Prior to the Microneedling session, please observe the following:

·       No Retin-A/Tretinoin products 24 hours prior to your treatment.

·       No auto-immune therapies 24 hours prior to your treatment including steroids, colchicine (for gout), hydrochloroquine (ex. Plaquenil), sulfasalazine, dapsone, methotrexate, etc.

·       No prolonged sun exposure to the face 24 hours prior to your treatment. A Microneedling treatment will not be administered on sunburned skin.

·       On the day of the treatment, please keep your face clean and do not apply makeup if possible.

·       If you are taking a blood thinner, aspirin or any other medication that you have the risk to bleed easily while on, please tell your healthcare provider prior to your Microneedling treatment. If you are under a physician’s care and need to discontinue your medication for a few days, it is your responsibility to always ask your physician prior to each SkinPen Microneedling appointment and get physician approval prior to treatment.

·       If you are planning to receive a toxin treatment (ex. Botox/Dysport) or facial fillers, make sure that you give yourself at least 2 weeks after injections before receiving your Microneedling procedure.

·       If an active or extreme acne breakout or skin irritation occurs before treatment, please call 337-852-8995 to reschedule. It is required to wait 6 months following oral isotretinoin (Accutane) use.

·       Know that Fitzpatrick IV- VI may have darken pigment prior to lightening.

After your treatment, please be aware and observe the following:

·       Immediately after your treatment, you will look and feel as though you have a moderate/severe sunburn and your skin may feel warmer and tighter than usual. You may also notice some slight swelling; both are normal and should begin to subside after 1 to 2 hours and will normally diminish within 24 hours. You may see slight redness after 24 hours but only in minimal areas or spots.

·       Your healthcare provider will use sterile gauze and a generous layer of Skinfuse Lift HG to prevent dryness.

·       If you are concerned about any reaction, please call our office at 337-852-8995 immediately. If it is after hours and emergent, please proceed to the closest emergency room.

After-care instructions for Microneedling Treatment:

·       Initial 24 hours–

•         Use tepid water for the initial 24 hours to rinse the treated area and pat dry. Make sure hands and/or towels are clean when touching the treated area.

•         Apply the SkinFuse® Lift HG lubricant provided as needed for moisture over the first 24 hours to decrease dryness.

•         Do NOT apply makeup or sunscreen for 24 hours after the procedure.

·       After the initial 24 hours–

•         Use a gentle cleanser (Obagi Gentle Cleanser) a.m. and p.m. to cleanse the face and gently pat dry the treated skin. Do not use exfoliating products/cleansers. Always make sure that your hands are clean when touching the treated area.

•         Apply the SkinFuse RESCUE a.m. and p.m. and as needed until complete to assist in healing process.

•         Apply a gentle moisturizer (ex. Obagi Hydrate, Obagi Hydrate Lux, or Obagi Therapeutic Moisturizer) or Aquaphor ointment a.m., p.m., and as needed to keep skin hydrated.

•         Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen a.m. with a minimum SPF 30. A mineral or physical, chemical-free sunscreen is highly recommended. Daily morning use is recommended moving forward. Reapply every 2 hours as needed.

•         If necessary, Mineral-based make-up can be worn after 24 hours once redness and irritation have subsided. Do not apply any makeup with a makeup brush, especially if brushes have not been properly cleaned.

·       After 72 hours (day 3)–

•         Continue Gentle Cleanser a.m. and p.m.

•         Apply a thin layer of Elastiderm Facial Serum (Elastin booster, copper peptides).

•         Apply a thin layer of Peptide Complex (contains vitamin C, growth factors, and peptides).

•         Apply a gently moisturizer (ex. Obagi Hydrate, Obagi Hydrate Lux, or Obagi Therapeutic Moisturizer) if needed to keep skin hydrated.

•         Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen a.m. with a minimum SPF 30. A mineral or physical, chemical-free sunscreen is highly recommended and daily morning use is recommended moving forward. Reapply every 2 hours as needed.

·       After 5-7 days–

•         Continue regimen as stated above under “after 72 hours”. However, you may add in your regular skincare products if your skin is no longer red or irritated. This includes your retinol/retin-A/tretinoin, NuDerm Products, etc.

·       A skincare regimen will be recommended as stated above to help you achieve optimal results. Goals will be focused on protecting, correcting, restoring, and repairing your skin.

·       Schedule your next Microneedling appointment at 4-weeks and plan for a minimum of 3-5 total treatments to achieve optimal results. Collagen induction will continue for up to a year.

What to Avoid:

·       Avoid makeup for the first 24- 72 hours depending on your skin condition. It is recommended that you use mineral-based makeup during the healing process.

·       Avoid HOT water and cleansers containing chemical exfoliators such as Glycolic, Lactic, and Salicylic Acid, or exfoliating beads during the healing process.

·       Avoid alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours.

·       For at least 3 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 and/or tanning beds for 72 hours. It is recommended that you discontinue tanning bed usage moving forward.

·       Do not get overheated or go swimming for at least 72 hours post-treatment and until all redness resolves.

·       No exercising, strenuous activity, use of saunas, whirlpools, or hot showers for the first 72 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments must be avoided during the first 72 hours post-treatment.

·       Do not use ice on the treatment area or take anti-inflammatory medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil) for at least 2 weeks post treatment. You can take Tylenol if needed.

·       Avoid picking, scratching, or scrubbing your skin! Flaking and itching may occur at 3-5 days because of new collagen stimulation. Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer and Aquaphor ointment to help combat dry skin.

·       Avoid other facial treatments including peels for 4 weeks.

·       Avoid Botox and Fillers for 2 weeks post microneedling.