Microneedling Information & Instructions

 

Microneedling harnesses the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical injury such as cuts, burns, and other abrasions.  As the SkinPen moves across the skin, it makes pinpoint punctures to create very minor micro-“injuries”.  In response to the perceived “injury”, growth factors are released, which in turn, triggers new collagen synthesis.  Microneedling is safe for all skin types.

Prior to your treatment:

Before your appointment, we want to minimize your intake of blood-thinning medications, foods, and supplements.  Examples of this would be NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin), vitamins, such as fish oil, and alcohol.  Avoiding these things can help reduce and minimize your risk of bruising and swelling from treatment.  Do Not, however, discontinue prescription blood thinners without consulting with your prescribing physician.

Do not use retinol, bleaching creams, or harsh exfoliants 5 days prior to treatment.  Avoidance of direct prolonged sun exposure, self-tanner, and tanning beds for two weeks prior to treatment is necessary.

Please talk to your provider about skincare you will need in conjunction with your treatment for optimal healing and results.

Day of treatment:

Please arrive with a clean face.

After your treatment:

Immediately after your treatment, you will look as though you have a moderate to severe sunburn and your skin may feel warm and tighter than usual.  Your skin could be slightly irritated, dry, sensitive, and/or swollen.  This is normal and will subside within 24 hours.  Ice packs may be gently placed over the skin to help decrease any swelling or discomfort that may occur.

Use a gentle cleanser (please ask your provider which one is right for you) with cool water to gently cleanse the face, starting the evening of your treatment and continue morning and night, for the following 48 hours.  Please pat dry the treated skin.

Your provider will recommend the appropriate aftercare products for you to use at this time.

After 24 hours, apply a chemical-free broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen.  We highly recommend a mineral sunscreen, such as the SkinBetter SPF lotions, which can be purchased in-office.

Please hold off on make-up application for 48 hours.

What to avoid:

• For at least a week post-treatment, do not use any retinols, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or Beta Hydroxy Acids.
• Avoid intentional and prolonged direct sunlight for 2 weeks.  No tanning beds.
• Do not go swimming for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
• No exercising or strenuous activity for 48 hours post-treatment.
• Do not take anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs.  Only Tylenol is recommended as needed.

Days 4-7 post-treatment:  You will notice skin dryness and flaking, due to increased turnover of cells.  You may experience some skin shedding during this time as well.  The feeling will be that of sandpaper.  You can resume your customized skincare regimen discussed with your provider.

A week after the procedure, you will notice that your skin is smoother, firmer, and more radiant.  Continue to use sun protection every day and reapply every two hours if outdoors.

For maximum results, please see us for maintenance treatments.  It is important to maintain collagen stimulation.  With consistent treatments triggering the body’s natural healing process, the skin will repair incrementally and cumulatively.