Over the last several years, the demand for cosmetic surgery has fallen as more and more of us opt for non-invasive alternatives to achieve natural-looking results. Among these no-knife options are technologies harnessing regenerative lasers, ultrasound, microneedling, and radiofrequency energy.
These treatments work by either stimulating our collagen production or by working on the facial muscles themselves to tighten and lift. The best thing is that you still look like you after treatment – just fresher, smoother, lifted and more radiant.
Radiofrequency technology is one of the most sought-after options for tightening the skin non-invasively. It works to convince the skin that it has been injured enough to kickstart the process of repair. Unlike laser, which mainly works on the skin’s surface, radiofrequency energy travels into the deeper layers of the dermis to lift and tighten from within.
Morpheus8 and HIFU are two technologies leading the way in modern-day skin resurfacing. They both aim to generate new, tighter and firmer skin, but how exactly do they work? What results can you expect to achieve? And what’s the difference between them?
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a non-invasive procedure that combines microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) technology to deliver energy into the skin and the deeper tissues. The process creates tiny micro-wounds that kickstart lazy collagen into frenetic activity, creating a powerful lifting and tightening effect.
Radiofrequency (RF) technology offers an innovative, collagen-boosting treatment that uses targeted energy to heat up the lower layers of the skin (the dermis) to 42 degrees C, at which point the existing collagen contracts, resulting in immediate tightening of the skin. When radiofrequency is combined with microneedling, as it is with the Morpheus8, the heat is delivered much deeper into the skin, promoting further cell regeneration.
The heat damages the existing collagen in the skin, which shrinks in protest, and then begins to repair itself. This repairing takes time, so while you may see an initial lift, optimum results will be visible three months post-treatment. The Morpheus8 is essentially the gift that keeps on giving, as you can continue to see improvements the more that time goes on.
What does it treat?
Morpheus8 benefits a wide range of skin concerns. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten loose or sagging skin, smooth rough or uneven skin texture, minimise pigmentation and even reduce stretch marks on the body.
When will I see results?
Visible results are usually seen within days and continue to improve over a period of months, as new collagen forms deep within your skin. These results are permanent and can last years, but of course, your renewed collagen will eventually break down again. Your practitioner may suggest a course of treatments, depending on your individual skin concerns.
What is the downtime?
Generally, there is no actual downtime, only mild swelling and redness for a few days post-treatment. Everybody has different sensitivities, and your practitioner will advise you on how best to manage any swelling or discomfort.
What is HIFU and what does it do?
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a popular non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation and body contouring due to its ability to tighten and lift the skin while stimulating the body to produce collagen.
It delivers ultrasound energy through an innovative handpiece in a very controlled and targeted way. This energy vibrates tissue and creates friction between molecules, which absorb the mechanical energy leading to the heating of the tissue. The heating then stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response, which influences collagen production, thickening the connective tissues in the skin and creating a tightening effect, whilst also rejuvenating the skin’s appearance.
The treatment takes around 45-60 minutes to perform with minimal downtime. While some effects of the treatment can be seen initially, the full result will take several months and will improve over time. Often just one treatment session is needed, but some patients require multiple treatments for optimum results.
Which treatment is best for me?
In our experience, we have found that Morpheus8 delivers better results for our patients. Morpheus8 delivers speedier results as you will notice significant improvements in your skin 4-6 weeks after the first treatment session whereas it can take several months for the results of HIFU to become visible. Unlike Ultherapy, HIFU doesn’t use imaging technology. This means that clinicians cannot see the layers of skin they are treating or the effects that the treatment is having on the skin. Therefore HIFU has become known as a “blind” skin tightening treatment, as clinicians cannot see the layers of skin they are treating, or how it is making an impact.
Ultimately, the best choice for you comes down to your own specific requirements, which can be established during a consultation with an experienced practitioner before deciding to go ahead. Click here to find out more or to make an appointment.
