Microneedling Before & After Care

Pre-Treatment Recommendations

Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.
Discontinue retinoids (Retin-A) 2 weeks prior to procedure.
Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your procedure.
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid Intense Pulsed Light/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.
Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before you arrive for your appointment.
If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment. If you require a prescription, contact me and one can be called into your pharmacy.
Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior as bruising is a common side effect of microneedling. If you have been prescribed a blood thinner by your physician please do not discontinue without consulting them.

Day of Treatment

Knowing what to expect on the day of your microneedling treatment will make the 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.
Prior to your treatment a topical lidocaine numbing cream will be applied to your skin for approximately 15-20 minutes.
After consultation the Pluryal serum selection will be personalized to your skin needs and goals, +/- the addition of Botox and mixed as a cocktail in the microneedling device.
During the procedure, tiny, sterile, gold plated, titanium needles are gently pressed into the top layers of your skin. These needles prick the surface level of your skin and cause a slight injury to the skin that directly triggers your skin’s healing process, subsequently stimulating collagen and elastin formation which creates noticeable lift and brightness to your skin.
The procedure itself only takes 5-10 minutes, but be prepared to be in the clinic for approximately 45 minutes to allow for consultation, skin preparation and time for the numbing cream to take effect.

Post-Treatment Recommendations

As with any cosmetic skin treatment, it’s important to look after your skin following a microneedling procedure for best results.

Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aleve, naproxen, etc) for one week after the procedure.
Do not use ice on your face, and avoid using arnica/bromelain. These may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that’s critical for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. After 24 hours, always use sunblock (30 SPF or higher) and wear a hat if you’re outside.
Use a painkiller, such as Tylenol, if you experience any soreness.

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 and cool water, using only your hands no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. Pat dry with clean towel.

Some 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.

Tips

Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating as well as jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours.
If possible, use only mineral makeup after 24 hours

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. I’m happy to give recommendations 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 patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment.

For best results: I recommend follow-up and repeat microneedling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.