GCSkin microneedling Handout

Microneedling Pre & Post Care Patient Instructions

Contraindications

  • Active acne, especially inflammatory lesions
  • Active herpes labialis or other localized infection in the treatment area, including warts.
  • Moderate-to-severe chronic skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis
  • Patients with extreme keloidal tendencies
  • Immunosuppressed patients, including patients on chemotherapy

Before your procedure

  • Discontinue use of Retin A, Retinols, retinoids, Vitamin A creams, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, sunburn, and benzoyl peroxide, and any other topical medications for 5 days before your treatment.
  • Wear a sunscreen daily and use the appropriate home care topical products.
  • Avoid Accutane for 6 months before your treatment.
  • Avoid IPL/Laser procedures for at least 7 days prior to your appointment.
  • Please do not wax, use depilatory creams, or undergo electrolysis 5-7 days prior to your appointment.
  • Please do not shave the day of the procedure.
  • Please come to your appointment free of makeup, lotion, oil, deodorant, powder, perfume or sunscreen on the area to be treated
  • If you have a history of cold sores, please take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and day of treatment.

What to expect

  • The downtime for microneedling is virtually zero. 
  • Swelling is typical up to 48 hours after the procedure. Flaking or peeling after microneedling is also relatively common.
  • Other side effects, like bumps, breakouts, and dry skin, are also common after microneedling — but not everyone will experience them.
  • For best results, we recommend follow up and repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks and a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.

After your procedure

  • Do not wear sunscreen 24 hours following treatment.
  • Wash your face a few hours after treatment or before bed time. Use a gentle cleanser and gently massage the face with tepid water (a shower may be an easy way to massage the face while washing) to remove all serum and dried blood.
  • After 72 hours, mineral makeup can be applied but continue to use a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, and sunblock with an SPF 30 or higher.
  • After 48 to 72 hours following treatment, you may return to your regular skin care regimen.
  • Use of Retinol products is strongly suggested for optimal results.
  • Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days and excessive sun exposure for 10 days.
  • For at least 5 days post treatment, do NOT use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy
  • Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare.
  • Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. No tanning beds.
  • Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
  • No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments are harmful, rife with bacteria, and may cause adverse reactions.

Precautions

  • If you notice the onset of severe symptoms, call our office immediately at (818) 458-9556 to speak with a provider. If the symptoms are severe, please call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Follow-up

  • Schedule your follow-up appointment 3-5 weeks after each treatment.

Contraindications

  • Active acne, especially inflammatory lesions
  • Active herpes labialis or other localized infection in the treatment area, including warts.
  • Moderate-to-severe chronic skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis
  • Patients with extreme keloidal tendencies
  • Immunosuppressed patients, including patients on chemotherapy

Before your procedure

  • Discontinue use of Retin A, Retinols, retinoids, Vitamin A creams, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, sunburn, and benzoyl peroxide, and any other topical medications for 5 days before your treatment.
  • Wear a sunscreen daily and use the appropriate home care topical products.
  • Avoid Accutane for 6 months before your treatment.
  • Avoid IPL/Laser procedures for at least 7 days prior to your appointment.
  • Please do not wax, use depilatory creams, or undergo electrolysis 5-7 days prior to your appointment.
  • Please do not shave the day of the procedure.
  • Please come to your appointment free of makeup, lotion, oil, deodorant, powder, perfume or sunscreen on the area to be treated
  • If you have a history of cold sores, please take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and day of treatment.

What to expect

  • The downtime for microneedling is virtually zero. 
  • Swelling is typical up to 48 hours after the procedure. Flaking or peeling after microneedling is also relatively common.
  • Other side effects, like bumps, breakouts, and dry skin, are also common after microneedling — but not everyone will experience them.
  • For best results, we recommend follow up and repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks and a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.
  •  

After your procedure

  • Do not wear sunscreen 24 hours following treatment.
  • Wash your face a few hours after treatment or before bed time. Use a gentle cleanser and gently massage the face with tepid water (a shower may be an easy way to massage the face while washing) to remove all serum and dried blood.
  • After 72 hours, mineral makeup can be applied but continue to use a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, and sunblock with an SPF 30 or higher.
  • After 48 to 72 hours following treatment, you may return to your regular skin care regimen.
  • Use of Retinol products is strongly suggested for optimal results.
  • Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days and excessive sun exposure for 10 days.
  • For at least 5 days post treatment, do NOT use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy
  • Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare.
  • Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. No tanning beds.
  • Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
  • No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments are harmful, rife with bacteria, and may cause adverse reactions.

Precautions

  • If you notice the onset of severe symptoms, call our office immediately at (818) 458-9556 to speak with a provider. If the symptoms are severe, please call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Follow-up

  • Schedule your follow-up appointment 3-5 weeks after each treatment.

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