Morpheus8 Pre Care, Aftercare and Contraindications

The success of any aesthetic treatment lies not only in the procedure and practitioner, but also in the aftercare. Morpheus8, our advanced radiofrequency microneedling treatment, is no exception. Proper aftercare is crucial for optimising your results and ensuring a smooth recovery. In this page, we'll walk you through the aftercare process and what you can expect in terms of results from your Morpheus8 treatment.

The following is information that is provided to patients when they book a Morpheus8 appointment, and it will be provided to you following your appointment. Please familiarise yourself with the information, but in any event, your practitioner will guide you through this during your consultation.

Pre Care Instructions

• Discontinue the use of Aspirin or other anticoagulants, NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aleve), Garlic, Gingko Biloba, Fish Oils and Vitamin E for 7-10 days prior to your treatment if medically permitted.
• Stop using topical retinoids (retinol/tretinoin) or other prescription grade actives such as Benzoyl Peroxide 1 week prior to treatment.
• If you develop post inflammatory hyperpigmentation easily, include prescribed Hydroquinone for a minimum of 2 weeks in your skincare routine before the treatment and discontinue using it 3 days prior to the treatment
• Avoid sun exposure or using fake tan 2 weeks prior to the treatment. The treatment will not be administered on skin with fake tan.
• Male patients – clean shave prior to your treatment if the treatment is performed in areas of hair growth
• If you have a history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, a prophylactic regime needs to be followed – prescribed Acyclovir must be taken for one week - before, on the day and after the treatment
• Discontinue any irritant type topical products or treatments for one week prior your treatment such as AHAs, BHAs, scrubs or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare.
• Avoid treatments such as microdermabrasion & laser 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Must wait 2 weeks post Botox injections and 6 weeks post dermal fillers before you can have the treatment
• Ensure there is no need to wash your hair or get a hairdresser’s appointment after the treatment; it is advised for no shampoo foam to fall onto the face after the treatment as well as no dye to be applied on the hair as it may be applied on skin that was treated with the Morpheus8 device and may cause reactions
• Avoid waxing or using depilatory creams 5-7 days before the treatment

Post Treatment Expectations/possible side effects:

• Your skin may stay red for 1-3 days
• Possible oedema (localised swelling) 1-3 weeks
• Tiny needle holes/scabs may appear, lasting for 1-3 weeks
• Possible bruising
• Downtime few days - 5 weeks, depending on treatment parameters, patient skin type & treatment response/side effects
• Possible breakout, dry or itchy skin

Managing Side Effects and Discomfort

While Morpheus8 is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience temporary side effects. These can include:

A 2019 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported that these side effects typically resolve within 3-5 days post-treatment. To manage any discomfort:

1. Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support healing

If you experience any unusual or prolonged side effects, contact our clinic immediately.

Post Treatment Aftercare

Immediately following your Morpheus8 treatment, you can expect some redness, swelling, and a warm sensation in the treated area. These are normal reactions and typically subside within a few days. Here's what you should do in the hours immediately after your treatment:

• Use an antiseptic product (e.g. Clinisept) immediately following treatment & for up to 1-3 days, or until needle holes have closed
• Use only tepid water and clean hands to clean face on first night
• Avoid using make-up for 1-3 days post treatment, until needle holes close. Ensure you use new/clean applicators when you reintroduce make-up; mineral make-up should be used, not cosmetic make-up
• Avoid touching the treated area (clean hands first if necessary to touch)
• Once holes have closed you may use your usual products – though avoid exfoliating/retinol based products for 3-5 days
• Use an SPF moisturiser daily once holes have closed (with factor 30+) & for at least 1 week post treatment, but ideally on-going for best results
• Avoid significant sun exposure or sunbeds for approximately 4 weeks post treatment
• Moisturise the skin if itchy during healing and do not pick scabs
• Occasionally a breakout may occur a few days post treatment
• Avoid waxing or using any hair removal methods on the treated area until the skin has fully healed

The Importance of Proper Aftercare

Adhering to aftercare instructions is vital for several reasons:

1. It minimises the risk of complications
2. It enhances and prolongs the results of your treatment
3. It ensures a comfortable and swift recovery

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that patients who strictly followed post-treatment care instructions experienced faster recovery times and more satisfactory results from RF microneedling treatments.

Contraindications

Please ensure you have read the below and that you are suitable for the treatment. If unsure, please contact the clinic prior to your treatment

• Pacemaker or internal defibrillator, or other metallic or electronic implant anywhere in the body. The hand piece should be used at least 1cm away from cochlear implants in the ear.
• Permanent implant in the treated area such as metal plates, screws, metal piercing, threads or silicon, unless deep enough in the periosteal plane (down into bone)
• Intra-dermal or superficial sub-dermal areas injected with HA/collagen/fat injections or other augmentation methods with biomaterial, before the product has been dissipated (up to 6 months). Suggested to wait minimum 12 weeks - It is possible to treat sooner over injectable products placed in the deep, periosteal plane (down to bone) as soon as the area has healed. Suggested to wait minimum 6 weeks.
• Botox before binding to the facial muscles (2 weeks).
• Current or any history of skin cancer, or pre-malignant moles; any other type of cancer currently (must be in full remission)
• Pregnancy and nursing
• Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders or sensory disturbances.
• Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive medications.
• History of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, may be treated only following a prophylactic regime.
• Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction and hormonal virilisation.
• Any active skin condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema, and rash
• History of skin disorders, keloids, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin.
• History of bleeding coagulopathies or use of anticoagulants in the last 10 days
• Any facial surgery performed within a year prior to treatment.
• Facial dermabrasion, facial resurfacing, or deep chemical peeling within the last three months, if face is treated.
• Having received treatment with light, laser, RF, or other devices in the treated area within 2-3 weeks for non-ablative procedures, and 6-12 weeks for ablative fractional laser resurfacing (according to treatment severity) prior to treatment, except special recommendations - wait as long as they have been advised to avoid UV exposure
• Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g., ibuprofen-containing agents) one week before and after each treatment session - this reduces inflammation response needed for results
• Irritable skin like excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams and sprays within the last two weeks.Any conditions that might make the treatment unsafe by you having the treatment can be considered contraindications and treatment can be refused.