too deep for other treatments to address.
Morpheus8 Body is ideal for thigh dimpling, loose upper arm skin and sagging abdominal, back and jaw tissue – as well as delicate skin on the chest and neck. Safe for all skin types, Morpheus8 Body brings minimal risk of thermal damage or hyperpigmentation, and treatments are delivered in 30-60 minute sessions.
For Morpheus8 Body treatments, a numbing cream is applied prior to treatment to ensure comfort, and patients are free to return to normal activities as soon as they would like. Some patients experience redness similar to a sunburn for a few days after treatment, as well as mild swelling, taut or shiny skin for the first week after treatment, and occasional scabs or peeling.
Most patients begin to see results within four weeks, with full results experienced after three months. For maximum benefit, a series of three treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended.
Is Morpheus8 Suitable for All Skin Types?
Morpheus8 works for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Some laser treatments may pose a risk of hyperpigmentation or other adverse effects on melanin-rich skin. However, Morpheus8 uses microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy.
This combination safely penetrates the skin’s layers. It stimulates collagen production without damaging outer layers.
Can Morpheus8 Help With Cellulite Reduction?
Yes, Morpheus8 can help with cellulite reduction. The treatment targets the deeper skin layers where cellulite forms. It uses RF energy to remodel and tighten the underlying tissue.
This process improves the skin’s texture and appearance. It also helps to smooth out the dimpled areas caused by cellulite.
Patients often notice an improvement in their skin’s firmness and smoothness after a series of Morpheus8 sessions. It’s a popular choice for those seeking non-surgical solutions for cellulite.
Can I Wear Makeup After a Morpheus8 Session?
It’s generally recommended to avoid wearing makeup immediately after a Morpheus8 session. Your skin needs time to breathe and heal. Applying makeup too soon may clog pores and interfere with the recovery process.
Most providers suggest waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup. Following this guideline helps ensure optimal results from your treatment. Dr. Altamira and his team can also provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your skin’s needs.
Can Morpheus8 Be Combined With Other Treatments?
You can combine Morpheus8 with other treatments to enhance results. For instance, you can pair it with other non-invasive procedures like BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers.
These combinations can provide a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Combining services also allows you to address multiple concerns at the same time, such as wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity.
You can discuss your unique aesthetic goals during your consultation with Dr. David Altamira in Houston or Sugar Land. He will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
How Should I Prepare My Skin Before a Morpheus8 Session?
Proper preparation is vital to achieving the best results from Morpheus8. Here are some steps to follow:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure and avoid tanning beds for at least two weeks before your session. This reduces the risk of irritation or damage.
- Discontinue Certain Products: Stop using retinoids, acids, and other exfoliating skincare products a few days before your session. This helps to prevent sensitivity.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to keep your skin well-hydrated.
- Cleanse Your Skin: On the day of your service, ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup, lotions, or any other skincare products.
- Consult with Your Provider: Discuss any medications or skin concerns with Dr. Altamira. This will help him tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
Following these guidelines helps prepare your skin for the procedure. It also enhances the effectiveness of Morpheus8.
Do You Offer Payment Plans for Morpheus8 Treatments?
Patients can finance their Morpheus8 treatments with Cherry. Cherry allows you to choose from a variety of monthly payment plans, including qualifying 0% APR options.
The application process is straightforward and does not impact your credit score. Upon approval, funds are available for immediate use.
Cherry also offers a self-serve patient portal to help you manage your payment options easily. This flexible financing option makes it easier to access Morpheus8 treatments.
Why Choose David Altamira, MD?
Patients throughout the Houston and Sugar Land areas choose David Altamira, MD, for Morpheus8 treatments because he is a highly skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. He is dedicated to providing natural and beautiful enhancements for both the face and body. His extensive training and expertise ensure that each patient receives exceptional care and optimal results.
Dr. Altamira takes the time to answer all questions and thoroughly evaluates each individual to verify that they are a good candidate for the chosen procedure. His personalized approach and commitment to patient satisfaction make him a trusted provider.
Schedule a Morpheus8 Consult with Dr. Altamira
Be sure to call 713.271.9000 today to learn more about our Morpheus8 Treatment or to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure. You can also book your one-on-one meeting with Dr. David Altamira by filling out the form on our our contact page, and our staff will walk you through the process. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
