Skin tightening and contouring technology has come a long way—and two of the most in-demand options today are Exilis Ultra and Morpheus8. At The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, we offer both of these cutting-edge treatments to help patients firm their skin, reduce wrinkles, and refine their features—all without surgery.
But while both treatments are excellent, they’re designed to work differently and may be better suited for different goals, skin types, and treatment areas.
So how do you know whether Exilis Ultra or Morpheus8 is right for you?
Let’s compare the two in detail.
What Is Exilis Ultra?
Exilis Ultra is a non-invasive treatment that combines:
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Radiofrequency (RF) energy
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Ultrasound technology
This combination allows for deep heating of the skin and subdermal layers to:
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Stimulate collagen and elastin
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Tighten loose or sagging skin
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Improve skin texture
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Reduce small pockets of fat
It is gentle, comfortable, and ideal for patients who want visible skin rejuvenation without needles or downtime.
What Is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is a fractional RF microneedling treatment. It combines:
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Deep microneedling
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Radiofrequency energy delivered directly into the skin layers
This dual action:
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Stimulates collagen remodeling
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Improves wrinkles, acne scars, and texture
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Tightens skin from within
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Delivers powerful results for moderate to severe skin laxity
Unlike Exilis Ultra, Morpheus8 is minimally invasive and works at a deeper level by creating controlled micro-injuries.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Exilis Ultra | Morpheus8 |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Type | RF + Ultrasound | RF + Microneedling |
| Invasive? | Non-invasive | Minimally invasive |
| Best For | Mild to moderate skin laxity, fat reduction | Moderate to severe laxity, wrinkles, scars |
| Downtime | None | 1–5 days (depending on settings) |
| Pain Level | Comfortable, warm sensation | Numbing needed, mild discomfort |
| Treatment Areas | Face, body, eyes, neck, jawline, abdomen | Face, neck, jawline, eyes, body |
| Sessions Needed | 4–6 | 1–3 |
| Results Timeline | Gradual, over 2–3 months | Noticeable in 3–4 weeks, improve over 3 months |
| Skin Tone Suitability | All tones | All tones with proper settings |
When to Choose Exilis Ultra
Exilis Ultra may be right for you if:
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You want to tighten mild skin laxity
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You prefer no needles or downtime
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You have early signs of aging like crepey skin or fine lines
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You want a comfortable treatment
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You are looking for body contouring and skin tightening in one
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You want to maintain results after surgery or other treatments
Common areas we treat with Exilis Ultra:
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Neck and jawline
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Around the eyes
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Abdomen and flanks
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Thighs and arms
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Under the chin
This treatment is ideal for people who are not ready for more aggressive options but still want visible results.
When to Choose Morpheus8
Morpheus8 may be right for you if:
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You have moderate to advanced signs of aging
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You’re concerned with skin laxity, deep wrinkles, or jowling
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You want improvement in acne scars, texture, or stretch marks
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You can manage 1–5 days of downtime
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You’re okay with numbing and post-treatment redness
Morpheus8 works best on:
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Lower face and jowls
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Neck
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Jawline
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Upper and lower eyelids
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Acne-scarred or sun-damaged skin
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Lax or wrinkled skin on the body
Because it penetrates deeper than most RF treatments, Morpheus8 is ideal for firming, remodeling, and refining skin that needs more dramatic intervention.
Which Treatment Lasts Longer?
Both Exilis Ultra and Morpheus8 offer long-lasting results, especially with proper maintenance.
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Exilis Ultra: Results typically last 6–12 months. Touch-up sessions once or twice a year can maintain improvements.
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Morpheus8: Collagen stimulation continues for months after treatment. Results may last 1–2 years with annual maintenance.
Can They Be Combined?
Yes! Many of our Cincinnati patients choose to combine Exilis Ultra and Morpheus8 for even better outcomes.
For example:
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Use Morpheus8 to resurface and tighten the skin
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Use Exilis Ultra to maintain results or treat additional areas like the body
We often alternate treatments based on your skin’s response and your overall aesthetic goals.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
For Exilis Ultra:
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Mild to moderate sagging
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Early signs of aging
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Small fat pockets with some skin laxity
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Prefer no downtime
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Great for ongoing maintenance
For Morpheus8:
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Moderate to severe laxity or wrinkles
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Textural issues like scars or sun damage
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Thicker or mature skin
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Comfortable with a few days of redness or swelling
We’ll assess your skin and medical history to recommend the best option during your consultation.
Why Choose The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center?
At our Cincinnati clinic, we specialize in pairing the latest non-surgical technologies with a customized approach.
We offer:
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Extensive experience in both Exilis Ultra and Morpheus8
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Treatments tailored to your skin type and aesthetic goals
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Options for face and body rejuvenation
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Careful guidance to help you make the right choice
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Natural results that help you look refreshed—not overdone
We believe in offering solutions that work—not hype. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for the neck?
Both work well. Exilis Ultra is great for mild laxity. Morpheus8 offers deeper tightening for more advanced sagging.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Yes. Exilis Ultra requires 4–6 sessions. Morpheus8 typically needs 1–3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Is there downtime with Morpheus8?
Yes. Expect redness, swelling, and possible pinpoint scabbing for up to 5 days.
Is either treatment painful?
Exilis Ultra is very comfortable. Morpheus8 requires numbing cream and may feel like pressure or heat.
Can I wear makeup after?
Exilis Ultra: Yes, immediately.
Morpheus8: Wait 48–72 hours post-treatment.
Will either treatment help with fat reduction?
Exilis Ultra can reduce small fat pockets. Morpheus8 is more focused on skin tightening and texture.
Can I do both together?
Yes. Many patients alternate or combine them to target multiple skin concerns.
How long until I see results?
Exilis Ultra: Gradual, beginning after 2–3 weeks.
Morpheus8: Noticeable within 3–4 weeks, with full results in 3 months.
Let’s Find the Right Treatment for You
Whether you need subtle skin tightening or deeper skin remodeling, we have solutions that work. At The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, we’ll help you choose between Exilis Ultra and Morpheus8 based on your unique goals, lifestyle, and skin condition.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward firmer, smoother, more youthful skin.