LOCALISED FACIAL REJUVENATION
By Doctor Cindy Kerbel
Does a full face and neck rejuvenation procedure seem overwhelming or like something you feel you don’t quite need yet? Maybe you don’t have a “full-face concern” and there are only certain areas that call out for your attention as you pass the mirror? Maybe you are not ready for the knife, and only require a localised rejuvenation approach to certain areas of the face? An ageing eye area, lip wrinkles or sagging jowls (for example) can have that full-face ageing effect, making the whole face look advanced in years when, in fact, only a localised area requires “special attention”.
What if I told you that there was a cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure that could do exactly that: contour, lift and tighten sagging skin on specifically targeted areas? Well, I’m telling you now, and that procedure is Focal (area-specific) Morpheus8!
LET’S START HERE; HOW DOES MORPHEUS8 WORK?
Morpheus8 is a fractional radiofrequency device that combines adjustable penetration depth microneedling with the delivery of radiofrequency energy (heat). This powerful combination stimulates collagen production and allows for minimally invasive skin tightening and fat reduction in certain areas. The adjustable nature of the needle depths (up to 4mm in the face and neck), as well as energy settings, allow us as treating doctors to tailor and customize the treatment to each individual patient’s needs.
A major advantage is the ability to direct heat into the fatty layer below the skin, improving one’s contours whilst still tightening the overlying skin. What’s more, the results from Morpheus8 are long-lasting and since this beautiful union of radiofrequency technology and microneedling promotes collagen production the results will continue to improve for up to three months after each treatment!
WHAT IS A FOCAL MORPHEUS8 TREATMENT?
Focal Morpheus8 makes use of the Morpheus8 technology to focus specifically on certain areas that concern you the most. We are able to customise our signature full-face treatment and target smaller areas where a specific, localised outcome is desired.
A wonderful example of such an area is the malar bags/festoons (those puffy areas around the lower eyelids and above your cheeks that can appear swollen when you wake up in the morning or after a night out). These malar bags often contribute to a more tired, aged appearance. Focusing our Morpheus8 treatment on those areas can significantly improve their appearance with minimal downtime. These swollen regions can range from pure malar oedema (swelling formed from fluid retention) to physical mounds formed by the laxity of the muscles around the eyes and skin which is often made worse by fluid retention.
Malar bags were previously notoriously difficult to treat as recurrences occurred with other treatment options. Morpheus8, however, has been shown to improve these bags significantly and with lasting effects. Periorbital rejuvenation is also possible with focal Morpheus resulting in skin tightening and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Other areas that are commonly treated are the sagging jowls and turkey necks that form with age. Who wouldn’t want to turn back the clock and have a more youthful-looking, taught jawline? And if skin quality and laxity are a concern around the mouth, we can also concentrate the use of Morpheus8 in the perioral area, refreshing your appearance.
FOCAL MORPHEUS8 RESULTS
Here is an example of a patient who included Morpheus8 in her treatment plan for the contouring of her neck and jawline:
CAN FOCAL MORPHEUS8 BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
Focal Morpheus8 treatments can be used in conjunction with more traditional surgical methods, such as localised liposuction, to enhance outcomes. This combination of treatment methods is particularly effective in addressing the pockets of extra fat that lie under the chin or in the neck area. It can also be used side by side with CO2 fractional laser for maximised results.
Morpheus8 can also be combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for optimal skin rejuvenation (such as with our signature Morpheus Enhance treatment).
Focal treatments can be done on their own, as add-ons to full-face treatments, or as top-ups to previous larger treatments. These focal treatments usually form part of larger, comprehensive treatment plans and the results may be boosted by additional injectable bio-skin remodeling treatments.
ARE FOCAL MORPHEUS8 TREATMENTS ONLY FOR THE FACE?
No, you can treat the body too! Focal Morpheus8 treatments can also be used to target other areas in the body that may benefit from subdermal renewal. These areas include laxity or crepiness of the skin in the abdominal area (where one may desire some tightening of the skin and improved texture) as well as loose, wrinkled skin above the knees.
It is important to remember though that Morpheus8 for the body is aimed at skin quality and rejuvenation, not fat reduction. It is also important to note that the body may take longer to heal than the face due to a comparatively smaller blood supply to the areas being treated in the body as opposed to the face.
HOW MUCH DOWNTIME WILL I HAVE AFTER A FOCAL MORPHEUS8 TREATMENT?
Focal (area-specific) treatments have minimal downtime, especially compared to full face treatments. What a win! Some redness, bruising, and swelling over the treated areas may occur but usually settle quickly within a few days. Small scabs may also form over the treated areas but heal quickly as well. We would advise all patients to be vigilant with their sunscreen and prescribed aftercare products post-treatment and avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least a week afterward.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Visible results from a Morpheus8 treatment can be seen within a few days of the first treatment, but more noticeable results are typically present after three weeks. The final outcome; however, is visible within three months.
HOW MANY FOCAL MORPHEUS8 TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Most patients will need 1 to 3 Morpheus8 treatments in order to reach their desired outcome. Patients will be reassessed after each treatment to see if an additional session is still required.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
It is always best to start with an in-depth consultation with one of our experienced aesthetic doctors who will help put a treatment plan in place and assess whether a focal treatment is best for your concerns. A specific skincare regimen (starting 6 weeks prior to having your first Morpheus8 treatment) will be prescribed to adequately prepare your skin so that you can achieve optimal results and prevent complications.
The beauty of Morpheus 8 is that it is completely customisable to your exact concerns, needs and goals. From a wrinkling perioral area and unsightly malar bags to fat pocket remodeling and localised skin tightening – each treatment can be completely unique in its approach.
Now that you know that smaller, focal enhancements are within your reach and there are treatments available to help boost your confidence, what are you waiting for?
Email us at capetown@drnwilkinson.co.za to schedule your Aesthetic Couture consultation today.
Blog by: Dr. Cindy Kerbel
Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates
