Many people struggle with loose, sagging skin and stretch marks due to a variety of factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process. These common skin concerns can make people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their body.
Thankfully, there are effective solutions available today like microneedling with radiofrequency. This advanced treatment option can improve skin laxity and reduce the visibility of stretch marks for smoother, tighter skin.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is an advanced skin tightening and rejuvenation treatment that utilizes a combination of microneedling and bipolar radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of stretch marks, reducing their texture, color, and overall visibility on the skin.
Morpheus8 uses fine needles to create microscopic channels deep into the dermis layer of the skin. These tiny wounds trigger the body’s natural healing response, including an increase in collagen and elastin production. The radiofrequency energy heats the dermis to further stimulate this boosted production of collagen and elastin.
The result is tighter, smoother, more youthful-looking skin, as well as significant improvements in stubborn skin concerns like stretch marks. Morpheus8 can address stretch marks anywhere on the body, including the thighs, hips, breasts, abdomen, and buttocks. It is a safe, non-surgical treatment option suitable for most skin types.
Understanding Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a very common skin concern, affecting men and women of all ages and ethnicities. They appear as lines or streaks on the skin surface and can be pink, red, purple, brown, or black in color. Stretch marks are often associated with pregnancy, but they can also develop during puberty, rapid weight gain or loss, or sudden growth spurts.
Stretch marks form when the dermis layer of the skin breaks due to rapid expansion. When the dermis stretches too quickly, the regular collagen and elastin network gets damaged. This results in tear lines showing through the epidermis. The marks appear indented and have a different texture compared to surrounding skin.
While stretch marks are harmless from a medical perspective, they can cause distress or embarrassment for those who have them. Factors that contribute to stretch marks include:
Cause | Description |
Genetics | Some individuals are predisposed to developing stretch marks due to skin elasticity determined by genetics. |
Hormones | Changes in hormones during adolescence or pregnancy soften connective tissue, making skin more susceptible to stretching and tearing. |
Weight fluctuations | Rapid weight gain or loss can lead to tearing of the dermis and stretch marks. |
Family history | Those whose close family members have stretch marks are more likely to develop them. |
Skin type | Dry skin and skin conditions like eczema or marfan syndrome increase stretch mark risk. |
How Morpheus8 Works for Stretch Marks
Morpheus8 utilizes advanced technology to significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks on all areas of the body. The combination of microneedling and bipolar radiofrequency energy remodels and restores the deeper layers of the skin where stretch marks form.
By enhancing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin, Morpheus8 improves skin laxity, texture, and overall appearance. These are the key building blocks for smooth, youthful-looking skin. Specifically for stretch marks, increased collagen fills in the tears in the dermis, while elastin improves the skin’s flexibility and resilience to stretching.
Over a series of treatments, Morpheus8 can significantly reduce the depressions, discoloration, and uneven texture caused by stretch marks. Results continue to improve in the months following the treatments as collagen production ramps up.
Benefits of Morpheus8 for Stretch Marks
Morpheus8 offers a number of advantages for those seeking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks:
- It is non-invasive and non-surgical. No knives, incisions, or needles go into the skin beyond the microneedling component.
- It works for stretch marks anywhere on the body, including commonly affected areas like the thighs, stomach, hips and breasts.
- It is safe for all skin types and tones. Adjustable settings allow for customized treatment based on each individual’s needs.
- Downtime is minimal. Patients can resume normal activities after initial redness and swelling subsides within 72 hours.
- It provides natural-looking results. Morpheus8 stimulates your body’s own collagen without introducing any foreign fillers.
- It also addresses other skin imperfections like loose skin, wrinkles, and acne scars that often accompany stretch marks.
- There is no pain with the treatment. A topical anesthetic is applied before the procedure.
For those seeking a lasting, non-invasive solution to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, Morpheus8 is an excellent option.
Morpheus8 Treatment Procedure
The Morpheus8 procedure is performed in a medical office by a qualified aesthetic provider. The number of sessions needed varies per patient, but a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart is typical. Each session takes less than an hour to perform.
Here is an overview of what to expect during a Morpheus8 treatment:
- Before the treatment: The provider will first cleanse and sterilize the area to be treated. A topical numbing cream is applied for about 30 minutes to maximize comfort.
- Microneedling: The Morpheus8 device contains microneedles of various sizes. The appropriate needle depth is selected based on your skin. These tiny needles create microchannels into the skin to aid absorption of serums and stimulate collagen. Patients feel only minimal sensation due to the numbing cream.
- Radiofrequency delivery: Bipolar radiofrequency energy is delivered through the microneedles into the deeper dermis layer. Preset protocols customize the energy level based on the area being treated. Patients feel a warm sensation.
- Serum infusion: Antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid serums are infused deep into the microchannels. These compounds aid in the skin rejuvenation process.
- After the treatment: The provider will apply a soothing cream and cover the treated areas with bandages. Over-the-counter pain medication can provide relief for any residual discomfort. Temporary side effects like swelling, redness, and tenderness typically resolve within 72 hours. Applying ice packs helps reduce side effects.
Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours post-treatment. Your provider will share detailed aftercare instructions personalized for your situation and treatment areas. Following aftercare properly supports the collagen rebuilding process and avoids complications.
Morpheus8 Versus Other Treatments
Morpheus8 has distinct advantages over other options for improving stretch marks, such as prescription retinoids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and plastic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck or body lift.
Treatment | Description |
Topical retinoids and creams | Require prolonged use, yet they offer only modest improvements by making stretch marks somewhat smoother and lighter over time. Results take months and some skin types have trouble tolerating retinoids. |
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion | Remove surface layers of skin which can temporarily make stretch marks less noticeable. However, these treatments do not address the deeper dermal tears where stretch marks form. Results are temporary. |
Fraxel Laser | Can help improve stretch marks for some individuals. However, lasers work best on lighter skin tones and require multiple treatments. Thermal damage and post-treatment discomfort are concerns with any laser therapy. |
Abdominoplasty or body lift | Can cut out and remove stretch marks. Yet these cosmetic surgeries carry significant risks, require extensive recovery periods, and leave large scars. |
Morpheus8 provides superior stretch mark reduction over other options because it treats the deeper dermal layers with no downtime or side effects. The blend of microneedling and radiofrequency is a perfect pairing for stimulating new collagen without surgery or lasers. The customizable settings allow effective treatment across all skin tones.
Conclusion
For those unhappy with stretch marks from weight fluctuations, growth spurts, or pregnancy, Morpheus8 fractional skin resurfacing represents an exciting advance in nonsurgical treatment options. This innovative technology safely and effectively improves stretch mark appearance on all parts of the body.
By turning back the clock on aging or damaged skin, Morpheus8 fractional skin resurfacing helps patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance. Those dealing with distress over stretch marks or loose, crepey skin now have an exciting new treatment option to safely achieve smoother, firmer, more toned looking skin.
Consult an Experienced Provider
Partnering with an experienced, qualified provider is key to ensuring optimal results with Morpheus8. An initial consultation allows providers to assess your individual skin needs and determine if you are a good candidate for Morpheus8 treatment.
Take advantage of innovative developments like Morpheus8 fractional skin resurfacing to reduce stretch marks and improve the tone, texture, and tightness of your skin. Enjoy smooth, beautiful skin you can feel confident about. Contact Good Vibe Medical today to book a Morpheus8 consultation!