Four years ago, you couldn't talk about cosmetic procedures without talking about RF microneedling, specifically Morpheus8. Of all the RF microneedling treatments that promise to leave your skin tighter and firmer, Morpheus8 generated the most buzz. Kim Kardashian shared her experience on Instagram, and Lindsay Lohan herself told Cosmo that she's also obsessed with the treatment.
But now, in 2026, the discourse around RF microneedling treatments like Morpheus8 has changed. Back in the fall, the FDA flagged RF microneedling for potential safety concerns after reports of serious complications, ranging from scarring to fat loss and nerve damage.
But does this mean Morpehus8 is a no-go? Definitely not. For every scary Reddit story about Morpheus "destroying my face" or "giving me permanent scarring", there are thousands more that sing the praises of the treatment (I tried it twice—once in 2022 and again in 2025 and have nothing but excellent things to say). So what gives? I'll dive into all of this below, and share my first-hand Morpheus8 experience too.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device, meaning it combines the properties and benefits of both radiofrequency technology and microneedling procedures, says dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD. (Dr. Henry was the doctor I booked to do my treatments.) During a Morpheus8 treatment, ultra-thin needles that emit radiofrequency energy are stamped into your skin to create a controlled injury, which, in turn, prompts collagen and elastin production—the two key proteins responsible for skin firmness, tightness, and smoothness.
Many other professional devices work the same way (like Potenza, Vivace, Matrix, and EndyMed), but Morpheus8 is a bit different in that it (1) penetrates the skin deeper than most others, and (2) has a unique "burst" mode that allows it to treat multiple skin layers at once for a more robust collagen stimulation, says Dr. Henry. Translation: It's one of the most powerful RF microneedling treatments on the market.
Is Morpheus8 safe?
In the last year, I've listened to countless seminars and panels with dermatologists and plastic surgeons discussing this very question. The consensus is that yes, RF microneedling treatments like Morpheus8 are safe, but ONLY if you're getting the treatment done by a doctor in a clinical setting—that means no medspas, no Groupon deals, no aestheticians. This is especially true of Morpheus8, since we already established it's an incredibly powerful device and penetrates skin deeper than other similar devices. In the wrong hands and with the wrong settings, it could very easily melt fat or cause scarring. I mean, think about it: hot needles being repeatedly stamped into thin skin obviously comes with a risk if done wrong.
This type of safety risk is true of all cosmetic treatments, including popular lasers like Fraxel and injectables like Botox. Morphues8 just got really popular really fast, and everyone started offering the treatment—even if they weren't qualified to do so.
What are the benefits of Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 has a ton of benefits for skin on both the face and neck and body—and it's all thanks to its ability to trigger collagen and elastin production. Some of the biggest benefits patients experience after a Morpheus8 treatment include:
- Smoother skin texture with smaller-looking pores
- A reduction in acne scars and marks
- Less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles
- A more "snatched" jawline and more sculpted cheekbones
- Skin that looks firmer, tighter, and lifted
For me, the biggest benefit of Morpheus8 was an overall smoothness to my skin—fewer acne scars and marks and fewer fine lines too. And because Dr. Henry told me Morpheus8 can also be used to delay signs of aging, I'm hoping the treatment will prevent any wrinkles and skin sagging in the future.
How long do Morpheus8 results last?
Although the effects of Morpheus8 are not permanent, the results of a treatment typically last one year, says Dr. Henry, adding that "everyone’s capacity to stimulate collagen is different and one’s lifestyle choices will affect the ultimate duration."
It's also worth noting that the results aren't instant (collagen doesn't grow overnight). My skin had a nice glow a week after the treatment, but I didn't notice any smoothing or effects or meaningful improvement in skin texture until about six weeks later. So if you're trying Morpheus8 to improve your skin before a big event, I'd recommend scheduling your appointment about two months in advance.
How long is a Morpheus8 session?
My whole Morpheus8 experience took about 90 minutes. I arrived at my appointment and quickly filled out some paperwork, sat with numbing cream on my face for 45 minutes, and then the treatment itself took 25 minutes.
Once I was totally numbed, Dr. Henry wiped my face clean and passed the device over my entire face two times using a quick stamping motion. She did a few more quick stamps on areas that I really wanted to smooth and tighten, including the area under my eyes and my jawline, and then I was on my way.
How do you heal from Morpheus8?
Despite being such a powerful treatment, the downtime after my Morpheus8 treatment was relatively minimal. On day one, my skin was very red and tender for an hour post-treatment, and then faded to a pink color. On days two through four, my skin was still pink and dry in some spots, and I had a few pinpoint bleeding marks, but nothing my tinted sunscreen couldn't camouflage. By day five, my skin was completely back to normal. If you're concerned about the downtime, I would book your treatment for Friday after work and then lie low over the weekend.
In terms of what you can and can't do after a Morpheus8 treatment, Dr. Henry told me no makeup for at least 24 hours and no aggressive skincare or anything with actives (that means you'll need to pause on your retinol, AHAs/BHAs, or vitamin C). "While the skin is most vulnerable the first 24 hours following the procedure, I recommend using mild cleansers and hydrators and avoiding direct sun exposure for a full week post-treatment," says Dr. Henry.
What are the cons of Morpheus8?
Like all non-invasive cosmetic treatments, Morpheus8 isn't without its downsides. The two biggest, according to providers and patients, are the price and pain.
- Price: I won't sugarcoat it: Morpheus8 is expensive. The price varies with location and provider, but in general, you can expect to spend $1,500 to $3,000 to treat your face and neck, while larger areas (like your stomach or inner thighs) can cost as much as $4,000, says Dr. Henry. And depending on the results you're trying to achieve, your doctor may recommend multiple treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
- Pain: Morpheus8 isn't the most comfortable treatment, but with the right prep, it's totally manageable. "Preemptively taking pain medication, like a Tylenol, one to two hours before the session can ease discomfort or any expected pain, says Dr. Henry. "Many doctors also use powerful topical numbing creams to reduce the pain," I asked to numb for a full 45 minutes before the treatment (instead of the usual 30), and it made a big difference in my comfort level.
Is Morpheus8 worth it?
If you're looking to improve signs of aging and give your skin a more lifted and refreshed appearance, Morpheus8 is absolutely worth it. It's safe for nearly all skin tones and skin types (provided you get the treatment done from a reputable doctor who knows what they're doing) and is a great way to improve skin texture and firmness. My skin responded well to my Morpheus8 treatments and I'd definitely do it again.
Plus, most patients only need one treatment to see a visible improvement in their skin, and when coupled with a good at-home skincare routine, those improvements will last for a full year—maybe even longer. Again, just remember that the device is only as good as the provider using it, so be sure to book your treatment with a pro to ensure a safe and successful treatment.
Meet the expert:
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon. At her practice at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, Dr. Henry believes in using the most state-of-the-art techniques and research-backed methods to provide high-quality and holistic care.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than 13 years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the best skincare routine for your 30s to a comprehensive roundup of the best drugstore skincare brands. She regularly tests and analyzes new skincare products and treatments while working with the industry’s top experts to assess new brands, trends, and technologies.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
