Microneedling Aftercare
Microneedling is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure for resurfacing the skin.However, as with all treatments, it’s essential to take special care of your skin before and after the procedure for fast recovery and best results.
Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions
Following the right pre-treatment instructions ensures that your treatment will go smoothly and helps minimize side effects.
Pre-Treatment Tips
Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment.
Do not use topical agents that may increase sensitivity of skin such as retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxyl acids, exfoliating masks, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide products 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your session. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.
If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.
Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior because pinpoint bleeding is a common side effect.
Day of Treatment
Knowing what to expect on the day of your microneedling treatment will make this procedure as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible for you.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
Your skin will be cleaned so it’s free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder, or sunscreen. If you wish, you can wash your face in the office upon arrival.
You will be asked to inform your skin care specialist about any relevant changes in your medical history and of all the medications you’re taking.
30 minutes prior to your treatment, topical lidocaine will be applied to your skin.
The microneedling treatment is an in-office procedure that typically takes up to 60 minutes to complete including numbing time.
THE HEALING PROCESS: WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT
Microneedling is a quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure with minimal side effects. However, it’s quite normal to experience the following:
Day 1-3:
A sunburn-like effect is normal. Your skin may feel tight, dry or sensitive to touch. Treat the skin gently by washing it with a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment.
Redness may also be present and in some cases, patients may experience slight bruising that can last for 5-7 days and temporary swelling for 2-4 days.
What To Avoid
To ensure the proper healing environment, DO NOT use any:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol, Vitamin C (in a low pH formula). Scrubs or anything perceived as “active” skincare for one week post treatment.Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 72 hours.
No tanning beds.
Always wear sunscreen.
Do not go swimming for at least 72 hours post-treatment.
Do not exercise or participate in strenuous activity for the first 72 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments in general are harmful and filled with bacteria, which may cause adverse reactions in your skin.
Day 2-7
Peeling may start 3-5 days after the treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flaking which is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. DO NOT pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin!
Important information: You must allow the old skin to flake off naturally and keep it moisturized at all times. Talk to your skin specialist about which products to use.
Day 5-7
You may start your regular skin care products again, once your skin no longer feels irritated. Most of our patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment.
For best results: We recommend follow-up and repeat microneedling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.