Thermage vs. Morpheus8
As we age, the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin begins to decrease in the skin, resulting in sagging, crepey, and loose skin. High skin laxity can be distressing and can also emphasize the appearance of other signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, jowls, acne scars, and cellulite. For a long time, many patients falsely believed that the only way to improve skin laxity was to receive an invasive procedure like a facelift from a plastic surgeon. However, achieving a naturally youthful appearance is easily attainable without the need to go under the knife. Sagging skin, uneven skin texture, and other skin concerns can easily be addressed with the array of non-invasive treatments available at Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side, New York City dermatology office. Two of the most prevalent non-invasive skin tightening treatment options include Thermage and Morpheus 8.
Both Thermage and Morpheus 8 use radiofrequency energy emissions (RF energy) to heat the inner skin layers to boost new collagen production and tighten the skin. In addition to RF energy emissions, Morpheus8 employs microneedling technology to penetrate the subdermal layer of skin for more dramatic skin-tightening effects. Both technologies are FDA-approved for skin concerns like high skin laxity and uneven skin texture on all skin types. With long-lasting results and minimal downtime required, both Thermage and Morpheus8 are excellent treatment options for various areas of the body, including the face, jawline, neck, decolletage, arms, legs, and abdomen. To find out which treatment option is best for your specific skin condition and aesthetic goals, schedule your initial consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
To achieve optimal results from radiofrequency energy skin tightening treatment, seek treatment from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. An expert in creating customized skincare plans with various treatment options, including microneedling, laser resurfacing treatment, chemical peels, Botox, dermal fillers, and more, Dr. Green has treated patients at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for over 25 years. Well-known for precision, patient comfort, and achieving optimal results, Dr. Green enjoys high patient satisfaction by creating individualized treatment plans based on each person’s individual needs and aesthetic goals, which has also earned her the honor of being voted one of New York City’s best healthcare providers by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What is Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening treatment?
Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency laser technology to produce skin rejuvenation results without any downtime. An inevitable part of the aging process is that levels of elastin and collagen production decrease. Collagen and elastin are proteins that naturally occur in the body and provide the skin with a firm foundation and elasticity. As collagen and elastin are depleted, the result is visible fine lines and wrinkles and crepey, loose skin. For patients looking to reduce these visible signs of aging and combat the natural aging process of the skin, Thermage treatment is an excellent skin tightening option. Thermage skin tightening treatment gives you tighter, firmer, smoother skin, softens fine lines and wrinkles, and helps you look younger without any plastic surgery by boosting your body’s natural collagen production. The Thermage procedure can be used nearly anywhere on the face or body, including the neck, chest, décolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, for a non-surgical “lift” effect that firms and tightens loose skin.
What is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX, the newest generation of Thermage lasers, utilizes improved and refined technology for increased skin rejuvenation. Its AccuREP technology allows for a more precise application of radiofrequency energy. The Thermage FLX device also has a wider treatment tip, allowing for greater heating of the skin and increased collagen production. Additionally, the AccuREP technology allows for a 25% shorter treatment time with Thermage FLX compared to older Thermage devices. After a single treatment of Thermage FLX, patients can expect their cosmetic results to last up to two years. As it can take several months for results to become visible, many patients engage in annual treatment sessions to maintain and enhance the best cosmetic results.
What is Morpheus 8 RF Microneedling and skin resurfacing?
Morpheus 8 is a cutting-edge treatment option that combines two anti-aging approaches for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin: microneedling and radiofrequency energy (RF energy) emission. Radiofrequency microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production to reduce signs of aging by tightening the skin, improving skin tone and texture, addressing hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and reducing the appearance of acne scars, injury scars, and stretch marks. While the RF energy heats the inner skin layers to tighten the skin, the tiny needles on the microneedling device pierce the outer layer of skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response, which increases new collagen production. With the advancement of combining these two skin rejuvenation treatments, patients can experience more dramatic results without needing significant recovery time.
How does Thermage work?
The Thermage treatment for skin tightening utilizes radiofrequency laser technology to boost collagen production for firmer, tighter skin. When the Thermage device is applied to the skin, it emits a beam of radiofrequency (RF) energy that heats the inner layer of the skin, also known as the dermis, while keeping the surface of the skin cool for maximum patient comfort during the treatment. When the dermis is heated, it triggers the body’s natural healing process, which promotes the production of new collagen over time. The increased amount of collagen production in the treatment area leads to the replacement of sagging, loose skin with firmer, smoother skin throughout 3 to 6 months. The results of the thermage skin tightening can also be partially seen right after the treatment session, as the heating of the dermis also causes the water molecules in the fibrous collagen present in the treatment area to separate, which leads to an immediate tightening of the skin.
How does Morpheus8 work?
Morpheus8 treatment penetrates the deeper layers of the skin by combining the effects of radiofrequency technology laser treatment and microneedling to improve skin elasticity in a single treatment. Microneedling works via tiny punctures created by surgical-grade needles, which form micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, which boosts new collagen production for firmer, tighter, more youthful-looking skin. At the same time, radiofrequency energy is emitted through the tiny needles, which heats the inner layers of the skin to stimulate new collagen production further and tighten the skin. The Morpheus8 is advantageous due to this combination approach to skin rejuvenation and the ability to penetrate deeper layers of the skin for more dramatic results. Depending on the area of the body and the skin condition being treated, the needles can penetrate up to 4mm for direct, targeted treatment.
What are the side effects of Thermage and Morpheus 8?
Thermage and Morpheus8 are both FDA-approved treatments for skin tightening in various areas of the body, meaning that they have been clinically proven to be safe and effective. Both treatments are associated with minimal discomfort during treatment and only mild side effects. Patients undergoing Thermage treatment will often describe a heating sensation during tolerable treatment and report mild swelling, redness, and numbness in the hours following the procedure. During Morpheus8 treatments, Dr. Green typically applies a topical numbing cream to avoid any discomfort associated with the microneedling aspect of the procedure. Following the Morpheus8 treatment, some patients may experience redness, swelling, and slight bruising that will typically resolve within a couple of hours.
Which is better, Thermage FLX or Morpheus8?
Thermage FLX and Morpheus8 are similar treatments in that they both use radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin, address mild to moderate skin laxity, and improve skin texture. The main difference between the two treatments is that in addition to RF energy emissions, Morpheus8 uses microneedling to stimulate new collagen production further to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. Neither treatment option is inherently better than the other, and while there are many similarities between the two, they serve slightly different purposes. Thermage FLX is often considered the gold standard for skin tightening treatments and is highly effective at addressing mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. It is an excellent treatment option for patients who are opposed to treatment with needles. Morpheus8 is also effective for addressing mild to moderate skin laxity. Still, the microneedling component can help penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of more pronounced wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. To find out which treatment option is best for you, schedule your appointment with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green today.
What is the difference between Ultherapy and Morpheus8?
Both Ultherapy and Morpheus8 are used to tighten the skin, but Ultherpay differs from Morpheus8 in its mechanism of action. While Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency energy combined with microneedling to tighten the skin, Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy, which penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, heating the tissue there to trigger new collagen production. With ultrasound energy, Ultherapy does not cause any damage to the outer layer of skin, unlike Morpheus8, which creates tiny wounds on the skin’s surface with microneedling. Even so, Ultherapy is often considered more painful than Morpheus8 and can cause unwanted side effects like unintentional fat loss.
Which is better, Morpheus8 or Ultherapy or Thermage FLX
Morpheus8, Ultherapy, and Thermage FLX are all non-invasive treatments that help with skin tightening, but they differ in how they accomplish this goal. Thermage FLX uses only radiofrequency energy to heat the inner layer of skin and increase collagen production, while Morpheus8 uses both radiofrequency energy and microneedling for deeper penetration. Ultherapy, on the other hand, uses ultrasound energy to heat the deep inner skin layers to boost new collagen production and tighten the skin. While Ultherapy ultrasound technology can penetrate deeper layers of the dermis, Ultherapy is more painful than Thermage FLX and Morpheus8. Ultherapy can also cause unwanted side effects, such as unintentional loss of fat tissue in the treatment area. Additionally, Ultherapy can only be used on the face and chest, whereas Thermage FLX and Morpheus8 can be safely used on all areas of the body.
What is better for sagging skin, Morpheus8 or Thermage FLX?
Morpheus8 and Thermage FLX can be used to address sagging skin on the face, jowls, neck, decolletage, arms, legs, and abdomen. Both treatment options use radiofrequency energy emissions to boost collagen production and tighten the skin. However, Morpheus8 also uses microneedling to increase the effects of the treatment. For more moderate sagging skin, Morpheus8 may be the ideal treatment option, as the microneedling combined with the radiofrequency technology can provide patients with more dramatic results. If patients are needle-averse, Thermage FLX is a safe and effective treatment option for mild to moderate sagging skin. Both treatment options will help to improve skin elasticity in a single treatment with no downtime required and long-lasting results.
What is better for tightening skin, Morpheus8 or Thermage?
Both Morpheus8 and Thermage are safe and highly effective treatments for skin tightening. Neither is inherently “better” than the other. Rather, Dr. Green will help you choose the treatment option that is best for you. Thermage is often considered the “gold standard” non-invasive procedure for skin tightening that is designed to firm up the skin in a single treatment without any downtime. Thermage relies on radiofrequency energy that is delivered to the skin’s surface via the application of a handheld device. Radiofrequency energy stimulates the lower layers of the skin with heat without disturbing or damaging the surface of the skin. The process of heating the skin, in turn, induces new collagen production in the treatment area. Thermage treatment has no downtime and only requires one single treatment to rejuvenate loose skin. By encouraging new collagen growth in the skin, Thermage is able to revitalize sagging skin, leading to smoother, firmer, and tighter skin at and around the treatment area. Thermage can be used on the neck, jowls, lower face, and other areas of the body, such as the arms, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.
Morpheus 8 is advantageous in that it combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling for deeper penetration and long-lasting results. The tiny surgical-grade needles pierce the outer layer of the skin up to 4mm deep, forming micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response. At the same time, RF energy is emitted from the needles, which further boosts the body’s natural production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. With Morpheus 8 treatment, patients can see results almost immediately, and they continue to improve over time. The treatment is long-lasting, providing patients with smooth, tight, clear skin for one to two years.
Is Thermage cheaper than Morpheus8?
The cost of Thermage and Morpheus 8 treatments depends on a number of factors, including the size and scope of the treatment area, the type of institution at which you receive treatment, and your geographic location. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, and she will examine the treatment area to determine which treatment option best meets your needs. After Dr. Green has generated your treatment plan, her office can provide a nearer estimate for the total cost of treatment.
Who uses Morpheus8 or Thermage?
Many celebrities who seem to be ageless incorporate in-office cosmetic treatments into their skincare routine. For some celebrities, skin tightening treatments are essential, and on-screen stars use both Morpheus8 and Thermage. The Kardashians have been interviewed saying that Morpheus8 has revolutionized their skincare routine, while both Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have said they enjoy the results of Thermage treatment. When it comes to choosing between the two treatment options, it is all about finding what is best for you and your aesthetic goals.
Is Thermage worth it?
Thermage is a highly regarded skin tightening treatment that provides patients with long-lasting anti-aging results without the risk of side effects or the need for any recovery time. Thermage has been extensively studied, with more than 50 clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in boosting collagen production and decreasing skin laxity. With constantly evolving technology, Thermage provides the highest quality patient comfort that is safe for patients of all skin types. With the Thermage FLX, patients can expect shorter treatment times and greater skin rejuvenation due to their new and improved AccuREP technology. There is no downtime associated with Thermage, allowing patients to easily schedule a Thermage treatment without any disruption to their daily activities. To find out if Thermage treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Green, who will recommend the treatment plan that will be best for you.
Is Morpheus8 worth it?
The Morpheus8 treatment combines radiofrequency energy emissions with microneedling to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin for full face and body rejuvenation. Various studies on radiofrequency microneedling have demonstrated the benefits of the treatments when combined. In 2014, researchers examined the effect of RF microneedling on the appearance of acne scars. They found that in the majority of patients, the treatment significantly reduced the appearance of acne scars in the treatment area. RF microneedling has various anti-aging effects, and studies published in 2013, 2018, and 2020 demonstrated that RF microneedling reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, improves skin texture, reduces pore size, and tightens the skin respectively. Another benefit of RF microneedling is that it is safe and effective for patients of all skin types and skin tones.
How to get started with skin tightening treatment today
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that contributes to its firmness, smoothness, and youthfulness. As collagen levels in the skin are depleted over time, skin laxity increases, which can exacerbate many other signs of aging and, for many men and women alike, cause feelings of self-consciousness. If you’re frustrated with the appearance of loose skin, sagging jowls, fine lines, wrinkles, or even cellulite, a skin tightening treatment like Thermage or Morpheus8 may be the best solution for you. Both Thermage FLX and Morpheus8 use radiofrequency energy to boost collagen production for a firmer, tighter, more youthful appearance to the skin. In addition to the RF energy emissions, Morpheus8 employs microneedling to enhance the results of the treatment and penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. To find out which treatment option is best for your individualized needs and aesthetic goals, schedule your initial consultation with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out which skin tightening treatment is best for you.