There’s an unwritten rule in the world of aesthetics: If Kim Kardashian is doing it, people will be interested. Such is the case with InMode Morpheus8, a minimally invasive treatment Kardashian posted about recently on her Instagram Stories.
“This is a game changer! I did Morpheus laser to tighten my stomach,” Kardashian captioned a photo of her bare abs and tagging Los Angeles-based celebrity plastic surgeon Ashkan Ghavami, MD. She added, “I think this is my fave laser but it’s painful lol but worth it!”
If you were intrigued by the star’s new “fave laser,” you weren’t alone. Searches spiked for the treatment after the post—though Dr. Ghavami says there remains a fair amount of apprehension. “Surprisingly, we have found that patients are a bit more cautious and do a lot more research prior to contacting us,” says the plastic surgeon. But, he says, “There is no gimmick here. [Kardashian] trusts our recommendations and treatments so much that she actually decided to film herself having Morpheus8 done in our office without us knowing that she took photos during her session. She felt so great about her Morpheus8 results in our office that she was candid with her followers and decided to share her experience.”
Want to know more about the skin-tightening treatment? We spoke to Dr. Ghavami himself, as well as New York City-based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, to find out everything you need to know about InMode Morpheus8 before booking.
What is InMode Morpheus8?
As previously mentioned, Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling and radio frequency (RF). It contours and tones both the face and body, creates a smoother and tighter appearance, and—best of all—is safe for all skin tones.
“Morpheus8 is a fractional skin treatment that stimulates collagen production of the underlying layers of the dermis,” explains Dr. Henry. “By targeting the deeper layers of the skin, tissues of the face and body can be remodeled to reveal a more radiant youthful appearance.”
The microneedling component adds to the treatment’s efficacy—and healing. “Because there are micropins that are penetrating the skin, it creates micro lesions that heal faster than traditional methods of skin resurfacing,” adds Dr. Henry. And unlike other skin treatments that affect only the top layers of the dermis, Morpheus8 “Treats wrinkles down to fat depending on depth and energy level,” explains Henry, adding that “Morpheus8 Body is specifically designed for larger and deeper tissue treatments.”
What are the benefits?
In short, the treatment “stimulates the production of collagen and resurfaces skin to discover a younger looking appearance,” explains Dr. Henry. And although Kardashian uses the treatment to tighten her abs, it’s especially popular because it can address multiple areas and concerns at once, says Dr. Ghavami: “I have found that Morpheus8 has helped with textural issues, minimizing pore size, tightening and lifting skin, and even smoothing tone and color in some patients.” It can even be used for skin concerns like acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks.
Here’s the key: It’s designed with dual hand pieces and four fractional tips with different pin configurations that give it increased functionality for different body parts. There’s Morpheus8 for smaller treatment areas—think jawline, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, and arms—and Morpheus8 Body for larger body areas like the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you, depending on what you want to address.
How long does it take to see results?
Expect to see results fairly quickly. “This specific treatment is especially popular because most patients see a visible difference from just one treatment, whereas other treatments may take a series of three to six treatments to see a visible improvement,” says Dr. Ghavami. Even better, he says, “The downtime is also minimal, with less than one to two days for most [people].”
Dr. Henry agrees, saying that “visible results can be seen within a few days, but typically after three weeks the most noticeable results appear.” Plus, “improvements continue up to three months after treatment.” That said, the effects aren’t permanent; annual visits are recommended to maintain results.
Are there any side effects?
Kim K may have called the laser “painful,” but compared to other treatments, Morpheus8 has relatively few side effects when done correctly. “Numbing cream or injections are used when applicable,” says Dr. Henry. “With numbing cream, it is usually tolerable at moderate energies but may be slightly uncomfortable depending on your tolerance. With numbing injections, it is very well tolerated even at the highest energies,” says the derm.
Following the treatment, you may see some redness and/or swelling, as well as tiny dots or scabs where needles entered the skin.
How much does it cost?
With so many benefits, Morpheus8 doesn’t come cheap: It ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per treatment, depending on the treatment area, where you’re located, and the practitioner you see. And again, don’t forget to budget in annual treatments to maintain results. Looking for a provider? You can find a recommendation for a practitioner on the official InMode website.