It seems like everyone is talking about collagen and the new ways for your body to generate more of it, from adding collagen to your coffee, supplements, or scooping some into a smoothie. But collagen is more than just a buzzword – and something you don’t necessarily need to get from a supplement because your body already generates it. Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the body that helps give the skin elasticity, volume and smoothness. Collagen has often been referred to as the body’s scaffolding as it serves as the building block that holds everything together.
The problem? Over time, collagen production declines with age. (Sorry, but no amount of digestible collagen has been scientifically proven to reverse or boost collagen production.) Aging doesn’t just mean another candle on your birthday cake, however. Excess sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep and/or daily exercise all impact how the skin ages. When environmental factors like this start to take a toll, the skin begins to sag along with developing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Regarding inherent, normal aging, on top of producing less collagen, the collagen and elastic fibers that remain are no longer tightly woven. Instead, they settle further apart which makes the skin start to sag and age.
Thankfully, there are skin tightening services to target premature aging and sagging skin. Two of the procedures we used most are the Morpheus8 treatment and Ultherapy skin tightening treatment. Here’s what you need to know about Morpheus8 vs. Ultherapy so you and your provider can make the best decision to address your skin concerns.
What Is Morpheus8?
The Morpheus8 treatment is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that uses microneedling radiofrequency to remodel and contour the face. With traditional microneedling, a special device rolls over the skin and makes tiny punctures. These small, micro-injuries to the skin help kickstart the skin’s natural healing process, and with it, proteins like collagen and elastin.
Morpheus8 follows a similar technique but uses radiofrequency energy within the device. During treatment, this allows for deeper penetration into the subdermal tissue up to 8mm and the ability to target the three levels of skin tissue at once, reducing treatment time while improving skin tone and texture.
Morpheus8 is proven to target sagging skin on the face, neck, hands, and body. Because the technology is creating tiny punctures in the skin, you may appear red and the skin may be warm immediately following treatment. These side effects will subside typically within a day. You may see results the next day as well, though depending on your consultation, we may recommend several treatments for long-term improvement.
Morpheus8 is FDA-cleared and considered generally safe on skin types up to and including VI with little risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which is common with other skin resurfacing methods. Target candidates for this treatment are generally healthy, non-smoking men and women in their 30s and beyond with mild to moderate skin sagging, sun damage, or deep lines and wrinkles.
What Is Ultherapy?
With Ultherapy, focused imaging followed by ultrasound energy is used to target the areas of the skin that have started to lose collagen. Instead of puncturing the skin, this ultrasound energy technology can deposit energy directly into the skin to boost collagen production. A non-invasive alternative to a surgical facelift, you’ll have ultrasound gel placed on the skin, followed by the applicator. Once we have images that show exactly where and how deep into the skin treatment is needed, the applicator delivers ultrasound energy to the targeted areas. You may feel a temporary warm sensation or tingling, but otherwise the treatment is relatively painless.
Ultherapy can treat loose, sagging skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. Men and women in their 30s and older who have mild sagging skin in these areas are ideal candidates for Ultherapy. One of the biggest perks of this treatment is that there is rarely any recovery time needed for your skin. You may experience minimal redness or swelling, but it will ease quickly. Results can be seen almost immediately and may last for two to three months. Because Ultherapy is stimulating your body’s collagen production, results can vary and last up to a year.
The Differences Between Morpheus8 and Ultherapy
Both treatments work toward similar goals but use different science and technology to achieve them. For example, Morpheus8 uses microneedles to create tiny wounds to aid in collagen production. It can be used anywhere on the body that needs lifting and firming while Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to increase the body’s collagen production and is generally used for targeted therapy on the face, neck, and décolletage.
If you have skin issues, such as uneven texture or skin tone (i.e: scarring), Morpheus8 is an effective treatment for improving both conditions in addition to reducing deep lines and improving skin elasticity. Ultherapy, on the other hand, firms and lifts skin gradually over time. While results with Morpheu8 may seem more immediate at first than Ultherapy, there is some recovery time your skin may need. Ultherapy will subtly lift skin, meaning results may not be immediate, but there is also little to no recovery time needed after treatment.
Complementary Treatments with Morpheus8 and Ultherapy
Both Morpheus8 and Ultherapy can greatly enhance other medspa treatments. Depending on your skin’s condition and concerns, we may recommend a combination of treatments for optimal and long-lasting results. This may include services such as dermal fillers (particularly when getting Ultherapy), and/or chemical peels. You may also benefit from both Morpheu8 and Ultherapy treatments done at different times. During an initial consultation, our Medical Aestheticians will develop a skin care regimen and treatment to achieve your specific goals. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to discuss your skin concerns, health history, and which treatments will help get your desired results.