GCSkin microneedling Handout

Microneedling Pre & Post Care Patient Instructions

Contraindications

This treatment is not recommended for patients with:

  • Active acne or inflammatory lesions
  • Active infections (including herpes simplex, warts, or open wounds)
  • Moderate to severe chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
  • Immunosuppression or chemotherapy
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months

Before your procedure

To ensure optimal results and minimize complications:

  • Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics 3–5 days prior
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning 48 hours before treatment
  • Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis 5–7 days prior
  • Do not shave the treatment area the day of the procedure
  • Avoid laser/IPL treatments at least 7 days prior
  • Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, oils, or SPF)
  • If you have a history of cold sores, start antiviral prophylaxis 2 days before and the day of treatment.

What to expect

  • Mild redness and swelling similar to a sunburn for 24–72 hours
  • Skin may feel tight, dry, or rough
  • Light flaking or peeling may occur
  • Occasional breakouts or small bumps can occur during healing

There is minimal downtime, and most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
For optimal results, a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is recommended.

After your procedure

Proper aftercare is essential for best results:
First 24 Hours

  • Do not apply makeup
  • Avoid direct sun exposure
  • Do not exercise or sweat excessively
  • Avoid swimming, saunas, and hot environments
  • Do not apply sunscreen for the first 24 hours unless medically indicated

24–72 Hours

  • Cleanse gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water
  • Keep skin hydrated with Aquafor
  • Avoid touching or picking the skin
  • Redness and sensitivity will gradually improve

After 48–72 Hours

  • You may resume mineral makeup
  • Begin using broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ daily
  • Continue gentle skincare

After 5–7 Days

  • Resume active skincare (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C) only once the skin barrier has fully recovered

Additional Guidelines

  • Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10–14 days
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for 7–10 days
  • No tanning beds
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment

Precautions

Please contact our office if you experience:

  • Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Prolonged swelling or irritation
  • Any unexpected or concerning reaction

If symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical care.

Follow-up

  • Schedule your follow-up appointment 3–5 weeks after treatment
  • Treatment plans are customized; results may vary
  • Maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain results

Contraindications

This treatment is not recommended for patients with:

  • Active acne or inflammatory lesions
  • Active infections (including herpes simplex, warts, or open wounds)
  • Moderate to severe chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
  • Immunosuppression or chemotherapy
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Before your procedure

To ensure optimal results and minimize complications:

  • Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics 3–5 days prior
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning 48 hours before treatment
  • Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis 5–7 days prior
  • Do not shave the treatment area the day of the procedure
  • Avoid laser/IPL treatments at least 7 days prior
  • Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, oils, or SPF)
  • If you have a history of cold sores, start antiviral prophylaxis 2 days before and the day of treatment.

What to expect

  • Mild redness and swelling similar to a sunburn for 24–72 hours
  • Skin may feel tight, dry, or rough
  • Light flaking or peeling may occur
  • Occasional breakouts or small bumps can occur during healing

There is minimal downtime, and most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
For optimal results, a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is recommended.

After your procedure

Proper aftercare is essential for best results:
First 24 Hours

  • Do not apply makeup
  • Avoid direct sun exposure
  • Do not exercise or sweat excessively
  • Avoid swimming, saunas, and hot environments
  • Do not apply sunscreen for the first 24 hours unless medically indicated

24–72 Hours

  • Cleanse gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water
  • Keep skin hydrated with Aquafor
  • Avoid touching or picking the skin
  • Redness and sensitivity will gradually improve

After 48–72 Hours

  • You may resume mineral makeup
  • Begin using broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ daily
  • Continue gentle skincare

After 5–7 Days

  • Resume active skincare (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C) only once the skin barrier has fully recovered

Additional Guidelines

  • Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10–14 days
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for 7–10 days
  • No tanning beds
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment

Precautions

Please contact our office if you experience:

  • Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Prolonged swelling or irritation
  • Any unexpected or concerning reaction

If symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical care.

Follow-up

  • Schedule your follow-up appointment 3–5 weeks after treatment
  • Treatment plans are customized; results may vary
  • Maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain results

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