Puncture marks after Morpheus. What this caused by the machine? (Photo)

Question

I had Morpheus on my stomach and thighs. She started on the stomach and initially, there were the characteristic waffle marks, but then puncture marks appeared and were even worse when she got to my legs. Is this because I was recoiling in pain :) or was it an issue with the machine?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. The appearance of puncture marks after a Morpheus8 treatment, especially if they worsened as the procedure progressed, could be attributed to several factors. It's possible that your reaction to the treatment, such as recoiling in pain, might have led to uneven application of the energy or caused the practitioner to adjust the settings or technique. Additionally, the appearance of puncture marks could be related to the specific settings of the Morpheus8 device, such as the depth and intensity of the microneedles used. If the machine settings were too aggressive or not adjusted properly for your skin type and sensitivity, it might result in more pronounced marks. It’s important to discuss these concerns with your practitioner to determine whether adjustments to the device or technique could be made in future treatments. Additionally, following up with your provider can help address any issues and ensure proper aftercare to aid in the healing of the puncture marks. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Jennifer R. Berman, MS, MD · Answer

Morpheus8 is a powerful microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) device that combines deep skin remodeling with collagen stimulation. When you get treated especially on sensitive areas like the tummy and thighs, it’s normal for the skin to show temporary marks like waffle patterns or puncture marks. But let’s get to the bottom of why these differences appear and if it’s due to pain induced movement or equipment issue.

Possible Causes of Treatment Marks Skin Sensitivity and Reaction Different areas of the body react differently to microneedling. The tummy and thighs have different skin thickness, elasticity and fat distribution. The waffle marks are part of the treatment and a normal part of the process. If puncture marks appear more prominent, it could just be how your skin reacted to deeper penetration or multiple passes in a concentrated area.

Pain or Discomfort If you were moving or recoiling during the treatment, it’s possible the handpiece lost contact with the skin. This can cause the needles to apply unevenly and result to deeper or more prominent puncture marks. Managing discomfort with proper numbing techniques is key to preventing this.

Equipment or Technique Issues While rare, equipment malfunction or improper calibration can also be a cause. For example, if the needles were set too deep or the RF energy was not evenly delivered, it can result to more prominent puncture marks. Or, the practitioner’s technique – like staying too long in one area or applying uneven pressure – can also be the cause.

What to Do Communicate During the Treatment If you’re feeling too much discomfort, tell your provider. They can adjust the settings or improve pain management so you can relax more and they can maintain smooth application.

Post-Treatment Care Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions. Applying soothing creams, staying hydrated and avoiding sun exposure will help your skin recover faster regardless of the marks.

Talk to Your Provider If you’re concerned about the puncture marks or how it happened, schedule a follow-up with your provider. They can assess if this was expected based on your skin type and treatment settings.

Conclusion Puncture marks after Morpheus8 treatment doesn’t mean it’s a problem but it can be affected by many factors – your movement or the provider’s technique. Talk to your provider to know the exact cause and plan for your next treatment. Your comfort and trust in the process is key to getting the best results.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

The waffle marks you are referring to are typical and may last for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure but will resolve.  The puncture marks are not something that I have experienced but I would imagine that they will resolve as well.

Puncture marks after Morpheus. What this caused by the machine? (Photo)

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Puncture marks after Morpheus. What this caused by the machine? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Morpheus8

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.