Morpheus8 Downtime: What You Can Expect

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If you’re considering Morpheus8 microneedling treatment to tighten aging skin or reduce cellulite on areas like your face, neck, stomach or legs – you’re making an investment in smoother and firmer skin. 

However, like any cosmetic procedure, Morpheus8 does come with a period of downtime as your skin recovers and results emerge. 

The good news is, Morpheus8 downtime is relatively minimal for most patients with temporary side effects and a quick recovery.

Minimal Downtime with Quick Recovery

Following your Morpheus8 session, you can expect to experience redness, sensitivity, and possibly minor swelling in the treatment area for 1 to 3 days depending on your personal healing time and sensitivity. 

The vast majority of patients are able to return to normal activities like work or social events within 2 to 3 days as side effects resolve and redness fades. 

While makeup use should be avoided for the first 48 hours, normal skincare and makeup application can typically resume within 3 to 5 days.   

Temporary Side Effects are Common but Manageable

Common side effects after Morpheus8 include mild redness, sensitivity, tenderness and possibly bruising around the treatment site

Some patients report feelings of tightness, warmth or sunburn-like sensations for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. 

Swelling, if any, is usually minor and subsides quickly. To aid healing and minimize discomfort, patients are advised to apply cold compresses, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, sleep with an extra pillow and avoid exercise or sun for 1 to 2 days. 

These normal side effects are temporary and typically clear up within 3 to 5 days as your skin calms and regenerates from the treatment.

Follow Aftercare Instructions for Best Results 

To maximize the benefits of your Morpheus8 session and ensure proper healing, follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor

It is important to keep the treated area clean and hydrated, avoid harsh skincare products and sun exposure, and attend a follow up appointment 3 to 7 days after treatment. 

Your doctor can evaluate how your skin is healing and address any concerns to get you back to normal activities as quickly as possible. 

While results will continue to emerge over the following weeks, adhering to a proper aftercare regimen minimizes downtime and side effects to have you looking and feeling your best again soon.

How Long Will It Take to Heal From Morpheus8 Treatment?   

The recovery and healing time after Morpheus8 treatment depends on several factors, including the intensity of your session, number of treatment areas and your own skin type and sensitivity

While downtime is minimal for most patients, complete healing can take weeks as your skin regenerates collagen. It’s important to be patient through the process and follow your doctor’s recommendations for aftercare.

Downtime Depends on Treatment Areas and Intensity  

Single treatment areas like the face typically require 1 to 3 days of downtime to heal from Morpheus8. However, more intense treatments over larger areas or combining areas like the face, neck and décolletage may increase downtime to 5 to 7 days as the skin calms and side effects resolve. 

Your doctor will tailor treatment intensity based on your needs and tolerance to minimize downtime while still achieving significant results.

Most Patients Resume Normal Activities in Days   

The majority of Morpheus8 patients are able to return to work or social commitments within 2 to 3 days after treatment with temporary side effects and redness that can easily be covered by makeup. 

Low-level exercise like walking or light cardio can typically be resumed in 3 to 5 days, while more strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to 2 weeks. It’s best to avoid direct sun exposure to the treatment area for 2 weeks, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be rigorously applied to protect the skin.

Allow 2 to 3 Weeks for Complete Healing of Full Face Treatment       

While initial downtime from Morpheus8 may only be a few days, complete healing of a full face treatment generally takes 2 to 3 weeks. This is because collagen production, strengthening and skin tightening emerge gradually as the dermis repairs from the fractional radiofrequency energy. 

Patients will continue to notice skin smoothing, firming and an overall refreshed appearance over weeks following treatment as the skin’s foundation is rebuilt. Final results may take 3 to 6 months to be fully realized, though many report satisfaction with initial improvements within the first month.

How to Reduce Swelling and Redness After Morpheus8  

a woman applying cold compress on her face

Some degree of swelling, redness and tenderness is normal after Morpheus8 treatment as the skin responds to the radiofrequency energy. 

While side effects are usually mild and temporary, there are a few things you can do to minimize discomfort and speed healing. By reducing inflammation and soothing the skin, you will recover more quickly and see results sooner.

Apply Cold Compress to Treatment Area  

Applying a cold compress to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. 

Do this periodically for the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment to maximize the anti-inflammatory effects. Make sure to wrap ice or cold packs in a towel before applying to the skin.

Elevate Head While Sleeping  

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated by using an extra pillow for 2 to 3 nights after your Morpheus8 session can help minimize fluid buildup. This is especially helpful after facial treatments or if you experience puffiness around the eyes. 

Elevating your upper body will allow fluid to drain away from the face and promote swelling reduction overnight.

Avoid Harsh Skincare Products and Makeup for Days   

Irritating skin care products and makeup should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 days after Morpheus8. Harsh chemicals, fragrances and rough exfoliants can further inflame the skin and slow the healing process. 

Use only gentle, moisturizing cleansers and creams until sensitivity has resolved. Your doctor may provide or recommend skincare products formulated specifically for post-treatment use.

Use Gentle Cleanser and Moisturizer  

Gently wash the treated area with a mild cleanser like Cetaphil to keep the skin clean without disrupting the healing process. 

Apply a soothing aloe vera gel or other moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce discomfort from tightness or dryness. Look for creams containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin or dimethicone which help moisturize and protect sensitive skin.

Avoid Sun Exposure Which Can Irritate Skin  

Sun exposure can further irritate sensitive treated skin and cause increased inflammation and redness. Limit the time spent outside in the weeks following treatment and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever you go out. 

Exposure to UV rays slows the healing process and can damage your results, making avoidance of sunlight especially important after Morpheus8.

When Can You Use Skincare Products After Morpheus8 Treatment?   

Your normal skin care routine will need some adjustments after Morpheus8 to avoid irritating the treated skin as it heals. 

Harsher products containing active ingredients should be avoided initially until sensitivity has resolved. However, it’s still important to keep the area clean and hydrated. 

Your doctor can provide specific product recommendations and a timeline for resuming your regular routine.

Avoid Retinol, Vitamin C and Other Irritants for At Least 1 Week  

Retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C and other potentially irritating skincare ingredients should be avoided for at least 1 week after Morpheus8. 

These products may sting or further inflame sensitive treated skin. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume use of anti-aging serums and acne treatments containing these ingredients.

Harsh Ingredients Like Exfoliants Also Not Recommended for Days After Treatment  

Rough facial scrubs, astringents, masks or at-home chemical peels should not be used for at least 2 to 3 days post-treatment. 

These products can strip the skin and irritate the treated area, slowing the healing process. Limit skincare to the use of bland moisturizers, aloe gel, hyaluronic acid serums and gentle cleansers until your skin sensitivity has normalized. 

Follow Doctor’s Recommendations for Best Product Use Timeline

Your Morpheus8 provider will give you specific guidelines for when it is safe to resume use of your usual skincare products and makeup based on your unique treatment and tolerance. 

As a general rule, avoid all harsh and potentially irritating products for 2 to 7 days after your procedure. 

Reintroduce skincare slowly, starting with hyaluronic acid serums, glycerin-based creams and other hydrating products before progressing to treatments containing retinol, vitamin C or salicylic acid when sensitivity has fully resolved.

How Morpheus8 Stimulates Collagen for Skin Tightening   

Morpheus8 utilizes fractional radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production deep within the dermis. By heating the deeper layers of skin tissue in a controlled fashion, Morpheus8 triggers the body’s natural wound healing response resulting in new collagen growth and skin tightening over time.

Radiofrequency Energy Heats Deeper Layers of Skin  

Morpheus8 directs radiofrequency energy through insulated micro-needles into the dermis, where it generates heat to precise depths. 

By targeting deeper skin layers, Morpheus8 avoids damage to the epidermis and is safe for all skin tones. The heat from radiofrequency energy disrupts dermal tissue to stimulate new collagen production while the micro-needles create micro-wounds to further encourage collagen generation and skin remodeling.

Heat Triggers Collagen Production in Dermis Layer 

By heating the dermis where collagen lives, Morpheus8 kick starts the production of fresh, strong collagen fibers and elastin. 

The body responds to the thermal disruption in the dermis by activating fibroblasts which produce new collagen. Over the weeks following treatment, this process results in tighter, smoother skin with a rejuvenated structure and tone.  

New Collagen Tightens Existing Collagen Structures

The new collagen produced in response to Morpheus8 organizes itself into strong, cross-linked bands that tighten and support existing collagen structures within the dermis. 

This fortification and tightening of collagen fibers firms sagging skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, resulting in dramatically smoother, younger-looking skin. Effects continue for 6 to 12 months as collagen regeneration peaks.

Results in Skin Tightening, Wrinkle Reduction and Scar Improvement   

By spurring the generation of new, youthful collagen and elastin, Morpheus8 leads to noticeable skin tightening and rejuvenation. 

Patients typically see significant improvements in skin texture, firmness, and reduction of wrinkles, cellulite and scars. Results emerge over weeks and months with optimal outcomes apparent around 3 to 6 months post-treatment, though many notice changes within 4 to 6 weeks after the first session. 

Collagen stimulation from Morpheus8 produces natural-looking enhancements that last one year or more with a maintenance treatment.

Experience Real Results at Good Vibe Medical 

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If you’re ready to firm, tighten and rejuvenate aging skin with dramatic yet natural-looking results, Morpheus8 treatment at Good Vibe Medical can help you achieve your goals

Our team of skilled providers offer Morpheus8 for the face and body using advanced microneedling and radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen, reduce wrinkles, tighten skin and minimize the appearance of cellulite.

Experience the Good Vibe difference with premium anti-aging treatments that leave you looking refreshed and feeling your best. 

Morpheus8 offers real results without the risks and extended downtime associated with cosmetic surgery. For smoother, firmer and flawless skin that lasts, schedule your Morpheus8 consultation with the specialists at Good Vibe Medical.

To book your appointment or learn more details about Morpheus8 treatments offered at Good Vibe Medical, call (973) 620-2069 or click here.