Morpheus8: All The Post-Treatment Questions (Side Effects, Things to Avoid, and More!)
So now that you have received your Morpheus8 treatment, you may be wondering what to do next and what post-treatment side effects are normal or not!
In this blog post we will answer all of your questions such as…
How do I take care of my skin after Morpheus8?
Proper aftercare is a major part of the Morpheus8 treatment process. This step is incredibly important as it can help promote healing and prevent complications. The following are some detailed steps for proper aftercare:
Cleanse the treated area: After Morpheus8 treatment, it is important to keep the treated area clean to prevent infection and promote healing. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the area twice a day, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Apply a moisturizer: After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to the treated area to help soothe and hydrate the skin. Look for a moisturizer that is free of fragrances and other irritants.
Use sunscreen: Sun exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of complications after Morpheus8 treatment. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every 2 hours if you will be outdoors.
Avoid hot showers and saunas: Heat can cause swelling and irritation in the treated area, so it is best to avoid hot showers and saunas for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow to the treated area, which can cause swelling and irritation. Avoid exercise for at least 24-48 hours after treatment.
Don't pick at the skin: It is important to avoid picking at the skin or peeling any scabs that may form after treatment, as this can increase the risk of infection and scarring.
Follow your provider's instructions: Your provider may have specific instructions for aftercare, depending on your individual needs and the type of treatment you received. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and prevent complications.
Other aftercare tips: avoid touching the treatment area as our hands can be quite dirty!, sleep on clean pillowcases, and for all the dog parents: don’t let them lick your face!
What are the side effects? Is this normal?
While Morpheus8 generally has minimal side effects, it is good to know what is normal and what may not be!
Common side effects can include:
Swelling: Swelling is a common side effect of Morpheus8 treatment, which may last for several days. The swelling can be reduced with the application of ice packs.
Redness: Morpheus8 treatment can cause redness in the treated area, which may last for several hours to several days.
Bruising: Some patients may experience bruising after Morpheus8 treatment, which can take a few days to resolve.
Discomfort: During the treatment, patients may feel some discomfort, such as heat or a prickling sensation. This discomfort should subside after the treatment.
Infection: As with any cosmetic treatment, there is a risk of infection. Patients should follow their doctor's post-treatment instructions to minimize the risk of infection.
Scarring: Although rare, scarring is a possible side effect of Morpheus8 treatment.
Less common side effects (but still normal!)
Skin purging is a phenomenon that can occur after certain skin treatments, including Morpheus8. Skin purging is a temporary reaction in which the skin may appear to get worse before it gets better. This is because the treatment is causing a faster turnover of skin cells, which can bring impurities to the surface and cause breakouts or other skin issues. After Morpheus8 treatment, patients may experience a temporary increase in acne breakouts, whiteheads, or blackheads. This is because the treatment is stimulating the skin to produce new collagen and turnover dead skin cells, which can bring impurities to the surface. However, this is usually a temporary reaction that resolves within a few days to a week.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. While it is not common for Morpheus8 to cause acne, it is possible for the treatment to cause an increase in oil production and the buildup of dead skin cells, which can contribute to the development of whiteheads.
If you are experiencing skin purging after your Morpheus8 treatment, it is important to follow a good skincare routine to help prevent further breakouts. This may include using a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin, avoiding products that are too heavy or oily, and using a moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated. You may also want to consult with your provider to see if there are any specific skincare products or treatments that can help address your concerns.
In some cases, the breakout may be a sign of an underlying skin condition, such as rosacea or perioral dermatitis, so it is important to consult with a qualified dermatologist if you are experiencing persistent breakouts or other symptoms.
It is possible that the treatment can cause an increase in oil production and the buildup of dead skin cells, which can contribute to the development of whiteheads. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, radiofrequency treatments like Morpheus8 can cause an increase in sebum production, which can contribute to acne breakouts (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540732/).
Unwanted side effects (Not normal! Contact your provider immediately!)
Hyperpigmentation: Morpheus8 can cause changes in skin color, especially in patients with darker skin tones. Hyperpigmentation may appear as dark patches or spots on the skin.
Hypopigmentation: In rare cases, Morpheus8 can also cause a loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in lightened areas of skin.
Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection after Morpheus8 treatment, especially if the treated area is not kept clean or is exposed to bacteria.
Scarring: While Morpheus8 is designed to be a non-invasive treatment, there is a small risk of scarring if the skin is damaged during the procedure or if the patient has a pre-existing condition that affects skin healing.
Nerve injury: Morpheus8 involves the use of radiofrequency energy to heat the skin, which can cause nerve damage in rare cases.
Tell your bestie you need a raincheck on the after work drinks after your Morpheus8 treatment.
Can I drink alcohol after Morpheus8?
It is generally recommended that patients avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours after Morpheus8 treatment. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and swelling. While there is no specific scientific research on the effects of alcohol consumption after Morpheus8 treatment, it is generally best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
What other foods or drinks should I avoid?
In general, there are no real foods or drinks that you need to avoid after treatment! However, it is best practice to follow a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in both vitamins and nutrients to promote healthy skin healing! Foods or drinks that can cause inflammation or dehydration can slow down the healing process and increase risks of complications, such as:
Caffeine: Caffeine can also cause dehydration and increase inflammation, which can slow down the healing process. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine after treatment.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods can cause inflammation and irritation in the skin, which can exacerbate any redness or swelling after Morpheus8 treatment.
Sugary foods: Sugary foods can increase inflammation in the body, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Processed foods: Processed foods can be high in sodium and other additives that can contribute to inflammation and dehydration.
Are there any medications I need to avoid?
Retinoids: Retinoids are a class of medications that are commonly used to treat acne and improve the appearance of the skin. However, these medications can increase skin sensitivity and may increase the risk of complications after Morpheus8 treatment. It is generally recommended to avoid using retinoids for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising after Morpheus8 treatment. It is best to avoid these medications for at least 48 hours before and after treatment.
Blood-thinning medications: Blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or heparin, can also increase the risk of bleeding and bruising after Morpheus8 treatment. Patients who are taking these medications should consult with their provider before undergoing Morpheus8 treatment.
Herbal supplements: Some herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and garlic, can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is best to avoid these supplements for at least 48 hours before and after Morpheus8 treatment.
Antibiotics: While antibiotics are not necessarily contraindicated after Morpheus8 treatment, they may increase the risk of complications and slow down the healing process. Patients who are prescribed antibiotics after treatment should follow their provider's instructions carefully.
When can I wear makeup?
We recommended that patients wait at least 24-48 hours before applying any makeup to the treated area. This allows the skin to fully heal and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
When applying makeup after Morpheus8 treatment, patients should use gentle, non-irritating products that are specifically designed for sensitive or post-procedure skin. It is also important to avoid applying makeup too soon after treatment, as this can increase the risk of complications and may interfere with the healing process.
Patients should follow their provider's specific aftercare instructions regarding makeup application and should avoid any makeup or skincare products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin.
Okay, so when am I really going to see results?
The timeframe for optimal results after Morpheus8 treatment can vary depending on individual factors such as age, skin type, and the severity of the skin concerns being addressed. Generally, patients can expect to see some improvement in the texture and tone of their skin within a few days to a week after treatment, as the skin begins to heal and regenerate.
The full results of Morpheus8 treatment usually become visible after several weeks to a few months, as collagen production increases and the skin continues to regenerate. Patients may also see ongoing improvement in their skin over time, as the effects of Morpheus8 can continue to develop for up to six months after treatment.
Sources:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Morpheus8 Post-Treatment Care Instructions. Retrieved from https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/treatments/skin-care/morpheus8-post-treatment-care-instructions/
Marina, V., Godse, K., & Patil, S. (2021). Radiofrequency-based microneedling for skin rejuvenation: a review of literature. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14, 931–936. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S280872
Morpheus8 by InMode. (n.d.). Morpheus8 FAQ. Retrieved from https://inmodemd.com/treatments/morpheus8/
Alster, T. S., & Tanzi, E. L. (2019). Radiofrequency microneedling for improvement of facial skin laxity and wrinkles: A review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(1), 11–15. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12520
Barankin, B., & Andrews, K. (2011). Dermatologic non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 15(5), 239–251. doi: 10.2310/7750.2011.10090
Oberg, K. (2021). Minimally invasive radiofrequency-based treatments in dermatology – a review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 23(1), 1–7. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2020.1827078
Morpheus8 by InMode. (n.d.). Morpheus8 Safety Information. Retrieved from https://inmodemd.com/treatments/morpheus8/safety-information/
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Tips for Healthy Eating. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/healthy-habits/eat-healthy/tips-for-healthy-eating
