Microneedling and Morpheus8 are two of our favourite treatments for healthier, firmer, smoother skin. They're often mentioned in the same breath, and for good reason: they have a lot in common. But they're not the same, and the right choice depends on your skin, your goals and even the time of year.

Here's how they compare, and how we help you decide.

What they have in common: controlled microtrauma

Both treatments are built on microneedling. Tiny needles create a very controlled microtrauma in the skin. That sounds intense, but it's exactly what we want.

That controlled injury does two things:

  • It helps reorganize disordered collagen, the kind that builds up with age, sun exposure and scarring.
  • It kicks off a healing response. As part of that response, your skin is encouraged to produce new collagen.

The result over time is better overall skin quality, smoother texture, and some improvement in laxity.

Where they differ: radiofrequency energy

DP4 microneedling is microneedling on its own.

Morpheus8 is microneedling plus radiofrequency (RF) energy. When the needles reach a set depth, RF energy is delivered through the needle tips.

One reason we love Morpheus8 is how it's designed: each pin is coated with silicone except for the very tip. The energy only passes through the tip, deep in the skin, which helps protect the skin's surface.

That RF energy adds a few things microneedling alone can't do:

  • A stronger rejuvenation effect in many cases
  • Skin tightening from the heat
  • Fat reduction in targeted areas, because the heat can break down fat

Why provider skill matters with Morpheus8

Because Morpheus8 can shrink fat, settings matter a lot. Different areas of the face need different settings, so it's important to see an experienced provider.

  • Where we want to keep volume, we stay gentle. We don't want to shrink the fat pads under the eyes or up on the cheeks. Losing volume there lets gravity pull things down, which can make jowls look worse.
  • Where gravity has already shifted, we can go stronger. Higher settings along the jawline can tighten the skin and help define it.
  • Under the chin, higher settings can help reduce the fat pad that creates a double chin.
  • For most of the face, we stay in settings focused on tightening and rejuvenation.

At BioRevive, all Morpheus8 treatments are done by Dr. Tricia Breckon, ND, at our SE Calgary clinic.

Side by side

DP4 microneedling Morpheus8
What it is Microneedling Microneedling + radiofrequency energy
Best for Overall skin quality, texture, glow, acne scars Skin laxity and crepiness, jawline and chin contouring, visible anti-aging results, scars
Active acne Not used over active breakouts Can be used; the heat lowers the risk of spreading bacteria
Starting series 3 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart 3 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart
Maintenance As often as every 6 weeks Typically once a year
Best time of year Year-round, including after sun exposure Fall and winter (we avoid sun-exposed skin)
Who performs it Shelby, our medical aesthetician (Rachel also offers it) Dr. Tricia Breckon

Who is each one best for?

DP4 microneedling is a great fit for younger patients and anyone mainly wanting to improve skin quality. Paired with skin boosters, it works really well. It's also a strong option for acne scars.

Morpheus8 is better suited when we want to:

  • Address a problem fat pad, like under the chin
  • Treat crepey skin or skin laxity
  • Get more visible anti-aging results, depending on your age and skin quality
  • Resurface scars, including acne scars
  • Treat skin with active acne, since the heat means there's less risk of moving bacteria around the face

How many treatments, and when you'll see results

For both treatments, we start with a series of three, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After that, maintenance depends on your skin concerns and overall health when you start.

  • Morpheus8: the standard protocol is one treatment a year after your first series of three.
  • DP4 microneedling: you could have it as often as every six weeks, and your skin would love it. Because we're such fans, DP4 microneedling is included in our monthly membership, so you can have it regularly throughout the year. We also offer packages of three, since that's the standard starting series.

Either way, this isn't an overnight result. With both treatments, you'll start to see the best results about 4 to 6 weeks after each treatment, and they keep building as your skin makes new collagen.

Can you combine them?

We don't combine DP4 microneedling and Morpheus8 in the same treatment. But either one can be upgraded with an add-on to support the skin's healing response: exosomes, or PRP (platelet-rich plasma). PRP add-ons are provided by our registered nurse.

How we decide which one is right for you

Every plan starts with a full skin health check using our Aura Reality skin analysis. It helps us pinpoint your main concerns and which ones are most advanced, which guides whether Morpheus8 or microneedling makes more sense.

We also consider timing. We avoid Morpheus8 on sun-exposed skin, so summer and early fall are often better for DP4 microneedling. That's also why fall and winter are such a good time to start a Morpheus8 series.

Ready to find your fit?

Book a consult at our SE Calgary clinic and we'll look at your skin together. Learn more about DP4 microneedling and Morpheus8, read what to expect from Morpheus8, downtime and results, or see our price list.

Results vary from person to person. A consultation will help determine whether these treatments are right for you.