Author:
Specialized Clinic for Nasolabial Fold and Wrinkle Treatments
Osaka Houreisen Skin Clinic / Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic / Nagoya Houreisen Skin Clinic
Dr. Shinya Sasagawa, Representative of Shingetsukai Medical Corporation Meet Our Doctors
These days, I feel that fewer people are wearing face masks, although I still see some people wearing them from time to time.
What is it like where you live?
“I feel as though my face has become more saggy since the COVID-19 period, when I wore a mask so often…”
“It is hot, but I am still reluctant to take off my mask because I do not want people to see my sagging skin…”
“Is there an effective treatment option?”
Many patients visit our clinic with concerns like these.
“My jawline has become less defined with age…”
“I am also concerned about enlarged pores and loss of skin firmness. Where should I start?”
Morpheus8, an RF treatment designed to address multiple skin concerns, is now available at our clinic.
Using medical radiofrequency microneedling to target deeper layers of the skin and, depending on the treatment settings, the subcutaneous fat layer, Morpheus8 aims to improve sagging, enlarged pores, fine lines, and overall skin texture.
Sometimes described as a nonsurgical approach to skin remodeling, Morpheus8 is explored in more detail below from the perspective of aesthetic dermatology.
Important: Morpheus8 is available only at our Tokyo clinic.
What Is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a medical-grade skin remodeling treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy.
It can deliver RF energy to deeper tissue levels, including the subcutaneous fat layer, with treatment depths of up to 4 mm for the face and 7 mm for the body, as described for this treatment. This allows the physician to address factors that may contribute to the appearance of skin laxity.
In more superficial layers, the treatment aims to improve the appearance of pores, skin firmness, and fine lines. At deeper settings, it may also be used to address fullness around the jawline and neck, or skin laxity in certain body areas.
Key Features of Morpheus8
RF energy can be delivered at depths of up to 4 mm in facial treatments.
This allows treatment of selected areas such as the cheeks and beneath the chin, including areas with more subcutaneous fat. It may be an option for patients who feel they have not achieved their desired tightening with HIFU.
Targets skin tightening and subcutaneous fat volume.
RF heat is used to encourage tissue contraction and may affect fat volume in appropriately selected treatment areas. The goal is to achieve a more defined facial contour, especially when both skin laxity and fullness are concerns.
Supports collagen and elastin remodeling.
Controlled microneedling and thermal stimulation promote the skin’s repair response, with the aim of improving firmness and elasticity over time.
May improve enlarged pores, fine lines, and acne scars.
Areas of concern may include enlarged pores on the cheeks and temples, uneven skin texture on the chin, and reduced firmness around certain delicate facial areas. The physician adjusts the treatment depth and RF settings according to the area being treated.
Can be used for selected body areas as well as the face, with treatment depths of up to 7 mm for the body.
It may be considered for concerns such as horizontal neck lines, loose skin of the upper arms, or skin laxity above the knees, depending on the patient’s anatomy and the physician’s assessment.
To learn more about treatment for sagging skin, pores, and acne scars, see Morpheus8 Results and Before-and-After Cases.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for Morpheus8?
People Who Want to Address Sagging, Enlarged Pores, and Fine Lines in One Treatment Plan
“The pores on my cheeks have become more visible.” “My nasolabial folds look deeper as my face sags.” “Fine lines are noticeable even under makeup.”
Morpheus8 is designed to address several age-related concerns within the same treatment, although the degree of improvement varies from person to person.
People Concerned About Fullness or Loss of Definition Along the Jawline
When tissue and fat beneath the chin or around the mouth descend, the facial outline may appear less defined.
By delivering RF energy to selected deeper layers, Morpheus8 may help people seeking a slimmer-looking contour or a more defined profile.
People Considering Maintenance After HIFU or a Thread Lift
“I would like to improve my skin quality after HIFU.” “I am interested in maintenance after a thread lift.”
Morpheus8 may be considered as an additional skin-quality and firmness treatment when appropriate. A doctor should assess the timing and suitability of combining procedures.
People Concerned About Skin Texture, Pores, or Reduced Elasticity
“Skincare products no longer feel sufficient.” “My foundation does not apply as smoothly as it used to.”
Morpheus8 targets the dermis to stimulate remodeling of collagen and elastin. The treatment aims to improve skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of pores over time.
People Seeking Natural-Looking Rejuvenation Without Surgery or Threads
“I do not want an obviously treated appearance.” “I would prefer to avoid surgery.”
Morpheus8 is a nonsurgical approach intended to improve skin firmness and texture while preserving natural facial features. It does not directly alter the facial muscles or bone structure. Downtime and results vary with the treatment settings and individual skin condition.
How Does Morpheus8 Compare With Other Treatments?
There are several treatments for skin laxity, but how do they differ?
The table below compares Morpheus8 with other common treatment options in terms of the tissue layers targeted, intended effects, and typical areas of use.
| Treatment | Targeted Tissue Layer | Main Intended Effects | Characteristics and Treatment Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morpheus8 | Dermis to subcutaneous fat (up to 7 mm for body treatments) | Skin tightening, possible reduction of localized fat volume, and collagen remodeling | Targets skin and, at deeper settings, subcutaneous tissue. May be used for the jawline, neck, and selected body areas. |
| HIFU (e.g., ULTRAcel Zi) | Deeper supportive tissue layers, including the SMAS, depending on settings | Lifting and tightening | Uses focused ultrasound to target selected deeper tissue layers. |
| Potenza | Primarily the epidermis and dermis | Improvement of visible pores, acne scars, and uneven skin tone or texture | Focuses on skin quality and relatively superficial tissue layers, depending on the treatment mode. |
| Thread Lift | Subcutaneous tissues | Mechanical lifting of soft tissues | Changes can be noticeable soon after treatment. Results may last several months to around a year, and downtime is possible. |
How to Choose Between These Treatments
Morpheus8:
May be suitable if you are concerned about skin texture, sagging, and localized fullness at the same time. It combines microneedling with RF energy to address different tissue depths.
→ Consider it when sagging, visible pores, and fine lines are all concerns.
HIFU:
May be considered when your priority is lifting or tightening the facial contour.
→ It targets deeper tissue layers; other treatments may also be considered for skin texture and firmness.
Potenza:
An option for concerns such as pores, acne scars, redness, firmness, and uneven texture or tone.
→ It mainly focuses on skin quality rather than directly treating deeper fatty tissue or substantial sagging.
Thread Lift:
An option for people seeking a more immediate mechanical lifting effect.
→ Post-treatment swelling, bruising, and discomfort should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How Soon Will I Notice Results?
A. Some patients notice a feeling of tighter skin shortly after treatment.
Changes in jawline definition and the appearance of pores may become more noticeable over the following one to two weeks.
Improvements associated with collagen remodeling may develop gradually over approximately one to three months.
Both early changes and more gradual improvements may occur, although results vary by individual.
Q. Is There Any Downtime?
A. Redness, mild swelling, and small pinpoint marks or bleeding at needle entry sites may occur immediately after treatment.
These commonly settle within one to three days, although visible needle marks or other reactions can last longer in some patients.
Washing the face and applying makeup may generally be resumed the following day, while avoiding friction over the treated skin, according to your clinician’s instructions.
If swelling or warmth is uncomfortable, cooling measures may be discussed with clinic staff.
Patients with work or social commitments may prefer to schedule treatment before a weekend or holiday to allow for recovery.
Q. Is the Treatment Painful?
A. Topical anesthetic is used, and a local nerve block may also be considered when needed.
These measures can reduce the prickling sensation from the needles and the feeling of heat during RF delivery. Some discomfort may still occur.
Some patients say the procedure was less uncomfortable than expected. If you are worried about pain, please let us know during your consultation.
Q. How Often Should I Have Morpheus8?
A. We generally recommend approximately three sessions spaced one to two months apart as an initial course, depending on your skin condition and treatment goals.
Thereafter, maintenance once or twice a year may be considered on an individual basis.
For mild sagging or enlarged pores, some patients may notice a change after one session.
For moderate to more pronounced sagging or reduced elasticity, two to three sessions and, when appropriate, other treatments may be considered.
Our clinic recommends a treatment plan based on each patient’s skin condition and goals.
Our Approach to Morpheus8: Personalized Treatment and Patient Comfort
Physician-Guided Adjustment of Treatment Depth and RF Energy
With Morpheus8, the depth of the needles and the amount of RF energy delivered can affect the outcome.
Our doctors assess skin thickness and the amount of subcutaneous fat and adjust treatment settings for areas such as the cheeks, beneath the chin, forehead, and temples.
We consider which areas may benefit from tightening and which require particular caution to balance the desired effect with safety.
Anesthesia Options to Help Reduce Discomfort
Because microneedling procedures can cause discomfort, our clinic uses topical anesthesia and, where indicated, a local nerve block.
If you are concerned about pain or have sensitive skin, please discuss this during your consultation so the team can consider suitable options.
Considering Combination Treatments When Appropriate
Morpheus8 can be performed on its own. Depending on a patient’s skin condition and treatment goals, other procedures may be considered to address additional concerns.
HIFU (ULTRAcel Zi): May be considered alongside treatment aimed at skin texture and firmness when deeper tissue tightening is also a priority.
Sunekos, Jalupro, or Profhilo: Injectable skin-quality treatments that may be considered for hydration, firmness, or elasticity.
Growth Factor Injections: May be considered separately for concerns such as nasolabial folds, subject to medical assessment.
Combination treatments and the timing between procedures are determined by the physician. Combining treatments does not guarantee greater benefit.
Aftercare Designed to Support Recovery
Skin can be temporarily more sensitive after microneedling treatment.
We provide moisturizing and soothing aftercare intended to support recovery and help manage post-treatment discomfort.
Depending on individual needs, we may also discuss clinic-grade serums containing peptides or skincare products containing growth factors.
In addition to selecting the appropriate device settings, our clinic places importance on careful patient assessment, risk management, and aftercare.
Please feel free to discuss any concerns during your initial consultation.
Morpheus8 Treatment Price
Cheeks + Under the Chin + Neck
Regular price per session: ¥150,000 (tax included)
Introductory monitor campaign: ¥99,800 (tax included)
Summary
Morpheus8 is a fractional RF microneedling treatment designed to address skin laxity, skin quality, and, at selected depths, subcutaneous fat.
By delivering controlled RF energy to the dermis and deeper tissue layers, it may help with:
- Improving the appearance of sagging along the jawline
- Addressing enlarged pores, fine lines, and acne scars
- Supporting skin firmness and elasticity
- Tightening selected body areas such as the neck, upper arms, or above the knees
For people who want to address more than one concern with a single treatment approach, Morpheus8 may be one option worth discussing with a physician.
If you are interested in an approach to skin remodeling rather than lifting or moisturizing alone, we can help you understand whether Morpheus8 may be suitable for your concerns.
Our medical team will recommend a treatment plan based on your skin condition, expectations, and individual circumstances.









