Microneedling

To achieve the absolute best treatment outcomes, please review our pre & post care recommendations.

Microneedling is a treatment that uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. These micro-channels stimulate your body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen production and improving overall skin quality.

Following the care instructions below will help your skin heal comfortably and ensure the best possible results from your treatment.

Pre & Post-treatment Instructions & Recommendations

To make the most out of your upcoming microneedling treatment, please follow our pre-treatment instructions.

We cannot treat if: pregnant, nursing, or currently using Accutane.

What to Expect After Microneedling

Immediately after treatment: Your skin will appear red and flushed, similar to a sunburn. This is a normal response and typically improves within 3–5 days.
During the first few days: Your skin may feel warm, tight, dry, or slightly swollen, and you may notice light flaking or sloughing as the skin renews itself. This is a normal part of the healing process and usually resolves within 3–7 days.
Do not pick or peel: Please do not pick, peel, or scratch any flaking skin, as this may lead to irritation, scarring, or unwanted pigmentation changes.
Healing timeline: Most patients feel that their skin is fully healed within about 7 days, although mild pinkness may occasionally last a little longer depending on individual skin sensitivity.
How microneedling works: Microneedling creates tiny controlled micro-channels in the skin that stimulate your body’s natural healing response. This process encourages the production of new collagen and elastin, which helps improve skin texture, tone, and overall skin quality.
When you will see results: Some patients notice improved skin radiance and smoothness within the first few weeks after treatment. Because collagen production takes time, the most noticeable improvements develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
Recommended treatment series: For best results, microneedling is typically performed as a series of treatments. Many patients benefit from 3–4 treatments to improve overall skin tone and texture.
For specific concerns: Concerns such as acne scarring or deeper textural irregularities may require a series of 6–8 treatments for optimal improvement.
Treatment spacing: Microneedling treatments are usually spaced every 6–9 weeks, allowing your skin time to heal and produce new collagen between sessions.
Personalized treatment plan: Your provider will recommend a treatment schedule based on your skin type, concerns, and long-term goals.

When to Reschedule

Please contact the office prior to your appointment if you have:

Used any topical hydroquinone, retinol, or exfoliating acids used within the last 3-7 days.
Active acne breakouts in the treatment area
Cold sores or skin infections
Sunburn
Open wounds or irritation
Have a significant event (i.e. wedding, photo shoot) within two weeks after treatment as it can take up to two weeks for redness, dryness, or bruising to subside.

Your provider may recommend rescheduling until the skin has fully healed.

Before Your Microneedling Treatment

Proper preparation helps reduce skin sensitivity and allows your provider to safely perform your treatment.

One Week Before Your Appointment

To minimize irritation, avoid using products or treatments that exfoliate or increase skin sensitivity, including:

Retinol or retinoid products
Glycolic acid, lactic acid, or other alpha hydroxy acids
Salicylic acid
Exfoliating scrubs or cleansing brushes
Chemical peels
Waxing or hair removal creams on the treatment area

Your skin should be calm and healthy prior to treatment.

Three to Five Days Before Treatment

To reduce the chance of bruising, you may consider limiting the following (if medically appropriate):

Aspirin
Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications
Fish oil supplements
Vitamin E
Alcohol

Do not discontinue prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing physician.

Avoid significant sun exposure during the days leading up to your appointment.

Post-Treatment General Care

Avoid strenuous exercise, sweating, saunas, hot tubs, or heat exposure for 24–48 hours.
Do not apply makeup for 24 hours after treatment. Mineral makeup may be used after that time if the skin feels comfortable.
Avoid touching, rubbing, or picking at the treated skin while it is healing.
An antihistamine such as Benadryl may be taken before bed the evening after treatment if swelling occurs.
Avoid exfoliating products and treatments for 10–14 days, including scrubs, cleansing brushes or devices, retinol, exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, salicylic), enzyme peels, and microdermabrasion.
Vitamin C or brightening products (such as Even & Correct) may typically be resumed about 5 days after treatment, once the skin feels comfortable.
Avoid shaving or dermaplaning the treated area for 7 days.
Optional: Red or near-infrared light therapy may be used after 48-72 hours to support the skin’s recovery. If using an at-home device, ensure the device is thoroughly cleaned before use.

Post-Treatment Skincare Regimen

Immediately after your treatment:

Your provider may apply a post-procedure serum and a hyaluronic acid to the treatment area while you are in the office.
Once you leave the office, you do not have to do anything to the treatment area. Try to keep the area clean by avoiding touching your hands or clothing directly to the area.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid direct sun exposure during this time.
If needed, you may gently apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar and/or hyaluronic acid to the area with clean hands as needed.

AM:

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser (such as Alastin Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil/Cerave gentle cleanser) and tepid water to cleanse the face for the following 72 hours and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure that your hands are clean when touching the treated area.
Heal: Apply 1-2 pumps of Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar; the properties of this serum are ideal to expedite the healing process and amplify your treatment results.
Hydrate: You may apply hyaluronic acid to the skin to help with dryness.
Makeup: You may apply mineral-based make-up with clean brushes 24 hours post-procedure.
Protect: A mineral-based SPF of 30 or higher is critical post-procedure to protect your skin from further irritation or damage.

PM:

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser (such as Alastin Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil/Cerave gentle cleanser) and tepid water to cleanse the face for the following 72 hours and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure that your hands are clean when touching the treated area.
Heal: Apply 1-2 pumps of Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar; the properties of this serum are ideal to expedite the healing process and amplify your treatment results.
Hydrate: You can apply hyaluronic acid to help with dryness.