Radiofrequency microneedling device Morpheus8 has made headlines recently, thanks to one very influential celebrity fan. “RF needling is not a new technology, but the Morpheus8 gained a lot of exposure when Kim Kardashian posted about her love for this procedure in tightening her abdomen post-baby,” says Redondo Beach, California, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu. For the unfamiliar, it “combines the collagen-inducing microtrauma of needling with radiofrequency, which can heat the collagen and induce tightening,” she says. On top of that, the combo of RF and microneedling can improve a host of concerns, such as large pores, skin laxity, acne scarring, fine lines, and overall texture.
It’s actually right on the heels of another RF microneedling treatment, Potenza, which Kardashian raved about back in June. What sets the Morpheus8 apart, however, is its innovative design, says New York City board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Hooman Khorasani. For starters, it has a relatively larger surface area than that of other handpieces, which can cut down on treatment time. It also has sharper needles, which reduces discomfort, and is more powerful. Plus “one desirable feature of this device is that it allows practitioners to safely treat all Fitzpatrick skin types,” he says.
That said, “although the Morpheus8 technology appears to be more effective than some of its competitors, it may also be associated with increased adverse side effects when performed by nonlicensed professionals—the most significant being scarring, fat and volume loss, and extended time of discomfort,” Dr. Khorasani says. “It is vital that the practitioner is well-versed across various skin types.” Understanding the skin’s anatomy and topography, especially as it relates to sex, age, and sun damage, is essential for getting the best results.
Conversely, seeing a provider who lacks that understanding or experience can lead to some devastating side effects, which might explain why Morpheus8, in spite of its popularity and efficacy, has just a 75% Worth It Rating on RealSelf. Here’s what you need to know to get the best possible results.
Which Morpheus8 side effects are normal?
First, know that redness and swelling are par for the course. “Typically, these side effects last anywhere from a day or two to twoweeks,” says Dr. Khorasani. “Redness can be more pronounced in bony areas such as the cheekbones, the nose, and around the eyes, where the skin is thinner.”
Your skin might also be more sensitive, and you may also experience “pinpoint bruising, mild peeling while healing, and sometimes mild breakouts,” Dr. Chiu says.
Volume loss
In July 2022, one RealSelf member warned against getting Morpheus8 for the jowls, noting that she lost volume in the face. In an update posted five months post-op, she wrote: “It has inverted my face in and chewed up the lower part of my face.”
And volume loss is indeed a potential risk of the treatment. “If longer needle settings are used so that pulses of radiofrequency come in contact with the subcutaneous fat, there can be induced fat loss, as adipose cells—or fat cells—are sensitive to RF energy,” says Dr. Chiu. “It is key that the practitioner understands the different depths of anatomical layers of the skin and how it varies, not only on different parts of the body but also on the face.”
It’s a particularly big concern among patients who have thinner skin. For instance, “when treating older patients, one must be particularly careful,” says Dr. Khorasani.
Burning sensations
One RealSelf member experienced continuous pain (along with crusting and oozing) after her initial Morpheus8 treatment. “I would rather do a different treatment, if only to avoid several days of pain. It did feel like I was burned for about four days,” she says.
This is, unfortunately, a side effect. “Burning typically occurs due to irritations of small nerve endings of the skin, also known as neuropraxia,” says Dr. Khorasani. That can happen when the device penetrates into the deeper levels of skin, creating microchannels that don’t just heal on the spot.
The good news is that the burning and tingling should subside within six weeks. It helps to stick with a gentle skin-care routine immediately after the procedure too. “This means avoiding retinols, any hydroxy acids, or even fragranced skin-care products for the week after the treatment,” says Dr. Chiu. “Consistent sun protection with a physical, not chemical, sunscreen is key.”
Grid marks
Multiple RealSelf reviewers have noted grid marks post-op. “It’s been 10 days, and my skin still has a bunch of needle holes in it. Look like I got burned by a giant grill,” says a patient who got the treatment on her legs. Another reports: “I have the grid marks I have now heard described here on RS [RealSelf].”
This is usually a case of user error. “These markings are typically due to incomplete contact between the Morpheus8 handpiece and the surface of the skin as well as how the body reacts to trauma,” says Dr. Khorasani. “Grid marks are particularly noted in areas of the face with curvature, as it is difficult to engage the flat surface of the device with curved areas of the face.”
It’s really up to your provider to ensure there’s always 100% contact between the skin and the tip of the device; pulling the skin taut and applying the right amount of pressure on the handpiece can often help, he says.
Scabbing
After their initial treatment, a RealSelf user shared, “my skin was completely scabbed and burned for almost two weeks.” Scabbing is extremely rare, according to Dr. Khorasani. “Its occurrence is often an indication of excessive heat application to the skin,” he says. “When excessive heat is applied, the skin can develop superficial blisters that will form a scab. If the blistering is deep, a scar with abnormal texture can form.”
To avoid this, your provider should assess the thickness of your skin and adjust the depth and temperature of the Morpheus8 device accordingly.
Textural changes
Some RealSelf patients have noted changes in their skin texture, even a year after Morpheus8. “I’m 35 and always had smooth skin and now I do not, left with orange peel skin,” says one such reviewer. RF microneedling works by creating controlled injuries to skin, which triggers the body’s wound-healing response—and, in turn, new collagen and elastin production.
However, skin isn’t the same across patients. “If the device is not carefully thought out in terms of customized depth of treatment and a controlled pace of delivery, there can be enough trauma to the skin to cause skin texture change, such as an orange-peel appearance—which is likely due to microscarring,” Dr. Chiu says.
How to avoid bad Morpheus8 results
Avoiding these pitfalls is a matter of choosing your provider carefully. “Like with all energy-based devices, the effectiveness and safety of the treatment is operator-dependent,” says Dr. Chiu. A board-certified doctor is key, as is vetting them properly ahead of your procedure. Clearly, it’s worth the extra legwork.
