MICRONEEDLING PRE & POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Your skin needs a little extra TLC before and after microneedling. Following these instructions helps support healing and reduces the risk of irritation, infection, and unwanted pigmentation

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

5–7 DAYS BEFORE

Unless otherwise instructed by your medical provider:

  • Avoid retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, and other irritating vitamin A products 24 hours prior.

  • Avoid exfoliating acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, or other AHAs/BHAs.

  • Avoid scrubs, exfoliating brushes, and aggressive skincare treatments.

  • Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or other potentially irritating hair-removal treatments in the treatment area.

  • Avoid prolonged or intentional sun exposure and tanning beds.

  • Do not arrive for treatment with a sunburn.

  • Wait 6 months following oral isotretinoin use

  • Although not seen in the clinical study, in Fitzpatrick IV-VI, pigment may darken prior to lightening. 

Do not stop prescription medications, aspirin, anticoagulants, or medically necessary medications unless the prescribing healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.

PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT IF:

  • You develop a rash, cold sore, infection, open wound, significant acne flare, or sunburn in the treatment area.

  • You become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

  • You have started a new medication.

  • You have recently had another cosmetic procedure in the treatment area.

  • You have a history of cold sores and have not discussed this with your provider.

  • If you have a history of cold sores, your provider may recommend antiviral medication before treatment.

DAY OF TREATMENT

Please arrive with clean skin whenever possible, without makeup, self-tanner, heavy moisturizer, or other products on the treatment area.

Drink adequate water and eat normally unless your provider gives you different instructions.

AFTER YOUR MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT

Your skin may look and feel similar to a sunburn after treatment. Redness, warmth, tightness, mild swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity can be normal. Lift HG may be applied the day of the procedure to help maintain skin hydration. Re-apply, as needed, up to 24 hours post procedure. 

A SkinPen Premium Biocellulose Masque may be applied following the treatment to help calm the skin.

FIRST 24 HOURS

  • Keep your hands off the treated area as much as possible.

  • Do not pick, scratch, peel, or scrub the skin.

  • Follow the specific cleansing and skincare instructions given by your provider.

  • Use only provider-approved post-procedure products during the initial healing period.

  • Avoid makeup until your provider advises that it is appropriate.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause significant sweating for 72 HOURS.

  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 72 HOURS.

  • Avoid excessive heat and direct sun exposure.

Do not apply products containing retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, alcohol, fragrance, or other potentially irritating active ingredients.

NEXT 2–3 DAYS

Your skin may feel dry, tight, rough, or mildly flaky.  Continue to:

  • Use gentle skincare products.

  • Avoid exfoliation.

  • Avoid picking or peeling.

  • Avoid excessive heat and sweating if your skin remains irritated.

  • Protect your skin from direct sun exposure.

Allow any flaking to resolve naturally. RESCUE Calming Complex may be applied beginning 24 hours post treatment to smooth and support the skin.

DAYS 3–7

As your skin returns to normal, you may gradually resume your regular skincare routine as directed by your provider.

Do not restart retinoids, exfoliating acids, or other strong active ingredients until the skin is completely healed and your provider has advised that they may be resumed.

SUN PROTECTION

Sun protection is extremely important following microneedling because newly treated skin may be more susceptible to irritation and pigment changes.

Avoid intentional tanning and excessive sun exposure.

Once appropriate for your stage of healing, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and follow your provider's recommendations regarding reapplication and physical sun protection.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

Temporary symptoms may include:

  • Redness

  • Mild swelling

  • Warmth

  • Tightness

  • Tenderness or sensitivity

  • Dryness

  • Mild flaking or peeling

  • Rough skin texture

  • Mild itching

These symptoms should gradually improve as your skin heals.

WHEN TO CONTACT US

Contact Coastal Glow Aesthetics if you experience:

  • Increasing rather than improving redness or swelling

  • Significant or worsening pain

  • Blistering

  • Pus, drainage, or crusting concerning for infection

  • Redness that is spreading

  • Fever or chills

  • Development of a cold sore

  • Significant rash or allergic reaction

  • Unexpected or persistent skin discoloration

  • Any reaction that concerns you

For severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, significant facial or throat swelling, or another medical emergency, seek immediate emergency medical care.

YOUR RESULTS

Microneedling works by stimulating your body's natural healing and collagen-remodeling processes, so results develop gradually.

A series of treatments is often recommended. Your provider will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your skin, treatment goals, and response.

Do not hesitate to contact Coastal Glow Aesthetics with questions during your recovery.