“You’d probably see some good results from Morpheus.”
This is what a dermatologist told me recently when, during a routine body-check visit, I’d grilled him about what I could do to my face to gently mitigate some changes I’d noticed in the five years since a traumatic birth experience, the COVID-19 pandemic, a litany of hormonal fluctuations, and a general sense of unease about the world in which we live.
Morpheus is, of course, Morpheus8, a slightly ominous-sounding fractional treatment that was brought to market in 2020 and is largely considered to be among the gold standards of non-surgical skin remodeling—i.e., more collagen production, addressing mild laxity, treating acne scarring, fine lines, and under-eye circles in one shot. (Kim Kardashian does it, so, ya know.)
I’d heard of Morpheus but had never considered it since my perspective on aesthetic upgrades has always been fairly binary: filler or facelift, full stop. I fundamentally understood there were loads of effective in-between procedures targeted to specific concerns but I am nothing if not a seeker of instant gratification and wasn’t really trying to hear any “you need six treatments to see a difference” messaging. But I also had a few unfortunate bouts with bits of facial filler that I ultimately had removed and was a decade or two out from a deep-plane facelift, so I was intrigued.
Proponents of Morphepus8 online swore their skin looked more vibrant, revived, and even lifted in certain areas, albeit subtly. But—because it was the internet I was reading—I was also a little spooked when, on Reddit, I was inundated with less than jubilant stories. The takeaway wasn’t so much that the treatment posed significant long-term risks, but more about mistakes that were very possible, as the treatment’s efficacy largely lies in the hands of ultra-trained and highly skilled practitioners. Would you want someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing use the advanced gun-like tool to create microscopic holes on your face? Yeah, no. If you’re interested in the treatment, do your research and choose a licensed, reputable, highly experienced practitioner. Okay, I’ll consider this, I said to myself.
But when Glamour was invited to try something called Salmon Polynucleotides Rejuvenation with Morpheus8—aka the viral salmon sperm facial—I was extra intrigued. After doing some deeper research and speaking with my dermatologist, I learned that the topical application of salmon sperm (yep) can be used as a groundbreaking add-on to advanced microneedling to help reverse the signs of aging, to promote collagen growth and skin renewal, and accelerate the healing process from the Morpheus8 (see: the aforementioned microscopic holes.).
My treatment was done at The Spa by Equinox Hotels in New York City’s Hudson Yards neighborhood. Now, I’m no spa expert, but anyone who is will probably know that Equinox is among the most beloved. (I have a highly discerning friend who got a litany of pre-wedding treatments exclusively done there, so on that front, I was extra convinced). Dr. Jennifer Tsai, an ophthalmologist and co-owner of New York’s modern practice Line of Sight who is also an expert in aesthetics, would be performing my treatment and I immediately felt comfortable chatting with her and confident that I was in the right hands. The procedure and results are ripe for discussion, but first, some housekeeping:
Who can benefit from a salmon sperm facial?
According to Dr. Tsai, the combination of salmon polynucleotides and regular microneedling or more advanced formats like Morpheus8 can benefit those looking for enhancements that will be noticeable, yes, but not ultra-dramatic the way surgery or a ton of injectables might be. Overall rejuvenation is the goal, with issues like fine lines, early-stage sagging, large pores or acne scars being targeted. For me, my main concern was mild laxity in my lower face, some out-of-nowhere hollows under my eyes, and general dullness.
How many sessions are needed?
One of the reasons I’d been hesitant to try Morpheus8—even with the salmon polynucleotides rejuvenation—is because I’d read that in order to see optimal results, it’s suggested that patients book three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Dr. Tsai confirmed it, but also said that results can often vary based on individual needs and results depending on what you’re looking to improve. I felt good about starting with one session, but certainly had it in the back of my mind that I might be back for more. As for waiting longer than four weeks? You can, but it might slow down collagen production and take longer to see results, according to Dr. Tsai.
What exactly are salmon polynucleotides?
Essentially, polynucleotides are fragments of DNA that are typically derived from salmon sperm that can enhance the body’s natural renewal process. “These are essentially short chains of amino acids,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “They’ve been reported to have beneficial effects in treating aging skin, as salmon sperm extracts have been shown to improve hydration, plumpness, texture, and wrinkles.”