Morpheus8 is radiofrequency microneedling by InMode, performed at Vessel by a licensed RN. How you prepare and how you care for your skin afterward both shape how comfortably you heal and how well you see results.
Keep this guide close in the weeks around your appointment, and reach out anytime with questions.
I — Pre-care
Before Your Treatment
Begin preparing one week before your appointment, with a few steps starting earlier.
6 months before
Isotretinoin
- You must be off isotretinoin (Accutane) for 6 months, unless otherwise cleared by your prescribing physician and your provider.
2 weeks before
Protect and prepare
- Sun: No unprotected sun, tanning beds, or self-tanner. Wear a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50 and a hat outdoors.
- Other treatments: No chemical peels, waxing, threading, laser, IPL, or facials on the treatment area for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Pigment prep: Your provider may recommend pre-treating with hydroquinone.
1 week before
Pause irritating products
- Topicals: Stop retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene), AHAs and BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, strong vitamin C, and other exfoliants for 5 to 7 days (at least 48 hours).
- Blood-thinning supplements and medications: Only if medically appropriate and approved by your prescriber, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, and cod liver oil for 7 days to reduce bruising. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine.
The day before
Final preparations
- Shaving: Shave the treatment area 24 hours before if needed. Please do not wax.
- Cold sores: If you have a history of cold sores, let us know. An antiviral may be prescribed, starting the day before and continuing 5 to 7 days after.
Day of treatment
Arrive with clean skin
- No makeup, lotion, deodorant (for body areas), or sunscreen on the treatment area.
Please Tell Us Before Your Appointment
Let us know if any of the following apply, so your provider can confirm Morpheus8 is right for you:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active acne, open wounds, or an infection in the area
- A recent sunburn
- Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use
- A pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted device
- Metal implants in or near the treatment area
- An autoimmune disease, bleeding disorder, or uncontrolled diabetes
- Slow or impaired wound healing, or a tendency toward keloids
- Active skin cancer in the treatment area
- Any new medications
II — Post-care
After Your Treatment
Your skin is actively renewing. Gentle, consistent care in the first two weeks protects your skin and your results.
Immediately after
What you may notice
- Warmth and tightness, similar to a sunburn, are common. You may see redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and grid-like marks. Mild oozing on the day of treatment is possible with deeper settings.
First 24 hours
Rest and protect
- Hands off: Do not rub, pick, or scratch.
- Cleansing: If advised, rinse with cool or lukewarm water the evening of treatment. Otherwise, begin a gentle cleanser the next morning.
- Products: Use only gentle, hydrating products approved by your provider, such as a hyaluronic acid serum or a ceramide-rich moisturizer.
- Avoid: Makeup, sunscreen, retinoids, acids and exfoliants, actives, hot water, sweating and exercise, saunas and steam, alcohol and spicy foods (which can worsen flushing), and swimming or hot tubs.
24 to 48 hours
Gently resume
- Sunscreen and makeup: Once skin is intact and no longer oozing, you may apply a fragrance-free mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium) and light, non-comedogenic makeup. Wait longer if skin is still very reactive.
- Daily care: Gentle cleanser once or twice a day, a hydrating serum, and a barrier moisturizer.
Days 3 to 7
Healing and renewal
- Actives: Continue avoiding retinoids, AHAs and BHAs, strong vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide until peeling resolves, typically 7 to 10 days for the face and up to 2 weeks for the neck and body.
- Supportive products: If recommended, you may add growth factors or peptides. Continue mineral SPF daily.
- Activities: Avoid intense heat, strenuous workouts, saunas and steam, swimming, and hair removal (waxing, threading, depilatories) on the area for 7 to 10 days.
Weeks 2 to 4
Return to routine
- Actives: Reintroduce gradually once skin is fully calm, usually 7 to 14 days.
- Sun: Strict sun avoidance on treated areas for 2 to 4 weeks. Daily SPF 30 to 50 is essential.
Results & Treatment Plan
When you will see changesEarly improvements can appear in 2 to 4 weeks, and collagen remodeling continues for 3 to 6 months.
Your seriesMost clients benefit from 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Deeper scarring or body areas may need more.
MaintenanceEvery 6 to 12 months, depending on your goals, skin type, and lifestyle.
Home care mattersDaily mineral SPF 30 to 50, gentle barrier support, and avoiding picking and sun exposure help lower the risk of dark spots and protect your results.
IV — At a Glance
Quick Do & Don't
Do
- Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and barrier moisturizer
- Sleep slightly elevated the first night to reduce swelling
- Use a clean pillowcase, sanitize your phone, and avoid pet licks on your face
- Wear mineral SPF and a hat once it is safe to resume sunscreen, typically after 24 to 48 hours
Don't
- No makeup or sunscreen the day of treatment, and up to 48 hours if skin is oozing or reactive
- No hot showers, saunas, heavy workouts, swimming, or hot tubs for 48 to 72 hours
- No scrubs, exfoliants, retinoids, or acids for 7 to 14 days
- No waxing, threading, or laser on the area for 7 to 10 days
Questions About Your Care?
We are here for you before and after every treatment. Reach out anytime, or learn more about Morpheus8 at Vessel.