Summer Skin Saver

To say it’s been a hot summer is an understatement. With no shortage of beach days and sunny rays, this is the perfect time of year to tend to our skin. And with so many potions, products, and promising treatments, what’s a gal (or guy) to do? The sea of options can leave even the most diligent perfect-skin-seekers paralyzed at times and that’s why we’re putting the Morpheus8 through the ringer. Here, Clare Carney, M.D., Ph.D., explains why she’s obsessed with this modern marvel.

By Hayley Hill Headshot Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

Always amazed by her pristine complexion, we jumped at the chance to learn about Dr. Clare Carney’s latest  aesthetic investment — the Morpheus8. Knowing A-list celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson have tried and loved this skin tightening treatment certainly piqued our interest.  Interestingly, even TikTokers refer to it as “the holy grail of skincare treatments.” We also know that it’s been around awhile so we thought a checkin was in order as we’re finally past the newness hype, too. 

The Morpheus8 uses fractional skin remodeling to stimulate new collagen and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and skin discoloration from the sun using radiofrequency. “Essentially, the machine’s wand has 24 tiny needles that pierce the skin, reaching the subdermal layer to deliver regulated heat energy through radio frequency. Depending on the area being treated and whether the intention is to tighten skin, repair wrinkles, melt fat, or all of the above, results are more significant than other microneedling and laser treatments,” Dr. Carney shares.

The Morpheus8 can also be used to improve skin tone and texture, lessen acne scarring, and fade stretch marks on the body. As for the pain and healing factors? “Your skin will definitely be a bit red and splotchy after treatment. The skin may feel tight and look a bit sunburned. Clients have mentioned being just just slightly uncomfortable at times and the occasional icing helps soothe these sensations. By the 24-hour mark, no one would know you had the treatment the day before, both in look and feel. While some Morpheus8 outcomes can be seen almost immediately, it can take three to four weeks to observe all of the results,” she shares.

Super star Eva Longoria credits Morpheus8 for helping her get her body back after delivering her son. “Excess abdominal skin is a common concern shared by both women and men. For women who have children, pregnancy’s physical toll often includes loose abdominal skin. Men may encounter the same issue after losing weight. Even people who work out regularly and consume a nutritious diet remain frustrated by loose stomach skin. For the right patients, this nonsurgical approach can help with little to no downtime, and it can be used on the skin anywhere on the body, including the neck, chest, abdomen, bottom, thighs, hands, and more to achieve skin rejuvenation and tightening. Versatile, it can work at a range of depths, from 4mm for resurfacing facial treatments to deeper depths up to 8mm for body treatments–-deeper than any other microneedling treatment. This allows Morpheus8 to effectively target the subdermal level and treat more significant skin concerns such as scars and stretch marks,” Dr. Carney explains.

As an adored health care provider, Dr. Carney offers aesthetic services in order to provide her patients with whole being care. She knows all too well the challenges we face with aging aren’t limited to our physical beings. “I do everything I can to offer the absolute best care for my patients. From aesthetic services to weight management and preventative care, I’ve seen the positive results from diagnosing and treating the whole person. Our mental health affects our physical health and vice versa. As a general practitioner, providing complete and thorough care is my absolute goal and something I am very dedicated to,” she adds.

If you’re an avid Access reader, you know Dr. Carney serves as a Major in Alabama’s National Guard which has taken her to cold climates like Poland and Romania. And as the mother of two teen boys, it’s safe to say she’s in the Alabama sun a lot. “I face all the elements throughout the year and they definitely take a toll on my skin. Even though I’m a fanatic when it comes to sunscreen, damage from the sun’s rays is cumulative and most everyone of a certain age has uneven pigmentation. So when I learned about Morpheus8, I was instantly intrigued. Naturally, I’ve had treatments and the results were so good, I decided to train and offer it at my practice. And my patients love it, too!”

With just a moment to pause before school goes into full swing and football season starts, perhaps it’s the perfect time to consider a little self care. Afterall, nothing looks better than a healthy glow.