Microneedling

Pre-Procedure and Post-Procedure Guide

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Preparing for Your Skin Rejuvenation Experience

Before Your Treatment

  • Discontinue using skincare products containing actives, such as retinol or other retinoids, at least two days before your treatment. Continue with gentle cleansing and moisturizing.

  • Protect your skin from the sun by diligently using SPF50+ whenever outdoors or near windows. Recent sun exposure increases the risk of hyperpigmentation.

  • Avoid any chemical peels or injectables treatments (such as Botox or fillers) within two weeks of your skin rejuvenation treatment.

  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

The Day of Your Treatment

  • Please arrive at your appointment with clean skin. If you're wearing makeup or lotion, we'll provide a gentle cleanser to remove it.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won't interfere with the treatment area. Ensure the treated area can be fully exposed.

  • Drink plenty of water for optimal results. Eat and drink as you normally would.

  • If desired, bring a change of clothes in case any topical numbing gel gets on your clothing. (Note: the gel washes out easily.)

We formulate our own topical anesthetic to provide the best possible comfort during your treatment. Please allow approximately 90 minutes for your treatment. This includes:

  • 30-60 minutes for numbing to ensure your comfort. 

  • 30-45 minutes for the procedure itself.

After Your Treatment

Your skin may feel slightly warm or sensitive after the treatment. This is completely normal. It's common to experience slight spotting or small bumps on the treated area while the skin is healing, however this generally lasts 0-5 days and can be covered with makeup after 24 hours post-treatment.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • For the first 24 hours, avoid applying anything with tint (including tinted moisturizer or SPF) to the treated area.

  • Avoid intense sweating, steam rooms, saunas, and pools for the first 24 hours.

  • Protecting your skin with SPF50+ is crucial, especially while it's healing.

  • You may resume using actives (like retinol) after two days, along with your normal cleansing and skincare routine. Consider using the Central Park Skin Lab post-procedure skincare kit for optimal results.

FAQs

How can I ensure my skin is ready for microneedling?

It's important to avoid any chemical peels or injectables treatments (such as Botox or fillers) within two weeks of your skin rejuvenation treatment. This allows your skin ample time to recover from any previous procedures and ensures optimal results from microneedling.

Discontinue using skincare products containing actives, such as retinol or other retinoids, at least two days before your treatment. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation during microneedling. Sun protection is also crucial as recent sun exposure increases the risk of hyperpigmentation after microneedling.

What should I expect on the day of my microneedling appointment?

Please arrive at your appointment with clean skin. If you're wearing makeup or lotion, we'll provide a gentle cleanser to remove it. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won't interfere with the treatment area to ensure it can be fully exposed. If desired, bring a change of clothes in case any topical anesthetic gets on your clothing (however it does wash out easily with laundry detergent).

Please allow approximately 90 minutes for your treatment, which includes 30-60 minutes for numbing to ensure your comfort, and 30-45 minutes for the procedure itself.

Does skin rejuvenation and microneedling hurt?

In our clinic we use a strong topical anesthetic that we apply for 45 min so that the treatment is as painless as possible. During the treatment won’t feel anything more than a tiny mosquito bite sensation. We can also change the depth and intensity to ensure you’re comfortable.

What is the downtime for Microneedling?

Microneedling has little to no downtime. You’ll leave the clinic a little rosy and you should avoid wearing make up or tinted moisturizer for at least 4 hours or ideally 24 hours.  SPF use is essential and you should stay out of direct sunlight for at least 1-2 days.

After your treatment, we will recommend a skin care routine for your to do which is essential in order to experience the full results of this treatment. It is also important that you do not intensely sweat for at least 24 hours so maybe avoid workouts after this treatment.

How many skin rejuvenation treatments do I need before I see a result?

You will see results in as little as 1 treatment but ideally you would need 3-6 treatments to see full results. You will need a consultation to discuss your concerns and how many treatments you will need. Treatments are typically spaced 4 weeks apart (some are up to 8 weeks apart depending on the intensity of the sessions). You’ll see an improvement after each treatment and final results can be seen at about 12 weeks after the final treatment.

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Tammy Chen, DDS