Pre-Treatment Guidelines for Microneedling

 

1. Discontinue Certain Skincare Products

To reduce skin sensitivity and irritation:​

• Stop using retinol, retinoids, hydroquinone, and exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid) at least 7 days before your treatment. ​Please reschedule your appointment if necessary for your safety.

• Avoid using Accutane (isotretinoin) for at least 6 months prior to your microneedling session. ​

 

2. Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure

• Refrain from tanning and using sunless tanning products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds during this period to prevent skin sensitivity and potential complications.​

 

3. Prepare Your Skin

• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. Do not apply lotions, oils, serums, or sunscreen on the day of your treatment. ​

• Consider calling our clinic to discuss pre-treatment products that will enhance the effectiveness of your microneedling treatment and support optimal healing. Consider incorporating these skincare products into your routine 1–2 weeks prior to your appointment.

 

4. Address Cold Sores

• If you have a history of cold sores, please obtain antiviral medication (e.g., Valtrex) for treatment for 1000 mg, twice daily for three days before treatment and three days after treatment.

• Cold Sore Precaution for Microneedling Treatment If you have a history of cold sores, it's essential to follow our clinic's specific protocol to minimize the risk of an outbreak during the healing process.

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Dr. de la Cruz's Protocol:

• Valacyclovir (Valtrex):

• Dosage: 1000 mg twice daily

• Timing: Begin 3 days before your treatment and continue for 3 days after your treatment.

 

Obtaining the Medication:

• Primary Care Provider: You can consult your primary care provider to obtain this exact prescription for valacyclovir.

• Dr. de la Cruz Consultation: Alternatively, you may schedule a consultation with Dr. de la Cruz at our clinic. For a fee, Dr. de la Cruz can assess your medical history and, if appropriate, prescribe the necessary antiviral medication.

 

5. Avoid Certain Medications

• Discontinue the use of blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) at least 8 days before your procedure, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Motrin, Advil) for at least 8 days prior to your session, as they may interfere with the natural inflammatory response essential for skin rejuvenation. ​

 

6. Plan for Post-Treatment Care

• Schedule your treatment at least 4-6 weeks before significant events (e.g., weddings, photoshoots) to allow time for any redness or swelling to subside. ​

• Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis on the treatment area for 14 days prior to your appointment. ​

 

By following these pre-treatment guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and effective microneedling experience. Always consult with your skin care provider for personalized recommendations tailored to your skin type and medical history.

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Microneedling Post Care & Expectations

 

What to Expect Immediately After Treatment:

• Redness & Sensitivity: Your skin may appear flushed or red, similar to a mild sunburn, and feel sensitive or tight. This is a normal response as the skin begins its healing process.​

• Swelling & Discomfort: Some swelling and discomfort are common and should subside within a few hours to a day.​

• Dryness & Flaking: Peeling or flaking may start 3 to 5 days post-treatment as the skin sheds dead cells and regenerates.​

 

Needle Length Progression

For new patients, we begin with a shorter needle length to ensure comfort and assess skin tolerance. As your skin adapts and responds positively, we gradually increase the needle depth to enhance treatment efficacy. This personalized approach allows us to tailor the treatment to your skin's specific needs and sensitivities for your safety.​

 

Treatment Timeline & Results

Microneedling is a process that requires time and consistency. While some reactions may be mild, with minimal sensation, noticeable improvements typically become evident after a minimum of three treatments. Optimal results are often achieved after six or more sessions, depending on individual skin concerns and goals. To maintain and enhance these results, a maintenance session every six months is recommended.​

 

Understanding Microneedling Results

Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing process to produce collagen and elastin. This healing and regeneration process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Therefore, visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness may not be immediately apparent.​

 

Patience and Consistency

It's important to note that you may not notice significant changes simply by looking at yourself in the mirror daily. The improvements are often subtle and gradual. The most effective way to observe meaningful progress is by comparing well-taken before and after photos taken over time.​

 

Multiple Sessions for Optimal Results

For more dramatic results, especially in addressing deep wrinkles, volume loss, or sagging skin, multiple microneedling sessions are recommended. Typically, a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is advised to allow the skin adequate time to heal and regenerate between sessions.​

 

Consultation for Enhanced Options

If you're seeking more significant results without resorting to surgery, you might consider discussing options with our physician. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your skin's needs and may recommend additional treatments to complement microneedling for enhanced outcomes.​

 

Treatment Process

Skin care treatments are a process that requires time and consistency. One treatment is typically not enough for dramatic, long-lasting results. Just as any chronic skin condition did not change overnight, it will take time to see visible improvement. If the goal is to achieve dramatic changes, treatment plan and recommendation must be followed. Results depend on factors like health, hydration, activity, and adherence to the plan. For the best results, a series of treatments or a membership plan is recommended. Significant skin damage will take a much longer time to see improvement. While the best possible results will be pursued, no specific outcome can be guaranteed. While your provider will give you specific instructions after your treatment. Please review the general microneedling aftercare guide below.

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Day-by-Day Aftercare Guidelines:

Day 1: Immediate Post-Treatment

• Cleansing: Use only cool water and a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser to wash your face.​

• Moisturizing: Apply the recommended post-treatment moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.​

• Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure. If necessary, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use a mineral-based sunscreen.​

• Avoid Makeup: Refrain from applying makeup for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe.​

 

Days 2 to 3: Initial Healing Phase

• Gentle Skincare: Continue using gentle skincare products. Avoid active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants.​

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support the skin's healing process.​

• Avoid Heat: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, or intense workouts that may cause sweating.​

• Itchiness: Mild itchiness after microneedling is normal and part of skin healing, skin regeneration, and increased collagen production.

 

Days 4 to 7: Skin Renewal Phase

• Flaking & Peeling: As the skin renews, you may experience peeling. Do not pick or scratch at the skin; let it shed naturally.​

• Reintroduce Products: If advised by your provider, you may begin reintroducing your regular skincare routine, starting with gentle products.​

• Sun Protection: Continue using sunscreen daily to protect the healing skin from UV damage.​

 

 

What to Avoid During Recovery:

• Picking or Scratching: Avoid picking at peeling skin to prevent scarring and infection.

• Exfoliating Products: Do not use exfoliating scrubs or products containing glycolic acid until advised by your provider.​

• Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy exercise and activities that cause excessive sweating for at least 48 hours.​

• Hot Environments: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms during the initial healing period.​

 

Long-Term Care and Results:

• Healing Timeline: Most redness and swelling should subside within 24 to 48 hours. Full skin regeneration continues beneath the surface for up to two months.​

• Visible Improvements: Initial improvements in skin tone and texture may be noticeable within 2 to 3 weeks, with optimal results appearing after 3 months as collagen production continues.​

• Multiple Sessions: For enhanced results, multiple microneedling sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are often recommended.​

 

When to Contact Your Provider:

If you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection (such as pus or increased warmth), contact your skincare provider promptly.​

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