Dr Shukla and the team at drs skincare in Hamilton, ON take pride in helping our patients maintain healthy, beautiful skin using the safest and most effective techniques possible. We recognize that every patient is different, and your skin has unique needs. That is why we use a wide variety of treatment modalities, allowing us to customize care for every individual. Laser resurfacing is a common request among patients who want to erase blemishes and improve overall skin quality. While it is an excellent option for many people, it may not be right for everyone. In some cases, we may recommend Morpheus8 as an alternative or adjunct to laser resurfacing.
How is Morpheus8 different from laser resurfacing?
Although it is not actually a laser, Morpheus8 is often referred to as one. However, there are significant differences:
- Laser devices utilize the therapeutic power of light. As the laser beam contacts the surface of skin, it causes a thermal reaction with certain components. The effect depends on the wavelength and intensity of light. For skin resurfacing, mild light therapy will simply stimulate rejuvenation, while stronger lasers may remove the uppermost layer or create tiny columns in skin.
- Morpheus8 does not use light energy, and therefore it is not a laser. Instead, it uses radiofrequency (RF) energy, combined with a technique known as microneedling. A multitude of hair-fine microneedles pierce the surface of skin, delivering radiofrequency energy directly to deep layers where it is most needed. The result is a dual-action rejuvenation system.
How does microneedling help the skin?
Microneedling (without radiofrequency or any other energy treatment) has been used for more than a century. Like fractional laser resurfacing, it creates tiny columns, sometimes called micro-wounds, in the skin. This stimulates a healing response that includes rapid cell turnover and increased collagen production. However, the process is surprisingly comfortable because the needles are so fine, and because they barely pierce the surface. Microneedling is especially popular for scar treatment. The needles help break down and release tough scar tissue. Morpheus8 takes the benefits of microneedling to a whole new level with the addition of radiofrequency energy.
What are the benefits of radiofrequency skin treatment?
Radiofrequency works by heating the targeted tissue to a specific temperature, usually between 50 and 75 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is not high enough to cause burns, and most patients find radiofrequency comfortable. However, studies show that maintaining this temperature for at least three minutes, it will cause the body to release something known as heat-shock proteins. Subsequently, these proteins trigger the production of new collagen. By using microneedling to deliver the radiofrequency energy, Morpheus8 can effectively heat deeper skin layers without overheating the surface.
Which treatment is right for you?
Morpheus8 is often called a “bottom-up” treatment because the energy is delivered deeper and works its way to the skins surface. Lasers are referred to as “top-down” treatments because the energy is applied to the surface and works its way down. Each has unique benefits. The best choice depends on the unique qualities of your skin. Some patients benefit from a treatment plan that includes both Morpheus8 and laser resurfacing. Please give us a call at (905) 524-1712 and schedule a consultation so we can help you discover your best skin solutions.
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