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RF Microneedling Pre and Post Care
RF Microneedling Pre-Treatment instructions
- Schedule your procedure to allow for about 3-5 days of facial redness, possibly bruising and flaking.
- Limit sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks before the treatment. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and irritation after the procedure.
- Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you must go outside.
- Arrive with Clean Skin. On the day of your treatment, avoid makeup and ensure your skin is clean and free from any lotions, serums, or oils. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and allows the treatment to be more effective.
- Avoid any irritants (such as retinol, retinoid, glycolic, salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, alpha or beta hydroxy acids, astringents, Nair®, and Vitamin C) to your face for 7 days before treatment.
- If your skin is irritated please contact our office at least 24 hours before the appointment to reschedule. If you have skin conditions, psoriasis, cystic or inflammatory acne, inform your clinician.
- If you have an active cold sore/fever blister, canker sore, or shingles you will need to postpone treatment. If you are prone to developing cold sores/fever blisters or shingles, please contact us 1 week before treatment for recommendations.
- Avoid Certain Medications. If you're on any blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain supplements like vitamin E, fish oil, or ginseng), you may need to discontinue them for about 3-5 days before treatment. Check with your healthcare provider before making changes to any prescription blood thinners.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water before your session to ensure your skin is hydrated, as this can improve the outcome of the treatment.
- Avoid Alcohol. Refrain from consuming alcohol for 24-48 hours before the procedure, as it can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
- Do not schedule a procedure if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding clients cannot get microneedling.
- Patients actively undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment cannot be treated. The patient must be in remission for 6 months to be treated.
- You can do a microneedling before Botox®/Dysport® on the same day, but not vice versa. If you have had Microneedling, please wait at least 24 hours before scheduling a Botox® appointment.
- Inform your clinician of all medical conditions, medications you are taking, skin disorders, allergies, history of anaphylaxis, and any other medical problems.
- Tylenol® will not cause bruising and is preferred for the week before treatment. To avoid possible discomfort, you may take 1g of acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol®) one hour prior to your scheduled appointment.
- If you have recently used the medication Accutane®, it is recommended to postpone treatment until at least six months after stopping the medication.
- Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved 24 hours before treatment.
RF Microneedling Post-Treatment Instructions
Post-treatment care following RF microneedling is essential for maximizing results, promoting healing, and minimizing potential side effects. After your treatment, your skin will likely be more sensitive, and there may be some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, similar to a mild sunburn. Here are the general post-treatment instructions for RF microneedling.
- Avoid Touching the Treated Area: Do not touch, rub, or scratch the treated area for at least 24 hours. This helps to minimize the risk of infection and irritation.
- Avoid Sun Exposure Stay out of direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after the treatment. UV exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and irritate the freshly treated skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) whenever going outside, even if it's cloudy. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- Avoid Heat and Sweating. Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise for at least 48-72 hours. Excessive heat or sweating can irritate the skin and delay healing.
- No hot tubs or pools for 48 hours, as chlorine and heat can be harsh on sensitive skin.
- Refrain from applying makeup for at least 24-48 hours after the treatment. This gives your skin time to heal and reduces the risk of infection or irritation.
- For the first few days, use a gentle, cleanser to cleanse the treated area. Avoid products with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin.
- Moisturize regularly to keep the skin hydrated. Look for soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizers without added fragrances or alcohol like CeraVe or Cetaphil.
- Avoid exfoliating products (AHAs, BHAs, scrubs) for at least 5-7 days post-treatment. These can be too abrasive and hinder the skin’s healing process.
- Hydrocortisone or healing serums might be recommended by your practitioner if your skin becomes very inflamed or irritated.
- Avoid Active Skincare Ingredients. No Retinoids or Vitamin A products for 5-7 days after treatment, as these can increase irritation and sensitivity.
- Avoid chemical peels, waxing, or laser treatments for at least 2 weeks after RF microneedling.
- Expect Redness and Swelling. Mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity are normal after the treatment and can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Cold compresses (using a clean cloth and cold water or ice wrapped in a cloth) can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Avoid Alcohol and Blood Thinners. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E) for 48 hours after the treatment to minimize the risk of bruising and swelling. Do not discontinue prescription blood thinner without prior approval from your medical provider.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.
- Monitor for Signs of Infection. Although uncommon, infection is a possible side effect of any skin procedure. Contact your practitioner immediately if you notice signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, tenderness, or drainage.
- Be sure to follow any additional instructions given by your practitioner, and attend any follow-up appointments if scheduled, to monitor your progress and results.
Key Tips for Optimizing Results
- Patience is key. RF microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, so it may take 4-6 weeks to start seeing visible improvements in skin texture and appearance. Full results may take 3 months.
- Many people see optimal results after 3-4 sessions, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, depending on your skin’s needs and goals.
By carefully following these post-treatment instructions, you can help your skin heal properly and achieve the best possible results from RF microneedling. Always consult your practitioner if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms after the treatment.
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