Microneedling works by breaking the skin surface in a controlled way, so the skin needs to be calm, unirritated, and unburned when you arrive. Most of what follows is about getting it there.
Three Months Before
- Tell us if you have taken isotretinoin for acne in the past three months. Microneedling is not safe until you are well clear of it, and this rules treatment out.
Two Weeks Before
- No sunburn, no significant sun exposure, and no self-tanning products on the area. Treating sunburned or freshly tanned skin risks a lasting change in skin color.
- Tell us about any surgery or cryosurgery to the area in the past month, and about any radiation or chemotherapy.
One Week Before
- Stop retinoids and all exfoliating or acidic products on the area — retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, scrubs.
- Stop all hair removal in the area — waxing, threading, depilatory creams, electrolysis.
- No peels, laser, or other resurfacing treatment in the area.
- If you are prone to cold sores and we will be treating near your mouth, tell us. We can prescribe an antiviral to start before your visit.
- If it is medically safe for you to do so, stop anything that thins the blood — with your physician’s agreement. Bring your full list to your visit, or call ahead, and we will go through it with you. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own.
Scheduling Around Other Treatments
- No dermal filler in the three days before microneedling.
- No neuromodulator in the two hours before.
- If you are planning other treatments, tell us and we will sequence them properly.
If PRF Is Being Added
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water the day before and again on the day. A dehydrated vein is a difficult draw, and a difficult draw sometimes means no usable sample.
- Eat a proper meal beforehand. Arriving hungry is the most common reason people feel faint during a blood draw.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory pain relievers for a week beforehand — they interfere with how platelets work, and platelets are the active ingredient. Plain acetaminophen is fine.
- Wear a top with sleeves that push up easily above the elbow.
The Day of Your Treatment
- Arrive with the area clean and free of makeup. Apply no creams or products to it that morning.
- Hair should be pulled back and away from the area.
- Bring a current list of your medications and supplements.
- Plan for redness afterward. Your skin will look and feel like a mild sunburn for one to three days, so avoid scheduling anything that matters that evening.
Tell Us Before We Begin If Any of These Apply
- You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have a history of keloid or raised scarring.
- Your skin tends to darken after inflammation, injury, or a spot.
- You have a tattoo or permanent makeup in or near the area — microneedling can fade it.
- You have active acne, an infection, an open area, or a flare of eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea in the area.
- You have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- You are unwell today. If you are ill, call us and we will move your appointment. There is no charge for that.