Hey, y’all! This is Dr. Wright at Rejuvenate. I get asked about this all the time, so I wrote this blog! I hope you enjoy the info!!
In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic treatments, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling has emerged as a game-changing technology for skin rejuvenation. Two of the most popular devices in this category are Secret RF and Morpheus 8. Both are designed to enhance skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote collagen production, but they have distinct differences that may make one more suitable than the other depending on individual needs. In this blog, we will delve into a detailed comparison of Secret RF and Morpheus 8 to help you make an informed decision.
Technology Overview
Secret RF:
Secret RF is a microneedling device combined with radiofrequency energy to address skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. It operates using adjustable needles that penetrate the skin at different depths, delivering RF energy directly into the dermis. This stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity over time. Secret RF offers customizable treatment depths and intensities, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types and conditions. The depth goes to 3.5mm making Secret RF ideal to remodel the deep dermis and create skin tightening. For these depths, we often recommend lidocaine injections to make them comfortable.
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 is another advanced RF microneedling device that also targets the deeper layers of the skin. Morpheus penetrates up to 4mm into the skin with a slightly larger thermal profile. This allows the provider to use Morpheus for body sculpting. Why didn’t we go with this option?? Well, at these depths it is painful without a nerve block. Coolsculpting is way more effective for body sculpting and more comfortable by leaps and bounds. Coolsculpting does not require anesthetic and can treat large areas.
It is King in Bodysculpting and we are one of Austin’s top providers. If I sound enthusiastic about it, I am!! My whole philosophy about aesthetics revolves around getting you great results with a low risk profile. Using Morpheus for body sculpting would not make sense for my practice since we are Coolsculpting Masters. Now that makes that 4mm depth kind of useless for us.
One more service I am passionate about delivers energy at that depth and that is Ultherapy. Ultherapy is the gold standard for skin tightening. I can see where I am delivering this energy on the ultrasound image for Ultherapy. Ultherapy treats 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.0mm depths all with a visual component. Tempted to combine Ulthera and Secret RF?? You should be! That is the special sauce for results and safety.
Treatment Areas
Secret RF:
Secret RF is versatile and can be used on both the face and body. It’s effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other textural issues on the face. It can also be used on the neck, décolletage, and hands for skin tightening and rejuvenation. We often discount Secret RF for our Ultherapy patients for ultimate results. We do a lot of Secret RF on the abdomen for skin laxity. We see this after weight loss or pregnancy.
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 is also versatile for both facial and body treatments. It treats all the areas listed above, but goes a tad deeper. We prefer to have a visual component when treating deeper on the face, so we use Ulthera at 4mm.
Customizability and Precision
Secret RF:
Secret RF offers a high level of customizability with adjustable needle depths ranging from 0.5mm to 3.5mm, allowing practitioners to tailor the treatment based on the specific needs of the patient. This flexibility makes it a great option for treating various skin conditions and types, including more delicate areas like under the eyes. Secret RF is adjustable by increments of 0.1mm.
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 is adjustable in increments of 0.5mm from depths of 0.5mm to 4.0mm.
Pain and Downtime Secret RF vs. Morpheus 8
Secret RF:
Secret RF treatments are generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is usually applied before the procedure to reduce any pain. Downtime is minimal, with most patients experiencing mild redness and swelling for a day or two, allowing them to return to normal activities quickly.
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 treatments can be slightly more uncomfortable due to the deeper penetration of the needles. However, this discomfort is managed with topical anesthesia, and in some cases, nerve blocks may be used for more extensive treatments. Downtime varies depending on the intensity of the treatment but is typically slightly longer than Secret RF, with redness and swelling lasting up to a week.
Results and Longevity
Secret RF:
Results from Secret RF treatments are typically seen within 4 weeks as collagen production increases, with optimal results appearing after 2-3 sessions. The
improvements in skin texture and tightness can last for up to 12 to 18 months, depending on individual skin type and the aging process.
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 often shows result in the same time frame and collagen production and metabolism are based on the individual, so longevity of the results should be similar.
Cost of Secret RF vs. Morpheus 8
Secret RF:
The cost of Secret RF treatments typically ranges from $1000 to $1,300 per session, depending on the treatment area. We have savings built into our packages and often run specials on Secret RF. In addition, all Ultherapy patients get 50% off Secret because we believe in that combo soooo much!!
Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 treatments are generally more expensive, with prices ranging from $800 to $2,000 per session, largely due to the device’s ability to go deeper. We addressed above why that is not really something we were interested in for Rejuvenate.
Secret RF vs. Morpheus 8 and why I chose Secret RF
Both are ideal for individuals with moderate skin aging concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It’s also suitable for those looking for a non-invasive way to improve skin texture and firmness with minimal to moderate downtime. Both modalities have skin tightening properties. Because we do so much bodysculpting with the tried- and-true Coolsculpting Elite, I was not as interested in Morpheus for body contouring. Secondly, my whole motto in aesthetics is getting amazing results with the lowest risk. Therefore, a lower thermal injury and more control of depth adjustment really mattered to me even though Secret RF is less marketed than Morpheus 8.
Which is Right for You?
At the end of the day, they are more alike than they are different. The way safe practitioners use them is going to be so similar. I think it is way more important to
choose the right medical spa. A doctor should be involved, and your care should be overseen by the doctor or a midlevel provider. What are midlevel providers? Physician Associate/Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner are considered midlevel providers and have prescriptive authority. These are invasion medical procedures. If you visit a medical spa and only see an aesthetician for invasive procedures, you must ask yourself “Is this worth the risk?”.
Ready to rejuvenate your skin? Schedule your complimentary consultation at Rejuvenate Austin today, and let us help you determine whether Secret RF or Morpheus 8 is the perfect treatment for your unique needs!
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