What to Expect Before and After Microneedling

Treatments to repair damaged skin, lower pigmentation, decrease skin laxity, resolve textural concerns, and reduce rhytides are widely sought after. As a result, the need for effective, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is growing, and with it so does the quest for workable answers.   

 Numerous cosmetic procedures with varied degrees of invasiveness and efficacy have been developed following this quest for younger-looking skin. Most sought-after procedures include fractionated laser technology, deep chemical peels, and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.

But because most of them are invasive, the thirst for less invasive remains. Now that microneedling has been developed, you can have a young glow without penetrating deeper into your skin.

Getting interested? Well, let's cover what to expect from the results, how to prepare for the treatment, and the side effects. Let’s get started!

Understanding Microneedling and the Results

Microneedling is a less invasive treatment to some skin conditions. Simple needles, often known as microneedling pens, are injected into the skin by an aesthetician to produce minute wounds.

These wounds will then heal over time, and as they do, they will release proteins and other chemicals that help to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. However, it's important to understand what results you can expect from each treatment.

How are the Results?

Some people notice instant changes in their skin's health, while others find more noticeable benefits after several treatments. Ultimately, it depends on the individual's skin condition and how severe it is.

It's also important to keep in mind that microneedling isn't a long-term solution – it's simply a means of stimulating new growth in the skin. Depending on your specific situation and needs, you may only need one or two treatments in order to see positive results.

If you're looking for more prolonged benefits, repeated treatments may be necessary over time. Please be aware, though, that microneedling is never advised if you already have any skin issues or wounds that haven't previously healed adequately. 

Preparing for a Microneedling Procedure

Commonly, some people fail to get satisfied results with skin treatment such as laser therapy and surgery. For such cases, microneedling has proven effective. But before you undergo this treatment, it is important to be prepared for what to expect.

Before Microneedling

First and foremost, make sure that you are properly prepared before getting started with microneedling. Being not a typical facial, you need to consider your medical history. This means if you have prior skin conditions, consult your doctor first before microneedling.

You will be questioned about your medical background and any skin disorders you may have during the appointment. After your consultation is complete, you will be given a series of instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

Some tips for pre-treatment are:

✅ Wash your skin thoroughly and dry it off completely before starting.

✅ Stay away from Accutane for half a year before you begin your treatment sessions.

✅ Refrain from using any topical medications that can irritate your skin, including retinoids.

✅ You shouldn't use painkillers for at least three days prior to treatment. These hinder the healing process necessary for skin renewal. For example, ibuprofen, motrin, or advil

✅ For 14 days before your procedure, refrain from IPL/Laser treatments, unprotected sun exposure, and sunburn.

✅ Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and the use of depilatory lotions on the treated region for roughly a week before treatment.

✅ Since bruising is a common adverse effect of microneedling, refrain from using blood thinners for seven days prior to your surgery.

✅ In order to prevent skin pain, avoid shaving the day of the treatment. Shave the area being treated the day before your appointment if it has thick hair.

✅ Use an antiviral medication two days before the therapy if you commonly experience cold blisters.

Additionally, understand that there are a variety of treatments available on the market today, so be sure to speak with your doctor about which one might be best for you.

During Treatment

For a relaxed mind and body, ask to know what to anticipate from the procedure. Typically, it’s about half an hour to an hour long procedure. And it involves inserting tiny needles into the skin.

 So, expect some mild discomfort but nothing too severe. The needles used during the procedure are very small and will cause minimal pain or discomfort when injected into the skin.

The following is the microneedling process:

✅ You will clean your face from any substances you use.

✅ But first, let the aesthetician know of your past medical history, and the current state. Are you on any drugs?.

✅ What are some cosmetic tattoos you have? Please reveal them to the doctor..

✅ The doctor will then apply topical lidocaine to the area to be treated some half an hour before the process.

And, does microneedling hurt? You may experience some mild discomfort during the process but it should not be too severe.

Afterward, take proper safety precautions by washing your treated area thoroughly with soap and water and applying an antibiotic ointment if desired. Finally, apply a protective layer of sunscreen if outdoors during daylight hours after your treatment has been completed.

After Microneedling

With the completion of the microneedling process, there's a need for post-care. The doctor will guide you and let you know how to go about it. Some things to look after are:

✅ Within the first two days, limit sun exposure until the sunburn protection has worn off.

✅ Taking regular multivitamins as recommended by your doctor or specialist (to help prevent any potential vitamin deficiencies)

✅ Drinking plenty of fluids (avoiding caffeine and alcohol while taking these vitamins)

✅ Using a topical cream as directed by your doctor or specialist (to help prevent any skin atrophy)

✅ Wearing loose clothing if possible so that air can circulate around the treated area

✅ Exercising regularly but gently (to avoid overstressing or injuring yourself while exercising)

✅ Massaging the treated area once per day for at least 20 minutes after application of cream/lotion/ointment until symptoms subside - usually within 14 days.

It's also important to keep the area treated moisturized with an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen until your follow up appointment which should be scheduled within two weeks post-treatment.

Following these instructions carefully will not only help you get optimal results from microneedling, but also enjoy long term benefits!

Follow-Up Appointment

At your follow up appointment, your doctor or consultant will review the results of the microneedling treatment and discuss any changes that you may have noticed in terms of texture or tone of skin. If desired, additional treatments can then be scheduled based on these results. Remember: always consult with your health care provider before beginning any new skincare regime!

What to Expect During Microneedling Healing

Despite being a quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure, there are some side effects. But experiencing the following during microneedling recuperation is quite normal:

Initial 3 Days

You’ll experience some sort of a sunburn. Your skin may also become sensitive to touch, be tight or even dry. To curb this, wash it with warm water with warm water and a mild cleanser before patting it dry with your hands in the next four hours after the process.

Also, while some people get modest redness, some experience temporary swelling lasting about three days and mild bruising that may last a week.

Day 3 to 5

Peeling is common in the next three to five days. Why? There’s a greater rate of skin cell turnover. So, stop picking, poking, and rubbing the skin that has been treated!

The greatest remedy is to keep it moisturized always,and let the dead skin peel off naturally. Remember to seek helpful opinions from the doctor for answers to the best products.

Within a Week

Now, the skin is ready to use regular skin care products. But ensure no itching is observed. And over the months you’ll realize remarkable changes in your skin. Well for intriguing outcomes, go for repeat treatments within a month or two. Get the consent for it from your doctor.

Microneedling Side Effects

Microneedling side effects depend on the individual and their specific skin condition. However, many people experience minor pain while the treatment is taking place, followed by a slightly red, swollen, and tender area where the puncture was made.

Some people may feel slight tingling or warmth following the treatment. In extreme cases, there can be swelling or fluid leakage from the skin wound, which may require medical attention.

To Conclude

Microneedling is an efficient skin therapy for most skin conditions discussed. However, it is important to understand what results to expect from the procedure and how to properly prepare for it before beginning. Additionally, proper post-treatment care is necessary in order to maximize the results of your treatment.

So, jump on the bandwagon and get the best advice and care from a professional.  Then, check out Yastrid Beauty and get all the tools needed to have your microneedling. We offer quality products without breaking your bank. Talk to us now for your purchases!