You’ve probably heard of Morpheus8 – the treatment is all the rage at the moment. You might be wondering whether it’s right for your skin, or if there’s a gentler way to achieve firmer, smoother skin. In short: both procedures belong to the same family, RF microneedling. However, they differ in terms of the experience, downtime and which goals they are best suited for. At alestetics® in Zurich, we work with Vivace® – and here we’ll explain honestly why, and for whom each procedure makes sense.
What is RF microneedling?
RF microneedling combines two forms of stimulation in a single treatment. Fine needles create tiny channels in the skin, and radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle tips into the deeper layers of the skin. This controlled heat stimulus encourages the collagen-producing cells to build new collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks and months, the tissue renews itself – the skin appears firmer and its texture finer. It is neither a laser treatment nor a surgical procedure.
What Vivace and Morpheus8 have in common
First things first: both are excellent devices. Vivace and Morpheus8 work on the same principle – microneedles combined with radiofrequency. Both stimulate collagen production, neither requires a scalpel, and with both, results aren’t seen overnight but over a period of weeks. Anyone who tells you that one is generally „bad» is trying to sell you something. The difference lies in the details.
What is the difference?
The experience
The most noticeable difference is in terms of comfort. Morpheus8 works more intensively, and many describe the treatment as quite noticeable. Vivace is generally found to be more comfortable – the session feels more like a relaxing appointment than a medical procedure.
Depth and intensity
This is where Morpheus8 really shines: it can work deeper and more intensely, making it ideal for more pronounced, corrective tightening goals. Vivace uses precisely adjustable needles – both insulated and non-insulated – and operates in a more controlled manner. For skin quality, texture and a subtle, natural tightening effect, this is often exactly the right choice.
Downtime
After a Vivace treatment, you’ll usually be back to your normal self the next day; a slight redness, similar to that after sunbathing, is normal and fades quickly. Morpheus8 generally involves a bit more downtime because it works more intensively. If your daily routine leaves little room for downtime, this is a real consideration.
| In comparison | Vivace® | Morpheus8 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | RF microneedling | RF microneedling |
| Needlework | insulated & non-insulated needles, precisely adjustable | coated needles |
| Feeling | gentle; perceived by many as pleasant | more intense |
| downtime | usually 1 day | usually longer |
| Strength | Skin quality, texture, gentle firming | deeper, more intense toning |
Why we use Vivace at alestetics
Our approach is called ‘pre-ageing’: strengthening the skin’s condition early on and regularly, rather than having to make drastic corrections later. This is in line with Vivace® . It provides a powerful collagen boost whilst remaining gentle and requiring minimal downtime – something you can easily incorporate into your daily routine without having to take days off. Vivace is produced by the Korean company ShenB and is FDA-approved. We have been using it since 2023, on both the face and body. After every facial treatment, we apply Dermalux® LED and SPF 50 to ensure your skin is soothed before you head home.
Which procedure is suitable for whom?
To be honest, not every skin type needs the same treatment. Vivace is particularly well-suited if you’re looking to improve skin quality – fine lines, texture, enlarged pores, gentle tightening – and if comfort and minimal downtime are important to you. If you’re dealing with very pronounced sagging, a deeper-acting procedure may be the better choice. And if radiofrequency isn’t an option for you – for example, if you have a pacemaker or metal implants – then SkinPen® Microneedling without heat. That is precisely what good advice is all about: we’ll tell you honestly what suits your skin and your goals – even if the answer isn’t one of our treatments.
It’s best to start with a AURA 3D Skin Analysis + Plan. We’ll take a close look at your skin and discuss whether and how Vivace is right for you.
This is how your Vivace treatment works at our clinic
We start with a skin analysis and a plan tailored to your skin – nothing is off-the-shelf. During the treatment, you’ll feel the needles and the warmth; most people find this quite tolerable. You’ll often see the first changes after two to three weeks, with the full results becoming apparent over around six months. After that, regular touch-ups maintain the results.
FAQ
Which is better, Vivace or Morpheus8?
Both are effective RF microneedling treatments – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to which is „better». It depends on your skin and your goals. We use Vivace because it’s gentle, requires little downtime and fits well with a preventive approach focused on skin quality.
Does a Vivace treatment hurt?
Most people find Vivace quite comfortable – you can feel it, but it’s more pleasant than more intense treatments. We’ll discuss how we can make the experience as comfortable as possible for you during your consultation.
How long is the recovery time after Vivace?
You’ll usually be back to normal the next day. You may experience slight redness, similar to that after sunbathing, but this will fade quickly.
How many sessions will it take to see visible results?
We usually recommend a short course of treatment – often three sessions for the face, or more depending on the desired results. The first changes are often visible after two to three weeks, with the full results taking around six months to develop.
Can I combine Vivace with other treatments?
Yes. During the same session, for example, a peel such as BioRePeel® or PRX-T33® can be used before Vivace, followed by active ingredients such as NCTF®. We leave a gap of around two weeks before carrying out energy-based treatments such as Volnewmer®.
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