Mirconeedling

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is the process of penetrating the skin using tiny needles to create a wound response. Microneedling helps to stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, reduce the appearance fine lines and pores, minimize the appearance of scarring, and improve skin texture.  This is done when the needles penetrate the skin triggering a histamine response. The body signals itself to begin healing and sending collagen to the microchannel wounds created by the needling.  

Pre-Care Instructions

To prepare for your appointment you want to stop retinol use 3-5 days prior to treatment. Avoid prolonged sun exposure at least 24 hours prior to your appointment as sun burned skin cannot be needled.  Inflamed acne cannot be needled to prevent the spread of acne bacteria. Patients with active cold sores should not receive treatment due to the possibility of spreading cold sores to other areas of the face.  Taking blood thinning medications within 24 hours of treatment may result in more pinpoint bleeding.  

Post Care Instructions

Your skin will be red and may feel sunburned. Your skin will feel dry and tight following your microneedling session. Avoid touching your face to keep bacteria from coming in to contact with your skin. You will only put hyaluronic acid on your skin for the next 24 hours. After the first 24 hours, cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser. Avoid any retinols, acids, and harsh products for the next 5-7 days while your skin is healing. Be sure to wear SPF, a physical SPF is preferred. Avoid direct sun and tanning for at least 7-10 days post treatment. Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, steam, and activities that would raise your internal body temperature such as hot baths for the next 24 hours. A mineral makeup is best following a needling treatment but should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Your skin may feel tight and dry or itchy, even swollen. Continue to re-apply your hyaluronic acid serum if your skin is feeling itchy or dry. You will be given a bag containing what you will need to care for your skin for the first 48 hours.

Results

It typically takes about 6 weeks to see your full results. If you are microneedling for acne scars, it takes about 10-12 weeks to see your full results. Microneedling is not a one time treatment. This service is best when performed in a series of at least 3 treatments, spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart (more if microneedling for acne scarring.) Individual results will vary depending on home care, treatment goals, lifestyle, and the integrity of the skin. Please be sure to address your goals during your consultation to understand how many treatments may be needed.

Chemical Peel Pre and Post Care

Chemical peels cannot be performed if you are pregnant, nursing, currently or have in the last 6 months taken Isotretinoin (Accutane.) Some other medications may not make it possible for a peel due to the thinning effects on your skin, please be specific on your client intake form. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. 

Pre-Care Instructions

1.      Stop use of retinol products 3 days prior to your peel.

2.      Retin-A must be stopped a minimum of 2 weeks prior.

3.      No facial waxing 7 days prior to treatment

4.      No extensive sun exposure 7 days prior

5.      No tanning beds 14 days prior 

6.      No filler for one week prior

7.      No Botox for one day prior

8.      No laser hair removal or IPL 2 weeks prior

Post Care Instructions

1. Leave the peel on for at least 6 hours. Do not get your face wet during this time. It is preferable that you leave the peel on your face until the next morning.

2. Ensure you have a clean pillowcase on your pillow. Change it after you washed your face.

3. Avoid touching your face.

4. Avoid activities that will cause excessive sweating for 48 hours. 

5.   Do not ice the treated area, it may result in burning of the skin.

6.   Use your post peel kit (if it applies to the type of peel you had,) for the next 3-5 days. You may add in hyaluronic acid or a growth factor serum to speed up the healing process. Check with your esthetician first if you did not previously discuss growth factors.  

7.  Keep skin hydrated. Reapply Rebalance or Silk Coat balm to help keep skin hydrated. You can add in hyaluronic acid as needed.

8.   Do not apply actives such as retinols or acids for the next 7 days.

9.   Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat while your skin is healing.

10. Do not pick or pull at skin that may be flaking or peeling to avoid hyperpigmentation.

11. Swelling especially around the eyes may be expected as well as itchiness.

12. No facial waxing for the next 7 days

13. SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!!! Even if it is cloudy or you won’t be in the sun long, it’s imperative that you apply and reapply to avoid hyperpigmentation.

What to expect

1.   Tight, dry, and itchy feeling skin.

2.   You may feel sunburned or uncomfortable.

3.   Redness throughout your face.

4.   May have swelling in orbital area. If so, apply a cold washcloth and keep your head elevated.

5.   You may notice your skin getting darker initially before it lightens. 

6.   Flaking, shedding, or peeling especially in days 2-5 and often more around the perioral area/lower face is normal. If you do not peel, do not be alarmed, that is normal for some too!

7.   Your skin may have the appearance of old, wrinkly, or like you have been in the tub too long.  Your skin is healing, and this is normal.