Morpheus8 vs HIFU: which one is right for me?

By Dr. TRACY MOUNTFORD, MBBS MBCAM

To improve the overall look of their skin surface, many people opt for either Morpheus8 or HIFU (High-intensity focused ultrasound) treatments. Both of these treatments can provide you with the results you seek but deciding on the most suitable one can be quite difficult. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic’s extensive experience and established team of doctors all have a special interest in minimally invasive rejuvenation and harmonisation treatments that are tailor made for you. We make it simple and easy so there’s no information overload and you can make an informed decision.

What is Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 is a two in one skin tightening device. This award-winning treatment combines both radiofrequency energy and microneedling advanced technology. Using this combination, it contours, lifts and tightens the face and body.

What is HIFU?

HIFU (also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment. It is known for being a non-invasive replacement for face lifts. Through using focused ultrasound energy, it targets areas to reach a certain temperature to stimulate collagen production. Did you know the original purpose of HIFU technology was to treat tumours and give brow lifts?

How does Morpheus8 work?

By combining the benefits of both radiofrequency and microneedling technologies, Morpheus8 reengages our skin to give results of a firm, tightened and revived appearance.

The face and body can be remodelled and contoured with Morpheus8’s minimally invasive fractional technology. At the head of the innovative Morpheus8 device is 24 coated microneedles that when applied to the treatment area, stimulates a healing response. This healing response kickstarts our skin to product more collagen and elastin. Ongoing to this process is the radiofrequency energy which is heating the tissue under the skin. This tightens the connective fibres, moulding the fat to lift and firms the contours, leaving you with smooth, sculpted and rejuvenated skin.

How does HIFU work?

With HIFU technology, several beams of ultrasound energy are focused on specific areas by means of an acoustic lens. To stimulate new collagen and elastin, the energy is applied to a depth between 1.5 and 4.5mm beneath the skin. As a result of this heat energy, the thermal coagulation point is raised, which speeds up the rejuvenation process and maximizes the tightening effects of the skin.

Is Ultherapy and HIFU the same?

They are not the same, but they are similar in that they both use ultrasound to activate natural collagen skin rejuvenation. The difference is that they use different types of ultrasound beams. For instance, HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (mainly used for medical purposes), and Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound – MFU (highly focused energy to target a specific skin layer).

Ultherapy has the benefit of real-time imaging (DeepSEE Image Visualisation), whereas HIFU does not use imaging technology. So, clinicians are unable to see the layer of skins that are being treated with HIFU or even the effect of the beams.  HIFU is not FDA cleared for facial rejuvenation, lifting, tightening and body contouring purpose. However, Ultherapy is the only FDA cleared treatment for lifting and tightening skin on the face, neck, chin, brow, and recently for the improvement of lines and wrinkles in the decolletage area.

If you want to try an FDA cleared skin tightening ultrasound treatment like Ultherapy, choose The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. We are proud to be the No1 Ultherapy Ultra Premier Treatment Provider for the UK and Ireland for the 9th year in a row as of September 2022.

What is the main difference and similarity between Morpheus8 and HIFU? Hifu vs Morpheus8

A main difference is the technology both treatments use to stimulate the skins collagen response. HIFU uses ultrasound energy whereas Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency energy to achieve the skin tightening results.

A main similarity between Morpheus8 and HIFU is that they are both non-surgical, non-invasive skin tightening treatments. They both heat up the skin – albeit through different technologies – to induce a collagen remodelling response in the deeper layers of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Depending on the individual, one method may be more suitable for them than the other. Our expert practitioners will assess and recommend the right one for you.

What areas are best for Morpheus8?

As Morpheus8 can be used on both the face and body, the benefits of this combined treatment are numerous. The skin’s subdermal layer can be resurfaced and renewed on several areas with Morpheus8. The most common Morpheus8 treated areas are the face, jowls and neck, however the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, legs and periorbital areas can also be effectively targeted getting smoother results.

Areas of the face that can be treated include full face, nose to mouth lines, jowls, jawline, and neckline. Areas of the body that can be treated include chest, legs, arms, abdomen/stomach, thighs and buttocks.

What areas are best for HIFU?

The most common areas for HIFU to target are the face, neck and chest. Below is a further look at localised facial areas that can be treated with HIFU:

How many treatments do I need?

Morpheus8

It is recommended you have between 1-3 Morpheus8 sessions for the best ultimate results. However, it is dependent on the area being treated, for instance the condition or extent of the issue for that area. Our expert clinic practitioner will take this into consideration when it comes to recommending the number of treatments required for substantial results you can be happy with.

HIFU

It is found that usually most patients require only one HIFU treatment, but once again as a rule of thumb it is all dependent on the area being treated and your body’s own collagen building ability. Therefore, additional HIFU treatment sessions may be recommended.

When will you see the results?

Both treatments do not give immediate same day results, as it is not realistic. Both treatments rely on your body to be able to create collagen and everyone’s body is different how quickly their body naturally generates collagen.

For Morpheus8 you will see visible skin tightening results within just a few days. More noticeable results tend to appear after three weeks, and further improvements continue 3 months post treatment.

For HIFU treatment, most patients find that they see full results after an average of 3 – 6 months.

Morpheus8 or HIFU – which one is right for you?

They are both impressive as non-surgical options that harness the technology of micro needling and radio frequency energy (Morpheus8) and ultrasound (HIFU). The attractive quality in these treatments is how they achieve such great results yet don’t add anything into the skin but rather work naturally with your body to stimulate a boost of collagen production or work on the muscles to tighten and lift. In doing all this but still making sure you keep looking like you just fresher, lifted and more confident in your appearance.

At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic our expert medical team will take into consideration the results you are wanting to achieve, which technology you are comfortable with and when you want results. Morpheus8 delivers quicker results over a shorter period, with initial visible results being seen early on and improving significantly. However, HIFU can take several months to see visible results.

Morpheus8 doesn’t require imaging technology as the device head has a precise micro-needle mechanism that ensures precision of the depth of penetration by the millimetre. Unfortunately, HIFU does not use imaging technology stopping practitioners from seeing the layers of skin that are being treated or the effect of the treatment.

To make the right decision for you, choosing an experienced practitioner who will be honest on what’s right for you is paramount.  This means having an informative consultation where your suitability for the treatment and outcome goals are matched.

The Cosmetic Skin Clinic

The Cosmetic Skin Clinic practitioners are trained to the highest standard to provide a bespoke Morpheus8 treatment that gives you great results. Our Morpheus8 reviews and Morpheus8 before and after results show just how effective we are at rejuvenating and recontouring and creating the perfect experience for our patients.

Our qualified expert practitioners are on hand to get you started with your Morpheus8 journey. Book your Morpheus8 consultation or give our London or Buckinghamshire clinic a call on 0333 242 9285.

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