This page is your full Morpheus8 consultation guide — what to expect, how to prepare, how to care for your skin after, and the most common questions we hear. You can also download the printable PDF version to take home.
Welcome
Thank you for considering Morpheus8 at Nervana Medical. This guide covers what Morpheus8 is, what to expect on treatment day, how to prepare, how to care for your skin afterward, and answers to the questions we hear most often.
If anything is unclear or you think of new questions after your consultation, please reach out. We want you fully informed, comfortable, and confident before booking your first session.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is an advanced, FDA-cleared treatment that combines microneedling with fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy to revitalize and remodel the skin from the inside out. Tiny needles deliver targeted RF energy into the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissue, triggering your body’s natural production of new collagen and elastin.
The result is firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin and, uniquely among non-surgical treatments, the ability to gently sculpt and refine the soft tissue underneath. It is the only treatment that can remodel fat beneath the skin to contour areas naturally, without surgery.
What Morpheus8 Improves
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity (loose or sagging skin) on the face, neck, jawline, and body
- Acne scars and other scars, including stretch marks
- Uneven skin texture and tone, hyperpigmentation
- Soft-tissue contouring (submental fullness, jowls, body areas)
- Overall skin quality and radiance
Typical Treatment Areas
Face, neck, jawline, décolleté, chest, abdomen, arms, thighs, booty, knees, and post-surgical scarring or stretch marks. Your provider will recommend the right combination for your goals.
Why Morpheus8 is different. Because Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency rather than light, it is safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions, with appropriate prep. Treatments are customizable in depth and energy, so your provider can tailor each pass to your skin and goals.
What to Expect
At Your Consultation
We’ll review your medical history, your skin concerns, and your aesthetic goals together. Your provider will examine the treatment area, talk through realistic outcomes, recommend the right number of sessions, and answer every question you have. There is no pressure to book the same day — take this packet home and decide when you’re ready.
On Treatment Day
- Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early so we can apply pharmaceutical-grade topical numbing. Please notify your provider if you have any allergies to any “-caines” (i.e., lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine) or to iodine/betadine, before your appointment.
- Come with clean skin: no makeup, lotion, perfume, deodorant, or self-tanner on the area.
- If you were prescribed Journavx or Valtrex pre-treatment, take it as directed. If you were prescribed HQ to decrease your risk of PIH (based on your Fitzpatrick score — please ensure your intake paperwork is filled out correctly!), compliance is very important. Let us know if you have not been compliant so your appointment can be rescheduled.
- The treatment itself typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the area.
- Comfort options available: Pro-Nox (laughing gas), nerve blocks, or oral Journavx. Your provider will recommend what suits you.
Right After Your Treatment
- Your skin will look pink, warm, and feel similar to a sunburn. This is expected and is part of the remodeling process.
- You may notice mild swelling and tiny pinpoint dots from the microneedles — these fade within 24–72 hours.
- You’ll leave with detailed aftercare instructions and any prescribed post-treatment products.
The Healing & Results Timeline
- Days 1–3 — Redness, swelling, possible tiny scabs. Skin feels tight.
- Days 3–7 — Skin smooths out, may have light peeling. Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours.
- Weeks 2–4 — Initial improvements in texture and tone become visible.
- Months 3–6 — Peak results. Collagen and elastin continue to remodel, lifting and firming the skin progressively.
- 1–2 years — Results typically last 1–2 years. Annual maintenance recommended.
How Many Treatments?
Most patients achieve optimal results with a series of 3–4 treatments, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart. Some areas, deeper scarring, or significant laxity may need additional sessions. Your provider will create a customized plan at your consultation.
A note on healing support. We highly recommend adding PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) after your Morpheus8 treatment. It accelerates healing and amplifies collagen production — patients who add PDGF consistently see faster recovery and better results.
Before Your Treatment
Proper preparation directly impacts your comfort, healing time, and final results. Please follow these instructions carefully in the days leading up to your appointment.
2 Weeks Before
- No sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, self-tanners, or tanning drops on the treatment area.
- Avoid waxing, chemical peels, lasers, or other irritating treatments.
- If prescribed, start your pigment-control regimen (e.g., hydroquinone) — essential for darker skin tones and anyone prone to melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Begin Alastin Pre-Procedure Regenerating Skin Nectar 7–14 days prior if recommended.
About your hydroquinone (HQ) prescription:
- Do NOT combine HQ with benzoyl peroxide — the two can react and cause temporary skin darkening. Use them in separate routines or on separate nights.
- Do NOT restart leftover HQ from a previous cycle without first checking with your provider. We will direct you on the correct restart schedule.
- Even 15 minutes of unprotected sun can undo your priming. Daily mineral SPF 30+ is non-negotiable during your HQ course.
1 Week Before
Avoid the following unless prescribed by your physician (never stop prescribed medications without guidance):
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Motrin, naproxen/Aleve, and other NSAIDs
- Prescription anticoagulants (Xarelto, Eliquis, Coumadin/warfarin, Plavix, etc.) — do NOT stop these without explicit approval from your prescriber. Tell us you take them; we will plan around them.
- Fish oil, flax oil, cod liver oil, other essential fatty acids
- Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and high-dose Vitamin D supplements
- Herbal supplements: ginkgo, ginseng, garlic supplements, St. John’s Wort
- If you need pain relief during this window, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is preferred.
3 Days Before
- Reduce caffeine; avoid alcohol when possible.
- If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex in the treatment area, start your prescribed antiviral.
- Stop active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C if irritating).
The Night Before
- Cleanly shave any treatment areas (men too — face/neck should be cleanly shaved).
- Avoid alcohol.
- Hydrate well and get a good night’s sleep.
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with completely clean skin: no makeup, lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, perfume, or hair product on the area.
- Eat a normal meal beforehand — avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
- Wear comfortable clothing; bring a hat and sunglasses for the ride home.
- Take prescribed Journavx 1–1.5 hours prior to your appointment time.
Please tell us if any of the following apply:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, cold sore, or skin irritation in the area
- Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) within 6 months
- New medications, illnesses, immunizations, or significant health changes within the last 30 days, including recent dental work
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, or metal/electronic implant
- History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
- Allergies to topical anesthetics (“-caines”) or to iodine/betadine
- Current biologics or immunosuppressants (Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, Tremfya, etc.)
- Prescription anticoagulants or known bleeding disorders
We may need to delay treatment or adjust the plan.
After Your Treatment
Aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself. Following these instructions will protect your investment, reduce the risk of pigmentation issues, and give you the best possible result.
What’s Normal
- Redness for 1–3 days (longer for more aggressive settings)
- Mild to moderate swelling, particularly the morning after
- A sunburn-like sensation and warmth
- Tiny pinpoint scabs that flake off naturally over 3–7 days
- Possible light peeling depending on treatment depth
First 24 Hours
- If you opted for PDGF, PRP, PRF or exosomes, follow those specific aftercare instructions first.
- Cleanse only with lukewarm water — no soap, no cleanser, no scrubbing.
- Apply your first dose of Alastin Recovery Regimen (HA Quenching Serum or Alastin Nectar) one hour after treatment, then 3× daily. Epicutis Regimen, Plated Regimen, or aftercare regimen equivalent — discuss with your provider.
- No makeup, no sunscreen, no actives.
- Avoid heat: no sauna, hot tub, hot shower, hot yoga, or intense exercise. Internal heat reactivates pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and increases your risk of PIH and melasma flare.
- Do NOT ice. Cool with a fan or AC for comfort.
- Sleep elevated on a clean pillowcase to reduce swelling.
- No touching, scratching, or picking the treatment area.
- Optional: SinEcch (homeopathic arnica) or oral arnica supplements can help reduce bruising and swelling. Ask your provider if appropriate for you.
24–72 Hours
- Gentle cleanser with lukewarm water only.
- Continue your aftercare regimen — discuss with your provider.
- Begin mineral SPF 30+ (zinc-based; tinted/iron oxide preferred) every morning and reapply throughout the day.
- Makeup may be applied after 24–48 hours, ideally wait 72 hours.
- Keep avoiding heat, sweat, alcohol, and active skincare. Once you do return to exercise, keep your heart rate under approximately 130 bpm until redness and tightness have resolved — heavy sweating can irritate healing skin and re-activate pigment cells.
Days 3–14
- Return to gentle cleanser and your normal moisturizer.
- Continue SPF 30+ liberally throughout the day — essential for at least 1 month after treatment to avoid increasing your risk for hyperpigmentation; essential lifelong for antiaging prevention and malignancy risk. Speak with your provider/esthetician to determine the best protection for your skin type.
- Restart your pigment-control cream (hydroquinone, etc.) 2–3 nights per week, ideally nightly. Stop 48–72 hours before your next Morpheus8 session. Do NOT use HQ for longer than 4 months total. At 4 months, speak with your provider/esthetician for your step-down skincare regimen.
- Avoid actives (retinoids, AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C) for about 2 weeks (unless otherwise instructed by your provider).
- Avoid waxing, lasers, peels, or aggressive facials in the treatment area.
- No sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, or self-tanners for 2 weeks minimum.
Things to Avoid
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen, aspirin) for 3 days post — they blunt the healing response we are trying to trigger. (Tylenol/acetaminophen is fine.)
- Alcohol, excess caffeine, high-sodium foods, and high-sugar foods for 24–48 hours.
- Massaging, rubbing, or scrubbing the area for at least 24 hours.
- Strenuous exercise for 24–72 hours.
When to call us. Contact Nervana Medical right away for any of the following:
- Excessive or rapidly worsening swelling
- Severe or escalating pain
- Signs of infection: spreading redness, warmth, pus, foul odor, fever, or chills
- Unusual blistering, open wounds, or weeping that doesn’t resolve
- Skin that turns mottled, dusky, white, or unusually pale in the treatment area
- Severe itching that doesn’t respond to gentle care
- Anything that simply feels wrong or doesn’t match what we told you to expect
For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Morpheus8 hurt?
Most patients tolerate it very well. We apply pharmaceutical-grade topical numbing before treatment, and offer additional comfort options including Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide / laughing gas), nerve blocks, and oral Journavx. Discomfort varies with treatment depth, but with our comfort menu the experience is manageable for nearly everyone.
How much downtime should I expect?
Most patients have 1–5 days of visible redness and possible tiny pinpoint scabs, with mild swelling the next morning. Many return to work the day after treatment. Plan for a quiet few days if you can; your skin will look and feel best with rest and good hydration.
When can I wear makeup again?
Typically 24–48 hours after treatment. We prefer you wait 72 hours when possible to let the microchannels close completely.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients achieve their best results with a series of 3–4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Deeper concerns (acne scars, body laxity) sometimes need additional sessions. We then recommend an annual maintenance treatment to keep collagen production active.
When will I see results?
Early improvements in texture and tone often appear within 2–4 weeks. The full transformation — lifting, tightening, and remodeling — unfolds gradually over 3–6 months as new collagen and elastin develop. Be patient: your skin keeps improving long after the visible redness is gone.
How long do results last?
Most patients enjoy their results for 1–2 years. Annual maintenance treatments help preserve and extend the benefits. Your skin’s aging biology and lifestyle (sun protection, skincare, sleep, stress) play a major role in longevity.
Can Morpheus8 worsen pigmentation?
It can, especially in melasma-prone patients or darker skin tones if sun protection and pigment-suppression prep are skipped. This is why we are strict about hydroquinone priming, daily mineral SPF, and avoiding sun and tanning before and after. Done right, Morpheus8 is safe and effective for all skin tones.
Is Morpheus8 safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency rather than light energy, it is one of the safer non-surgical options across Fitzpatrick types. For Fitzpatrick IV and higher, we use a tailored protocol with appropriate pre-treatment priming.
Can I combine Morpheus8 with other treatments?
Often, yes — timing matters. Morpheus8 pairs beautifully with Botox, dermal fillers, PRP, Sculptra, and other collagen-stimulating treatments. Your provider will sequence your treatment plan to maximize results without compromising healing.
Is there an ideal time of year to start a series?
Fall and winter are ideal because of reduced sun exposure during the healing window. That said, Morpheus8 can be done year-round with strict daily SPF and sun-avoidance during your series.
When should I NOT have Morpheus8?
Postpone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection or cold sore in the area, have used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months, have a pacemaker or electronic implant, have uncontrolled autoimmune disease, or have a recent significant sunburn. Discuss your full medical history with your provider.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing through Advanced Care — fast approval and flexible payment plans. We also offer treatment packages (savings versus single sessions) and our membership program. Ask us for current pricing and package options.
Investment & Next Steps
Pricing Snapshot
Morpheus8 is priced by the size of the area treated. Most patients save significantly by purchasing a series; 3- and 4-session packages are also available at additional savings. Your provider will recommend the right area-size category for your goals at your consult. Please see our online booking site for single and series package pricing. Ask about add-ons (PRP/PRF/exosomes/PDGF) for topical application if interested.
Financing
Advanced Care financing makes Morpheus8 accessible with low monthly payments and quick approval. Visit our website → Payment Plans for additional details.
Booking & Membership
Members of our membership program receive ongoing savings on Morpheus8 and other treatments. Ask us about current membership details and which tier fits your goals.
For More Information / Before and Afters
Please visit our website — we have several blogs about this service as well as before-and-after photos for viewing.
Ready to book? Call or text us, book online at nervanamedical.com, or speak with your provider before you leave today. Series scheduling lets us reserve all your treatment slots up front so your skin stays on the optimal 4–6 week interval.
Treatment-Specific Screening
Please ensure your provider is aware if you have any of the following conditions prior to treatment.
Morpheus8 (RF Microneedling)
- Pacemaker or implanted electronic device
- Metal implants in treatment area
- Active dermatitis, eczema, or open wounds
- History of PIH (risk mitigation discussed)
- Recent filler in treatment area (<2–4 weeks)
- Accutane use within past 6 months
- Lidocaine/“-caine” or iodine/betadine allergy
- Current biologics or immunosuppressants (Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, Tremfya, etc.)
- Prescription anticoagulants or known bleeding disorders
- Recent illness, immunization, or dental work within the past 30 days
- History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
- Ability to comply with post-care and sun avoidance
Want a printable copy for the fridge?
Download the Morpheus8 Consultation Guide (PDF)
Nervana Medical · Sandy, UT · 801-335-5243 · nervanamedical.com