Morpheus8 Ruined My Skin: What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid It

Morpheus8 is a cutting-edge tool for improving skin texture, tightening, and stimulating collagen production, but for some, the results can be less than ideal. If you’ve heard someone say, “Morpheus8 ruined my skin,” you’re probably wondering what could have gone wrong. Let’s dive into what Morpheus8 is, how it’s meant to work, and the complications that can arise when it’s performed incorrectly.

What Is Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 is a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy. It’s designed to remodel your skin by creating controlled micro-injuries that prompt the body to produce new collagen and elastin, while the RF energy helps tighten the deeper layers of the skin. This powerful technology can treat issues like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and mild skin laxity. When performed properly, Morpheus8 can offer remarkable, long-lasting results that can give more longevity to more invasive procedures like a facelift.

But here’s the catch: Morpheus8 is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. It requires precise settings based on individual skin types, treatment areas, and goals. In the wrong hands, this powerful tool can lead to issues that may make someone feel like it’s ruined their skin rather than improved it.

What Can Go Wrong with Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 has a lot of potential benefits, but complications can arise if the treatment is not customized or performed correctly. Here are some things that can go wrong:

1. Fat Loss

One of the more concerning complications from Morpheus8 is unwanted fat loss, particularly in areas like the cheeks, under-eye area, or temples. While Morpheus8 is designed to work on the skin’s surface and just beneath it, going too deep can result in damage to the fat layer, leading to a sunken, gaunt appearance.

This problem typically happens when the treatment settings, specifically the depth of the needles, are too aggressive for a particular area. For example, the skin on your lower face can tolerate deeper treatments, but areas like the forehead or temples need a lighter touch. If the wrong depth is used, it can lead to permanent fat loss, which can make you look older or gaunt instead of refreshed and youthful.

2. Scarring

Morpheus8 creates controlled injuries to the skin, but if the treatment goes too deep or the energy settings are too high, it can cause actual scarring. This can be devastating, especially on areas of the face where scarring is more visible. Scar formation can occur if the energy settings are too aggressive or if the skin is already sensitive or prone to scarring, such as in individuals with darker skin tones.

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Another risk is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is when the skin develops dark spots after inflammation or injury. This is more common in people with darker skin tones, but it can happen to anyone if the treatment is too aggressive. Overly high energy settings, combined with a lack of proper aftercare, can trigger this unwanted side effect.

Why Proper Depth and Energy Settings Are Crucial

Morpheus8 allows for customizable depth and energy settings, which makes it versatile, but also risky if not tailored to the individual. The device has the capability to penetrate as deep as 4mm into the skin, which is ideal for areas like the lower face and jawline but not necessary—or safe—for more delicate areas like the forehead or temples.

In the upper face, it’s essential to stay superficial and use lower energy settings. The goal is to remodel the skin without affecting the underlying fat. Unfortunately, some practitioners mistakenly believe that higher settings will give better results, but this can lead to the issues we’ve discussed—fat loss, scarring, and pigmentation problems.

The Importance of Aftercare

Once you’ve had a Morpheus8 treatment, the care you provide your skin in the following days is critical. At Saxon MD, we take aftercare seriously. To minimize downtime and accelerate healing, we use topical exosomes after treatment. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that can help reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and speed up skin repair, leading to less redness and a quicker recovery.

Additionally, using the right products during the first week post-treatment is essential for optimal healing. We recommend the Alastin Procedure Enhancement System, which includes products specifically designed to soothe the skin, promote healing, and prevent irritation. This system can make a huge difference in your recovery and help you avoid complications like scarring or pigmentation issues.

The Dangers of Medspas and Lack of Supervision

One of the biggest risks with Morpheus8 treatments comes from receiving them at medspas that are not properly supervised by a qualified physician. Many medspas operate with little or no oversight from a medical professional, which can increase the risk of complications. By law, medspas must have a physician perform a good faith exam before any invasive treatment, like Morpheus8. A good faith exam is an evaluation done by a licensed physician to ensure the procedure is safe for you and tailored to your needs.

Unfortunately, many medspas bypass this crucial step. They may use improperly trained technicians who don’t have the expertise to adjust the settings for each individual, which leads to complications like fat loss, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. The results can be disastrous for patients who trust that they are receiving expert care when, in reality, they’re being treated by someone with minimal training.

At Saxon MD, every Morpheus8 treatment is either performed or supervised by a trained, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. This ensures that you’re receiving a treatment that’s customized to your skin type and goals, and performed with the highest level of safety.

Morpheus8 Done Right: What to Look For

If you’re considering Morpheus8, it’s important to choose a provider who understands the technology and the anatomy of the face. Here are a few tips to ensure your treatment is done safely and effectively:

1. Check the Credentials
   Make sure the provider is overseen by a board-certified physician with experience in facial anatomy and skin treatments. Ask if the provider has performed a good faith exam before your treatment.

2. Ask About the Settings
   Don’t be afraid to ask about the depth and energy settings being used. In areas like the forehead, temples, or under the eyes, it’s crucial to stay superficial to avoid complications.

3. Understand the Aftercare Plan
   Find out what aftercare plan your provider recommends. Products like exosomes and Alastin Procedure Enhancement System can significantly improve your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Morpheus8 is a powerful tool for skin rejuvenation, but it needs to be handled with care. When performed correctly by a trained professional with customized settings, the results can be stunning. But when done poorly, you risk issues like fat loss, scarring, and pigmentation problems.

At Saxon MD, we take a personalized approach to Morpheus8 treatments, ensuring your safety and the best possible outcome. If you’ve been thinking about Morpheus8 but are concerned about complications, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll make sure your treatment is in expert hands.