01Morpheus 8: radiofrequency working for your skin
Developed and marketed by the InMode laboratory, the Morpheus 8 treatment is the latest generation of micro-needle radiofrequency (microneedling) for reshaping the face and body and retightening the skin.
This innovative technology uses fractional radiofrequency (RF) through insulated micro-needles that reach the different layers of skin tissue (dermis, hypodermis, connective tissue of the platysma muscle) to create well-targeted zones of coagulation. Combining these two tools makes it possible to deliver a thermal effect that is variable in intensity and controlled according to the goals defined beforehand, and at precisely targeted depths. It therefore allows both a surface smoothing effect and a deeper action aimed at eliminating excess fat beneath the dermis.
02Indications and how it works
The Morpheus 8 treatment corrects a range of skin imperfections and various types of roughness and irregularities of the skin, such as:
- skin laxity on different parts of the body (the face and in particular its lower third, the lips, neck, décolleté and even the buttocks, arms, thighs or knees);
- acne scars;
- fine lines and superficial facial wrinkles such as crow’s feet, the lines around the mouth or perioral lines (barcode lines) and forehead lines;
- unsightly scars (keloid scars in particular);
- stretch marks on the thighs, buttocks, belly or hips;
- the fibrous appearance of the skin caused notably by solar elastosis (heliodermatitis);
Who is it for?
This radiofrequency treatment can be sought by any type of patient wishing to correct skin laxity and restore tone to their skin through a lifting effect. Only pregnant women and people with an inflammation or a pacemaker in the area to be treated are not eligible for this procedure. Morpheus 8 is therefore suitable for all skin types, for men as well as women, and can treat various areas of the body equally well (the face as well as the décolleté, arms, belly, buttocks or saddlebags).
What are the goals of fractional radiofrequency with microneedling?
The goals of Morpheus 8 are multiple and complementary, producing the effects of several procedures in a single technology:
- treat skin laxity deep down;
- correct skin irregularities through a lifting effect (wrinkles and fine lines, acne, stretch marks) and resmooth the skin;
- produce a new synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by stimulating the fibroblasts, thereby hydrating the skin deeply and continuously while redensifying its thickness;
- improve firmness around the contours of the face to redefine the facial contour;
- eliminate excess fat localised, for example, around the double chin.
This treatment is revolutionary thanks to a treatment depth never reached before (up to 8 mm) as well as its triple action of:
- coagulation of adipocytes to eliminate subcutaneous fat cells;
- retightening of the connective tissue to firm the skin (inductive effect);
- sub-necrotic heating to treat skin imperfections.
It thus combines different aims with an exceptional level of precision for optimal efficacy. It therefore avoids the need for surgical procedures such as a facelift, a thigh lift, an arm lift or a buttock lift for people who are particularly reluctant about the scalpel.
How does it actually work?
The device used for the Morpheus 8 treatment is made up of 2 elements:
- a stimulator shaped like a gun that emits high-frequency electromagnetic waves. It then produces significant heat within the different subcutaneous layers in order to trigger a volumetric stimulation of collagen as well as the programmed death of the fat cells (apoptosis) through thermolipolysis;
- a single tip attached to the device, made up of micro-needles that come into direct contact with the skin and allow a precise, uniform distribution of the heat produced by the radiofrequency, all completely painlessly. Microneedling allows a three-dimensional contraction (dermis, connective tissue, deep fat cells) by bypassing the epidermal barrier. Several tips exist, each with a name according to the number of needles and the depth of the area to be reached:
- Prime, made up of 12 electrodes for a depth of 4 to 5 mm;
- Resurfacing, with 24 needles for a depth of 0.5 to 0.75 mm;
- Morpheus 8, also made up of 24 electrodes but for a depth of 4 to 5 mm;
- Body, made up of 40 needles for the maximum depth of 7 to 8 mm.
03How many sessions and what results can you expect?
Morpheus 8 works by stimulating your own collagen: the result is therefore progressive. The usual protocol involves 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The skin looks smoother and more radiant within the first few weeks, then firmness sets in as the dermis remodels, with a result that keeps improving up to the 3rd–6th month. The effect then lasts about one year; an annual maintenance session helps to sustain it. The result depends on age, the starting skin quality and the area treated.
04Is Morpheus 8 effective and safe? Reviews and contraindications
Morpheus 8 is genuinely effective on mild to moderate laxity and on skin quality (wrinkles, pores, acne scars). You do, however, need to be aware of its limits, which explains some disappointed reviews: it does not replace a surgical facelift when the excess skin is significant, and its results are progressive and measured, never spectacular overnight — a point on which an honest consultation should set realistic expectations.
On the safety side, the after-effects are mild (redness, slight swelling, micro-crusts lasting a few days). The treatment is not advised or is postponed in cases of:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or a metal implant in the area;
- active skin infection or inflammation (an acne flare-up, herpes), or a healing disorder (keloids);
- recent treatment with isotretinoin (Roaccutane);
- recently tanned skin: in darker skin types, a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation calls for a cautious setting.
Performed by a doctor, on a well-established indication, the benefit/risk ratio is excellent. Morpheus 8 also pairs readily with a HydraFacial treatment or with facial mesotherapy to enhance radiance.
05How the procedure works
Before the procedure
A medical consultation precedes the treatment: assessment of skin quality, definition of the areas and goals, and a check for any contraindications. In the preceding days, you should avoid sun exposure and report any ongoing treatment. On the day, the skin is cleansed and an anaesthetic cream is applied about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand for optimal comfort.
During the procedure
After cleansing and disinfection, the practitioner glides the handpiece fitted with micro-needles over the area: with each application, they penetrate to the set depth and deliver radiofrequency energy into the dermis. You feel a sensation of heat and tingling, well tolerated thanks to the surface anaesthesia. The session lasts 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated. You leave straight away, with no dressing.
After the procedure
There is no social downtime: activities resume the same day or the next. The skin shows redness and a sensation of heat for 24 to 72 hours, sometimes mild swelling and fine micro-crusts that fall off on their own within a few days. You protect the skin from the sun (SPF), keep it moisturised, and resume make-up after 24 to 48 hours. The result is not immediate: it builds over the weeks, as the collagen reforms.
06Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|
| Morpheus 8 (session) | 350 – 750 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
07Your questions
What is the price of a Morpheus 8 session in Paris?+
At the practice, a session is priced between €350 and €750 depending on the area and surface treated. As the protocol generally involves 3 to 4 sessions, an overall quote is provided after the consultation.
Is Morpheus 8 really effective?+
Yes, on mild to moderate laxity and on skin quality (wrinkles, pores, acne scars), with a progressive, natural result. However, it does not replace a facelift when the excess skin is significant: disappointed reviews almost always come from poorly calibrated expectations, hence the importance of an honest consultation.
How many Morpheus 8 sessions are needed?+
Generally 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The result keeps improving up to the 3rd–6th month, then an annual maintenance session is enough to sustain it.
Is Morpheus 8 painful?+
It is well tolerated thanks to the anaesthetic cream applied before the session. You feel a sensation of heat and tingling, but no real pain.
What is the recovery like? How long does the redness last?+
No social downtime: redness and a sensation of heat last 24 to 72 hours, sometimes with mild swelling and fine micro-crusts that fall off within a few days. Make-up can be resumed after 24 to 48 hours, with sun protection.
Which areas can be treated with Morpheus 8?+
The face (contour, cheeks, chin, eye area), the neck and décolleté, but also the body: belly, arms, thighs, knees and buttocks — for localised laxity or stretch marks.
Is Morpheus 8 dangerous? What are the contraindications?+
It is a safe medical procedure on a well-established indication. It is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, a pacemaker or metal implant in the area, an active skin infection or inflammation, a healing disorder, recent treatment with isotretinoin and on tanned skin (risk of hyperpigmentation in darker skin types).
When do you see the results and how long do they last?+
The result is progressive: visible within a few weeks, optimal around 3 to 6 months, and lasting about one year. An annual maintenance session extends the benefit.
Can Morpheus 8 treat the body and stretch marks?+
Yes. Thanks to its deeper needles (the « Body » tip, up to 7-8 mm), it acts on laxity of the belly, arms and thighs and on stretch marks, as a complement or an alternative to surgery for anyone who refuses the scalpel.
What is the difference with classic microneedling or a laser?+
Classic microneedling acts only mechanically, at the surface. Morpheus 8 adds radiofrequency, which heats the dermis deep down for a superior tightening effect. Compared with a laser, its advantage is that it does not target melanin: it is therefore also suitable for medium and dark skin tones, with less risk of spots.
Can you have Morpheus 8 in summer?+
It is possible but not advised in cases of sun exposure: the treated skin must be protected from the sun before and after. Autumn and winter remain the ideal times to limit any risk of pigmentation.
