Pre-care and aftercare for microneedling

Pre-care instructions

Prepare your skin for microneedling by following these guidelines:

1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning (including self-tanners) for 1-⁠2 weeks.
2. Discontinue Active Skincare Products: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliating agents 3-⁠5 days before treatment.
3. Avoid Blood Thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba 3-⁠5 days prior (consult your doctor if prescribed).
4. No Hair Removal: Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area for 1 week.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
6. Arrive Makeup-Free: Come with clean, bare skin on the day of your appointment.
7. Medical History: Inform your provider about any medical conditions, medications, or recent procedures.

Post-care instructions

To ensure optimal healing and results, follow these steps after your microneedling session:

1. Protect Your Skin: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and avoid direct sunlight for 1-⁠2 weeks.
2. No Makeup: Refrain from wearing makeup for 24-⁠48 hours post-treatment.
3. Skip Active Skincare: Avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for at least 5 days.
4. Hydrate & Soothe: Use a gentle hydrating serum and soothing moisturizer as recommended.
5. Avoid Heat & Sweating: Skip saunas, hot baths, and strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
6. No Alcohol or Smoking: Avoid these for at least 48 hours to support healing.
7. No Swimming: Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and oceans for 5-⁠7 days.
8. Hands Off: Avoid touching or picking at the treated area.
9. Expect Redness & Swelling: Mild redness, tightness, and peeling may occur for 1-⁠3 days.
10. Follow-Up Care: Adhere to personalized aftercare instructions provided by your provider.

Tips for best results

• Change your pillowcase on the day of treatment to prevent infection.
• Follow all aftercare instructions closely to ensure proper healing.
• Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results, depending on your skin concerns.
• Be patient—full results can take 4-⁠6 weeks as the skin regenerates.

What to expect

1. Immediate Effects:
   • Redness & Warmth: Skin may appear flushed or sunburned for 24-⁠48 hours.
   • Sensitivity: Skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly tender.
2. Next Few Days:
   • Mild Swelling: Puffiness, especially around the eyes, may occur.
   • Peeling or Flaking: Light exfoliation or dryness as the skin heals.
   • Pinpoint Scabs: Tiny dots at treatment sites may form and heal within a few days.
3. One Week Later:
   • Improved Texture: Skin feels smoother as collagen production begins.
   • Mild Residual Redness: Lingering pinkness may last up to a week.

Signs of infection

Contact your provider immediately if you experience:

• Persistent redness or swelling beyond 72 hours.
• Pus, yellow/green discharge, or unusual oozing.
• Increased pain, warmth, or tenderness in the treated area.
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell.
• Red streaks extending from the treatment site.