The Side Effects (grid marks)And Benefits Of Advanced Skin Rejuvenation with Morpheus8
After receiving the Morpheus8 RF Microneedling treatment, you may look in the mirror and notice small, dot-like depressions in your skin that seem to.. not want to go away very quickly. These are known as “grid marks”, these subtle indentations are a common side effect of Morpheus8, one of the hottest new skin tightening treatments on the market. But what exactly causes these grid-like patterns, and are they a cause for concern?
If you’re considering Morpheus8 to fight wrinkles, tighten skin, or address other common skin imperfections, but want to know more about those grid-like dots it imprints, keep reading.
This is everything you need to know about Morpheus8’s tell-tale grid marks, explained.
How Does Morpheus8 Work?
Morpheus8 is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment that utilizes microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) energy to achieve remarkable results. This advanced technique simultaneously remodels and stimulates collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, addressing concerns like acne scarring, stretch marks, wrinkles, and loose or sagging skin.
Collagen provides structure and suppleness, but its levels decline with age. The treatment triggers the skin to produce new collagen through controlled thermal damage. The radiofrequency heat penetrates deep into the dermal layer where collagen is produced. This stimulates remodeling and regenerates collagen.
In addition to collagen stimulation, the radiofrequency energy generates heat in the deeper tissues like the subdermal fat layer. This causes tightening and lifting effects on sagging or lax skin. The insulated microneedles allow the energy to be focused at customizable depths for optimal results.
Benefits Of Morpheus8
Morpheus8 offers several advantages, including:
Acne Scar Treatment
Highly effective at reducing appearance of rolling, boxcar, and ice pick acne scars by remodeling scar tissue and stimulating collagen production to smooth and plump depressed scars.
Stretch Mark Reduction
Significantly improves appearance of stretch marks on areas like abdomen, thighs, and breasts by stimulating new collagen and elastin production to repair dermal tears that cause marks. (I don't perform body treatments at The Gua Sha Facial, only facial treatments)
Skin Texture Enhancement
Great option for correcting uneven skin texture from issues like enlarged pores, fine lines, sun damage, and cellulite. Microneedling allows better product absorption while RF smoothes texture by repairing dermal damage through new collagen formation.
Skin Tightening
Provides noticeable tightening and lifting of loose or sagging skin on face, jowls and neck, by heating and contracting the deeper dermal layer and stimulating collagen regeneration for natural looking results.
What To Expect During A Typical Morpheus8 Session
I first apply a topical numbing cream, like lidocaine or a BLT mixture (Benzocaine/Lidocaine/Tetracaine) to make the treatment as comfortable, as possible. You will lay under a red light for 20 minutes to enhance the numbing.
Then the treatment area will be cleaned and prepped.
Morpheus8 uses a handheld device with an applicator tip that contains several tiny insulated microneedles through which bipolar RF energy is delivered into the skin.
I will adjust the tip depth based on your unique needs and treatment area.
In a grid-like pattern, the applicator tip will be pressed into the skin to create the tiny needles into the dermis while simultaneously delivering RF heat into the deeper layers. This stimulated collagen process is what causes the tell-tale grid marks immediately after treatment. I may do 2-3 passes over a specific treatment area for maximum collagen induction.
After the treatment, I will put a Salmon DNA mask, for cooling, on your facial area for about 10 minutes.
You will take home several packets of Professional Extensive Repair creams to use in the evening and for the next day.
Understanding Morpheus8 Grid Marks
Those dotted grid marks that typify a Morpheus8 treatment are short-term effects that demonstrate the RF energy is working at the ideal depth. Each mark corresponds to an insertion point for the microneedles through which collagen stimulation occurs.
Grid marks happen due to a histamine response and increased blood flow to the “microneedled” spots. Being an inflammatory response, mild to moderate swelling, redness and tenderness around the marks is common. Grid marks generally last 1 to 4 weeks depending on the individual and their skin’s healing capabilities. (you can wear makeup/concealers after 24 hours that will hide the grid marks)
Some individuals with very sensitive skin may see grid marks up to 3-4 months, especially in specific areas that the client may have requested more concern. (more passes) But, they will keep lightening up and can be concealed with makeup without harming the procedure, until they are no longer noticeable.
Other Side Effects
Along with the grid pattern, some minor side effects like the following may present temporarily after Morpheus8:
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Mild swelling and redness for 2 to 5 days
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Temporary skin discoloration and dark spots from 1 to 4 months (for sensitive skin)
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Mild bruising, especially on thinner skin areas
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Dryness, flaking, itching and peeling for up to 1 - 2 weeks
Caring For Persistent Grid Marks
While grid marks typically resolve completely within 3 – 4 weeks, some individuals may experience more persistent marks that linger, that cause concern. Contact me if you have concerns.
While grid marks are not the same as scarring, improper aftercare and sun exposure can cause unwanted pigmentation or textural changes. Sun exposure is the worst!
Using healing ointments containing ingredients like Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Ceramides and Copper can help minimize the appearance of lingering grid marks.
Aftercare Instructions
Closely follow these aftercare instructions to avoid complications:
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Keep the skin clean and moisturized but avoid active products with retinoids, acids or Vitamin C for 1 week. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer.
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AVOID SUN EXPOSURE! Use protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
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Do not scrub, pick or peel the treated skin. Let any scabbing or flaky skin shed naturally.
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Avoid heat – hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and vigorous exercise for 72 hours.
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Sleep on your back and avoid pressure on treated areas with clothing or jewelry.
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Wait 24 hours to resume normal skin care regime and makeup use.
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Wait 2 weeks for chemical peels or laser treatments.
Conclusion:
Morpheus8 is a great treatment using Microneedling and Radiofrequency. BUT... Patience is the key! It may take 1 treatment or it may take 3+ treatments to see substantial results. It all depends on your skin, the sensitivity of your skin, how your skin accepts this treatment, how you take care of your skin after the treatment. Everyone's skin is different. Most clients LOVE this treatment! Some clients do not like the wait (especially for the grid marks to completely go away) and are not a fan of this type of treatment. That's okay! It's all an individual choice.
For questions, you may text or email me.
Thanks!
Darlene
Text: 615-414-7939
Email: darlene@theguashafacial.com (or click on the "Contact Us" button at the top of the page)
I will get back with you asap.