Can I do Morpheus8 on my body?

Yes — Morpheus8 treats the face, neck, under-chin, abdomen, thighs, and arms. It's excellent for stretch marks and body skin tightening. CO2 is primarily used on the face.

I have darker skin — which is safer?

Morpheus8 is safe for all skin tones because the RF energy is delivered beneath the surface through insulated needles. CO2 carries a higher risk of hyperpigmentation for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types.

How long do results last?

Morpheus8 results last 1–3 years with recommended maintenance (1 session every 6–12 months after your initial series). CO2 results can last 2–5+ years depending on sun protection and skincare habits.

Is there a middle-ground option?

Yes — Opus Plasma is our fractional plasma resurfacing device with adjustable intensity: 1–3 days of downtime at lighter settings, or 5–7 days at higher settings. It's a great compromise between Morpheus8 and CO2.

Can I combine either with Botox or fillers?

Yes, but wait 2–4 weeks between treatments. Many patients do tox + filler for structure and Morpheus8 or CO2 for skin quality. Your provider will create a treatment timeline.

Treatment Comparison

Morpheus8 vs. CO2 Laser

Both transform skin. Both stimulate collagen. But one has 3 days of downtime and the other has 10+. Here's how to decide between Morpheus8 and CO2 laser resurfacing.

Last updated October 14, 2026

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The Bottom Line

Morpheus8 and CO2 laser resurfacing are two of the most powerful skin rejuvenation treatments available — but they work very differently. Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device that delivers heat energy through insulated needles beneath the skin surface. CO2 laser resurfacing is a fractional ablative laser that vaporizes damaged surface tissue layer by layer.

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Both stimulate dramatic collagen remodeling. Both improve wrinkles, scars, texture, and laxity. The key difference is intensity, downtime, and who they're safe for. Morpheus8 is gentler with 1–3 days of downtime and is safe for all skin tones. CO2 is the most aggressive treatment at RELUXE, with 7–10+ days of downtime, and delivers the most dramatic resurfacing per session — typically a series of 2–4, or one CO2 DEEP treatment.

Side-by-Side

Morpheus8 vs. CO2 Laser

	Morpheus8	CO2 Laser
Technology	RF microneedling (insulated needles + heat)	Fractional ablative laser (vaporizes surface tissue)
Downtime	1–3 days (redness, mild swelling)	7–10+ days (raw, weeping, then peeling)
Sessions Needed	3 sessions (4–6 weeks apart)	1 session (usually sufficient)
Results Timeline	Build over 3–6 months	Visible at 2 weeks, full at 3–6 months
Results Duration	1–3 years with maintenance	2–5+ years
Best For	Laxity, acne scars, pores, tightening	Deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, deep scars
Safe for Dark Skin	Yes (all Fitzpatrick types)	Best for Fitzpatrick I–III
Treats Body Areas	Yes (neck, abdomen, thighs, arms)	Primarily face
Pain Level	4–5/10 (numbing applied)	4–6/10 (numbing + possible local anesthesia)
Starting Price	From $900 ($750 members) a session	$800 ($700 members) a session (CO₂ DEEP $2,400)
Intensity	Moderate (adjustable depths)	Aggressive (gold standard)

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Quick Pick

Best for…

Pick Morpheus8 if you prioritize:

Sessions Needed

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Pick CO2 Laser if you prioritize:

See the full comparison above — your provider helps you choose.

Learn more about CO2 Laser

Not sure? Book a free consult — your RELUXE provider helps you decide based on your anatomy, goals, and budget.

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Preferred pricing on every visit

Members get member per-unit pricing on tox, $50 off every syringe of filler, a member price on every service (never less than 10% off), and 15% off products.

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When Morpheus8 Is the Better Choice

Morpheus8 is ideal for patients who want significant improvement with minimal downtime. It's the go-to for skin laxity (jowls, neck, under-chin), acne scarring, enlarged pores, and overall texture refinement. Because it delivers energy beneath the skin surface through insulated needles, there's a much lower risk of hyperpigmentation — making it safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions where laser treatments carry higher risk. Most patients need 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with results building over 3–6 months as collagen remodels.

When CO2 Laser Is the Better Choice

CO2 laser resurfacing delivers the most dramatic results of any single treatment at RELUXE. It's the gold standard for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, deep acne scars, and significant texture/tone concerns. CO2 Resurfacing is typically a series of 2–4 sessions; CO2 DEEP is a deeper treatment usually done once. The trade-off is 7–10+ days of social downtime (raw/weeping skin, then peeling) and it's best suited for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III) due to higher pigmentation risk.

What About Downtime?

This is the biggest practical difference. Morpheus8: 1–3 days of redness and mild swelling — most patients are comfortable in public by day 3 with makeup. CO2: 7–10+ days minimum social downtime. The first 3–5 days involve raw/weeping skin requiring diligent wound care. Most patients take 5–7 days off work. Residual redness can last 2–4 weeks (concealable with makeup after day 10). If you can't take a week off, Morpheus8 is the practical choice.

Can You Combine Them?

Yes — some patients do both at different times. Morpheus8 for tightening and pore refinement, CO2 for surface-level resurfacing and deep wrinkle improvement. They address slightly different layers of the skin. Your provider can create a multi-treatment plan that uses both strategically. Opus Plasma (our fractional plasma resurfacing device) is also a middle-ground option with 3–7 days of adjustable downtime.

Price Comparison

Morpheus8 is priced by area: face $900, face and neck $1,100 (our most popular), neck $600, under-eye $450 and body $1,100 a session — members pay 10% less (face $750, face and neck $950). A 3-session series is $2,400 for the face and $3,000 for face and neck. CO2 resurfacing is $800 ($700 members) a session, and CO₂ DEEP is $2,400 ($2,000 members). While Morpheus8 requires multiple sessions, CO2 is typically a single treatment — so the total investment can be comparable.

The Bottom Line

If you want maximum results and can commit to 7–10+ days of downtime, CO2 laser is the most powerful option. If you want significant improvement with 1–3 days of downtime (or have darker skin), Morpheus8 is the better fit. During a free consultation at RELUXE, your provider will assess your skin, discuss your goals and available downtime, and recommend the best approach.

FAQs

Morpheus8 vs. CO2 Laser Questions

CO2 delivers more dramatic resurfacing per session, especially for surface-level concerns like deep wrinkles and sun damage. Morpheus8 excels at tightening, laxity, and pore refinement. Many patients benefit from both.

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Morpheus8 Guide

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Individual results vary. A consultation with your provider is required before any treatment to determine the best plan for your specific needs and medical history.

Which Resurfacing Treatment Is Right for You?

Book a free consultation at RELUXE Med Spa in Carmel or Westfield. Your provider will assess your skin, discuss your goals and available downtime, and recommend the best treatment plan.

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