The time has come. You have finally decided to book your aesthetic treatment and you are excited for the outcome. However, there is some things that you can do to ensure the outcome is the best it can be.
This blog will cover how to prepare for your SkinPen Microneedling appointment- Prior, on the day and post appointment at Dr Kara Cosmetic Clinic.
Please ensure that you have also read the latest guidance on aesthetic treatments and the COVID 19 vaccine.
Please familiarise yourself with the clinic’s policy.
How to prepare for SkinPen Microneedling treatment
Pre Procedure advice
Not had any aesthetic treatments within 2 weeks of the procedure e.g. Botox, dermal filler.
Not had laser/IPL/Light therapy/Microdermabrasion in the last 2 weeks.
If you suffer from cold sores please ensure you start taking anti-viral tablets 5 days prior to the procedure ( seek guidance from Dr Kara if unsure).
No sunburn to the site of treatment.
Not on any temporary medication ( inform your practitioner for advice if so).
Not had any recent skin piercings in that area over the last 8 weeks and require to be fully healed.
Not used prescription skincare 1 week prior.
Not used hair colour treatment 1 week prior.
Not had skin bleaching/wax/electrolysis/ depilation,facial treatments using AHA/BHA/vitamin A 1 week prior.
Not used salicylic acid 2 weeks prior.
If able to, please stop any medication 7 days prior that can increase your risk of bleeding e.g. Aspirin, fish oil, ibuprofen. Do not stop medication if recommended to do for a medical reason. Please discuss with Dr Kara who can provide advice.
Avoid heavy exercise 24 hrs prior to your appointment.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption 24 hrs prior.
On the day advice
Arrive make up free.
Take paracetamol 1 hr prior to your appointment.
Do NOT take an antihistamine
Please arrive on time for your procedure. Anymore than 5 mins late I may have to reschedule your appointment and your deposit could be effected. You will need to attend alone.
Message me upon arrival and I will come out to meet you. Do not knock on the door please.
What happens during your procedure
Consent and photos taken. The area will be numbed using a cream and then cleaned. SkinPen microneedling is administered using a super fine needle via a motorised device to minimise discomfort and provide precise depth. The treatment will take around 30-60 mins to complete. An aftercare sheet will be provided following the procedure.
Post procedure advice
You may initially be swollen, red and bruised which will subside within thenext 1 – 10 days, especially if the bruising is extensive.
Do wash your hands before touching the treated area
Do use the aftercare kit. The HG lift can be used in the first 24 hrs. The Rescue product can be used 24 hrs afterwards to smooth and calm the skin.
Do resume your normal skincare regime after 48 hrs. Please avoid ‘active’/prescription skincare for at least 1 week after. Do avoid exfoliation until fully healed.
It is advisable that you do not touch the area for 6 hours.
Do not apply make-up for approximately 24 hours.
Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hrs
Do avoid swimming or heavy chlorinated water 7 days post treatment
Avoid facials/sun beds/chemical peels / laser resurfacing until fully healed
Avoid exposure to UV, extreme heat i.e. sauna, steam rooms, sun beds etc. as this may increase discomfort and swelling for 2 weeks.
Also avoid extreme cold; this includes ice packs that are directly applied to the skin. If necessary you can apply a cool compress to the area to reduce any discomfort or swelling.
Do avoid waxing/hair removal in the treated area until fully healed
Do not pick or peel loose skin that begins to flake following treatment
Do not shave or use after shave type products over the treated area for 48 hrs
Do restrict contact with pets/polluted areas/environments to reduce the risk of infection while the area is healing
Do keep out of the sun until the treatment area is fully healed
Do use SPF 50 and keep out of the sunlight to maximise results
Do use a clean pillowcase on your bed and use clean towels
Do increase water intake to at least 8 glasses per day until fully healed
If you have had a local nerve infiltration injection please do not consume any hot or cold drinks until your sensation has returned to normal. You must also be careful when eating so that you do not risk biting your lip.
You should also avoid any facial massages or skin resurfacing until the area has healed fully.
Common expected side effects
The above advice should help to minimise this but the following side effects can be expected to occur:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Histamine reaction
- Urticaria
- Tightness
- Itchiness
- Discomfort
- Headache
These side effects can last between 1-14 days. This means leave plenty of time for yourself to recover before any big events e.g. wedding, birthday. Your discomfort should be able to be managed with paracetamol alone. If not or any worsening symptoms, please contact the clinic immediately for advice, even if out of hours. You will be given an emergency number to contact in this instance.
If you are unsure about what has been explained in this article and want to ask questions please do not hesitate to contact myself as I am happy to help. Contact me now.
I am looking forward to seeing you
Dr Kara, Aesthetic GP doctor