Microneedling – How to Best Prepare and Aftercare Instructions
If you are planning a microneedling treatment, proper preparation and aftercare are important to ensure optimal results and minimise potential complications.
Below are Dr Wen’s recommendations on how to prepare for your treatment and how to care for your skin afterwards.
Preparation Before Your Microneedling Treatment
One Week Before Treatment
To prepare your skin and reduce the risk of complications:
Minimise sun exposure and avoid sunburn.
To reduce the risk of bruising, discontinue blood-thinning supplements or medications where medically appropriate, including:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Fish oil
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo biloba
- St John’s Wort
If you regularly take any prescription medications, consult your doctor before stopping them.
If you are prone to recurrent cold sores (herpes simplex), please speak with your doctor prior to treatment. Preventative antiviral medication may be recommended on the day of your procedure.
On the Day of Your Treatment
Please attend your appointment with clean skin and no make-up applied. Avoid strenuous exercise prior to your treatment, as increased circulation may contribute to skin sensitivity.
We recommend bringing a hat and sunglasses to your appointment to protect your skin from sun exposure after the procedure.
During the Procedure
Microneedling is performed in the clinic and typically takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
The device contains fine sterile needles that create controlled micro-channels within the skin. The treatment depth can be adjusted according to the area being treated, allowing the procedure to be safely performed on:
- The full face
- Neck
- Hands
- Delicate areas around the eyes and mouth
The treatment is generally well tolerated. While it is not completely painless, most patients describe the discomfort as mild and typically rate it around 3/4 out of 10.
Aftercare Following Your Treatment
Following treatment, your skin may appear red and feel warm or tight, similar to mild sunburn. These effects usually settle within a few days.
Skin Care
Keep the treated area well hydrated by applying a simple hydrating cream or gel until your skin has returned to normal function. This typically takes around five days.
Avoid using potentially irritating skincare products for 5–7 days, including:
- Highly fragranced products
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
- Topical vitamin A products (retinoids)
Activities to Avoid
For the first 48–72 hours after treatment, avoid activities that may increase skin irritation or heat exposure, including:
- Direct sun exposure
- Hot showers or baths
- Saunas or steam rooms
- Vigorous exercise that induces sweating
Make-up and Grooming
Make-up can usually be resumed 48 hours after treatment, once the skin has begun to recover.
To prevent irritation or infection:
- Do not scratch, pick, pull or abrade the treated skin.
- Avoid shaving or waxing the treated areas for 7 days.
Other Cosmetic Treatments
To allow the skin to fully recover, avoid the following treatments for two weeks after microneedling:
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- Dermal filler treatments
- Laser skin rejuvenation procedures
When to Contact the Clinic
If you experience unexpected swelling, prolonged redness, signs of infection, or any unusual symptoms following your microneedling treatment, please contact the clinic for advice.
