As we age, our skin goes through a lot of changes. Some of these changes manifest as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne marks. And while these come naturally with aging, modern procedures such as microneedling can minimize their appearance.
Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a procedure that gently pokes microscopic holes on your skin using needles to create a direct path to the layers underneath. As a result, your skin can easily absorb skincare products like serums, essences, and moisturizers.
While microneedling in itself is already beneficial for your skin, there are steps you can take to maximize its effects. We'll tell you how you can get the best results from this collagen-boosting therapy.
Inform your provider of any skin condition or infection you have. Microneedling is a procedure that opens up the skin, making it slightly vulnerable to pathogens. If you're on medication, finish the prescription first. Your body should be in its best condition when you go through it.
If you have herpes or a cold sore, you must be treated with an antiviral drug before the procedure to prevent a skin outbreak.
On the day of your procedure, do not use any skincare product on your face. They can hamper the effects of the microneedling process. Experts recommend washing your face with a gentle cleanser and removing any trace of make-up before the procedure.
Around five days before your microneedling treatment, your doctor will advise you to stop using topical drugs, like Retinoids, Retin-A Micro, and Vitamin A. Self-tanning products should also be avoided.
Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs at least a week before and after your appointment. These medications suppress the body’s inflammatory response, which is needed in microneedling to stimulate skin rejuvenation.
Blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding and bruising that can get in the way of your healing process after the procedure. Avoid taking them a week before your appointment as well. If you're taking them because of a vascular condition, discuss how to taper your dose with your provider.
Exfoliate two to three days before your microneedling treatment to refresh your skin. Do not exfoliate the night before, as newly exposed skin is prone to sensitive reactions.
Avoid using hair removal products or undergoing hair removal procedures for a week before your microneedling appointment. Do not shave the area to be treated either to avoid irritation. If needed, do it two to three days prior.
Make the most out of your microneedling therapy by wearing sunscreen regularly. It can protect you from getting sunburnt, which is a contraindication for the treatment.
On the same note, avoid staying in the sun for two weeks after getting the procedure done. The same goes for IPL and laser procedures, as they also carry UV rays.
Avoid strenuous exercises for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid any activity that will cause you to sweat, like hot showers, steaming, and sauna sessions.
If you feel sore, take an analgesic or painkiller. Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin as those are anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning drugs. Using ice on your face to numb the pain is also not recommended, as it may interfere with the inflammatory process of your body.
Elevating your head using pillows when you sleep will help reduce inflammation and pain. Do not press your face against the pillow.
Microneedling requires a minimum of four sessions. It demands a commitment to a treatment plan inside and outside the clinic. Make sure to follow what your provider instructs you to do, and you will be impressed by the results. We recommend maintenance treatments every four to six weeks with a series of three to five sessions each.
Microneedling causes a sunburn-like effect, making your skin feel dry, sensitive, tight, and look inflamed and bruised. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't rinse it. Wash your face with cold water and a gentle cleanser four hours after the procedure. Pat dry with your hands or cloth that does not fray; do not rub with a towel.
Post-microneedling peeling happens three to five days after the procedure. Your skin will be dry and flaky because of the fast turnover of skin cells. Even though you will be tempted to scratch and peel loose skin, don't. Instead, let your skin peel off naturally.
If the dryness and itchiness are bothering you, apply a gentle moisturizer or lotion. It's best to consult your provider on what skincare products you can use to avoid unwanted reactions.
Microneedling is an in-patient procedure that takes an hour to finish. Before the procedure, you may be asked to wash your face. Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly to get rid of dead skin cells and any product you've applied before.
Before starting the main procedure, your skin will be anesthetized with topical lidocaine. You need to wait for 30 to 45 minutes for it to take effect. To confirm that you are healthy and eligible for the procedure, your provider will go through your medical history once again.
Let them know if you're on any medication or have recently been diagnosed with any illness. They may also ask about your tattoo placements and inspect if there are any in the area to be treated.
The key to getting the best results from microneedling treatment is to follow your provider's advice and to make sure no irritation occurs pre and post-procedure. It is also imperative that the clinic and professionals who will perform the procedure are skilled, licensed, and experienced.
Skin Deep Med Spa is a trusted clinic for microneedling and microdermabrasion in Boston. We also provide facial rejuvenation procedures like dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, HydraFacial, Botox, Kybella, Dysport, Sculptra, and Voluma. Call us today at (617) 812-0954, or schedule an appointment online.
