If you’re looking for the pot of gold-standard skincare treatments at the end of the rainbow, we’ve found it! Did you know we start losing about 1% of collagen every year after our mid 20s? That means by age 45, you face up to 20% collagen loss! Collagen is a protein found in our bodies and is the main building block to provide structure, elasticity, and hydration in the skin. How do we get more of it, you say? By stimulating it!
At Thistle Medical Skincare Studio, we offer multiple treatment options to stimulate collagen production, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and contour the face. One of the best ways to stimulate collagen production to achieve a more youthful appearance is through collagen induction therapy and biostimulation– AKA Microneedling and Sculptra injections. Stimulating collagen in multiple ways calls for the perfect duo!
What is Morpheus Radiofrequency Microneedling?
If you’ve been to our studio, you may have heard us raving about Morpheus! Trust us on this one… it’s not as scary as it sounds. Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling is one of the latest and greatest collagen induction therapies on the market. It combines the power of radiofrequency and microneedling to trigger collagen and elastin production of the skin to tighten, brighten, improve texture and skin quality, and diminish the look of scarring and stretch marks. Depending on your areas of concern, we can treat the face, neck, chest, abdomen, the booty, legs, and arms.
Morpheus8 uses a patented technology of 24 thinly gold coated needles that penetrate up to 5mm in depth for the face (40 thinly gold coated needles that penetrate up to 8mm in depth for the body) through organized injury called microneedling while simultaneously emitting radiofrequency waves at multiple treatment depths. The heat from these waves penetrate at those different levels to tighten the skin, fat, and connective tissues underneath. We’re able to fully customize the treatment depth for you depending on your facial structure!
P.S. We like to give it the analogy that it’s like spanx for your face and body as it remodels stubborn fat, tissue, and skin to give a brighter, tighter, contoured, and youthful appearance. Think of it like a non-surgical option for a face lift!
Our most commonly asked questions about Morpheus
Does it hurt?
At Thistle we use medical grade numbing medication for optimal patient comfort. Our add-on menu features Pro-Nox, an analgesic gas delivery system (AKA laughing gas) designed for short-term pain management. We can also do injectable numbing to the treatment areas but most patients tolerate the treatment solely with topical numbing and Pro-Nox. Having different pain management options is a plus!
What is my downtime?
Since this is a non-surgical option for facial contouring, skin tightening, and tissue remodeling, downtime is minimal! Immediately after treatment, you will look like you had a fresh sunburn with redness lasting 3 to 5 days, progressively getting better throughout the week. Typically, we suggest that you plan 2 weeks of social downtime in case of swelling, discomfort, and redness. During your recovery time, your skin may feel dry and itchy and may flake for 2 to 7 days which is totally normal! Certain areas where the skin is delicate and thin, such as the neck and chest, may take up to 3 weeks to fully recover.
How many treatments will I need and what’s my cost?
Our team of aesthetic professionals curate a custom treatment for each patient! Depending on your specific facial anatomy and goals, an aesthetic nurse can make the best treatment recommendation and review pricing during your complimentary consultation. We always suggest a series of 3 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to see your best results. However, additional treatments may be necessary to get you to your goal. Additionally, some patients opt-in for a yearly maintenance treatment to top off the results of their series and to continuously stimulate collagen because unfortunately, gravity is not our friend and aging is inevitable.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is made of a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a plant-based ingredient that is strategically injected into the dermis of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen in the form of new tissue growth. It is the only FDA-approved PLLA collagen biostimulator that works with your skin to help regrow collagen strands slowly to restore your skin’s facial volume and smooth out wrinkles over time.
While hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers work to correct the visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of facial volume, Sculptra addresses the main cause of aging which is collagen loss itself. When we begin to lose collagen and volume in certain areas of the face we begin noticing a hollowing, sunken or sagging appearance of the face. Sculptra works to address those not so pleasant symptoms of collagen loss and helps create a facial framework.
Our most commonly asked questions about Sculptra
What is my downtime and when will I see results?
Like any injectable, Sculptra may cause bruising and swelling. To further minimize your risk for prolonged healing time, we ask that you avoid any rigorous exercise for 24 hours post-treatment and stay extra hydrated. Results will typically appear over the course of 3-4 treatment sessions and can last up to 2 years after the last injection. Patience is key here!
How much will I need and what’s my cost?
During your complimentary consultation with an aesthetic nurse, we can make the best recommendation based on your specific facial anatomy, skincare goals, and review pricing. To have a better idea, a good rule of thumb is that you need one vial for every decade of your life. For example, if you’re in your 30’s and are looking to replace some of the collagen loss you’re starting to see, we recommend about 3 vials over a period of time. We understand skincare is an investment so our team can assist in creating the best short term and long term plans that are manageable with your time, budget, and commitment!
Why are Morpheus and Sculptra the perfect duo?
What makes these treatments the perfect duo? Both are collagen and elastin stimulating treatments which are the most important building blocks to a youthful appearance. By pairing both treatments over a period of time, we’re able to target the loss of collagen and elastin while stimulating the body’s own natural healing process.
To get a better understanding of your skincare goals, our team of aesthetic nurses serve as your skincare guides. Schedule your complimentary consultation with an aesthetic nurse here so that we may offer a customizable treatment plan!
