If you are researching non-surgical skin tightening, Morpheus8 and Ultherapy are two of the names you will see most often. They take very different technical approaches to a similar goal, and understanding that difference makes it much easier to choose a treatment and a provider. At Elume Med Spa in Fairfax, VA, our licensed team, led by Shaheen Ghafari, performs Morpheus8.
One thing we want to be upfront about: Elume does not offer Ultherapy. This guide is not a review of a treatment we perform every day. It is a plain-language comparison of the two technologies, an honest explanation of why our practice chose Morpheus8, and a list of questions worth asking any provider of either treatment.
Morpheus8 and Ultherapy at a Glance
| Morpheus8 | Ultherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Radiofrequency microneedling: fine needles deliver radiofrequency energy below the skin’s surface | Micro-focused ultrasound: focused ultrasound energy heats tissue at depth, with no needles |
| What it targets | Skin texture, tone, laxity, and contouring together in one treatment | Primarily lifting and tightening; industry sources describe it as focused on laxity rather than surface texture |
| Areas commonly discussed | Face, neck, and a range of body areas | Brow, chin, neck, and chest are the areas industry sources mention most |
| Numbing and comfort | At Elume, topical numbing cream is applied before treatment and the appointment includes that numbing period | Varies by provider; ask how comfort is managed at your consultation |
| Downtime | Commonly a few days of redness and mild swelling; varies by person | Often described by industry sources as minimal; varies by person and provider |
| Where to get it | Elume Med Spa in Fairfax, VA | Offered by other providers; Elume does not offer Ultherapy |
| Price | At Elume: Full Face $549 per session; Face and Neck $695 per session. See our Morpheus8 cost guide | Varies by provider |
What is the main difference between Morpheus8 and Ultherapy?
The energy source. Morpheus8 is radiofrequency microneedling: tiny needles enter the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy at an adjustable depth, so a single treatment works on surface texture and deeper laxity at the same time. Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound to heat tissue at depth without breaking the skin’s surface, and industry sources describe it as a treatment aimed primarily at lifting and tightening rather than at texture or tone.
Neither approach is simply “better” than the other. They are different tools, and the right one depends on what you are trying to change.
Which one is right for skin tightening?
It depends on your goals, your anatomy, and your skin. If laxity is your only concern, both technologies belong in the conversation, and a qualified provider who has examined your skin is the right person to advise you. If you want to address several things at once, such as texture, tone, acne scarring, and laxity, a technology that treats multiple concerns in one plan may make more sense. That is the situation where we most often discuss Morpheus8 with our patients.
Whichever direction you lean, we suggest asking any provider of either treatment the same questions: What results are realistic for my skin? How many sessions would you recommend, and why? Who performs the treatment and what is their training? How is comfort managed? What does the full plan cost, not just the first session?
Why does Elume offer Morpheus8 instead of Ultherapy?
Every practice has to choose which devices to invest in, and we chose Morpheus8 because of its versatility. Radiofrequency microneedling lets us work on texture, tone, laxity, and contouring with one platform, on the face and on the body, with treatment depth adjusted to the area and the goal. For a practice of our size, one flexible platform that serves many patient goals made more sense than a device dedicated to a single concern. That is a practical choice about our practice, not a verdict on Ultherapy, which remains a widely used technology at practices that offer it.
Can you combine or switch between them?
Some people who have had one treatment later consider the other, and some providers discuss using different technologies for different areas or goals. Whether that makes sense for you is an individual question that depends on your treatment history, your skin, and your timing. Bring it up at your consultation, and be ready to share what you have had done previously so your provider can plan safely.
What does each typically cost?
Morpheus8 at Elume is $549 per session for the full face and $695 per session for face and neck, and our Morpheus8 cost guide breaks down how that compares to typical market rates. Ultherapy pricing varies by provider, treatment area, and geography, so the only reliable number is a quote from a practice that offers it. When you compare costs, compare full treatment plans rather than single-session prices, since the number of recommended sessions differs between technologies and between patients.
Book Morpheus8 Online
Pick a time that works for you.
Fall Special!
- Full Face: $549 per session
- Face and Neck: $695 per session
After you book, we will call you within 48 hours to confirm your appointment, answer any questions, and collect any additional information we may need.
Still weighing your options within our own menu? See how Morpheus8 compares to classic microneedling in our Morpheus8 vs. microneedling guide, or request an appointment and we will help you decide during your visit.
