Skin Needling

Pre & Post Treatment Advice

General Information

You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.

  • Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment.
  • During and after the procedure, expect redness, itching, warmth, irritation, tightness, swelling with a hive-like reaction or bruising.
    • These sensations will gradually diminish over 48 hours with mild skin flaking then from day 2-7.
  • Some clients may react differently. In severe cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
  • There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
  • There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’. Skin Needling cannot be performed if active cold sore is present.
  • There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
  • Some other common side effects may include persistent erythema, irritation and increased sensitivity.

Contraindications

The treatment can not be performed if:

  • Currently Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
  • Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, cold sore, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
  • Severe Acne or Rosacea
  • Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
  • Systemic infection or local skin infections

Precautions

Additional care must be taken. Inform your clinician of any of the following:

  • History of skin cancer – Must have completed recent skin cancer check (<6m)
  • Diabetes – May impede wound healing
  • Injectables/dermal fillers – Wait 2 weeks following any injectables, 6 months treating directly over dermal fillers
  • Pacemakers – cannot treat within 6” of implant
  • History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
  • History of vitiligo – Depigment may occur
  • Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
  • Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment (6-12m)
  • Hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or dysfunction, blood thinner medication

Before Your Treatment

Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations

Prior to your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

  • Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
  • Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
  • Arrive at your appointment free from makeup

Do Not…

  • Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
  • Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
    • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

After Your Treatment

Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations

After your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

  • Apply broad spectrum SPF daily
    • Simple cleanser, growth factor serums, moisturisers can also be applied
  • Keep the area clean, cool and calm
    • Cold compresses and antihistamines can be applied post treatment.
  • Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
  • Maintain high level of skin hygiene
    • A fresh pillowcase and bath towel are recommended. Avoid lakes, dams, rivers etc.
  • Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have

Do Not…

  • Do not expose the area to the sun (wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30+ or higher, daily).
  • Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 3 days
  • Avoid makeup for 24 hours
  • Do not pick, scratch or rub the skin
  • Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
    • No hair removal or products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

Possible Adverse Effects

Laser Hair Removal is considered a very safe and effective hair removal treatment when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional, however all laser treatments have risks.

Although rare, these are possible adverse side-effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre and post treatment advice provided:

  • WOUNDSLow Risk – Skin Needling is classified as a micro-wound and should be treated as such.
  • INFECTIONLow Risk – Any type of wound can develop into infection. Highest risk in the first 24 hours.
  • SKIN COLOUR CHANGESLow Risk – The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo. There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
  • HAIR LOSSN/A – No effect on hair growth.
  • DARK SKIN TYPESMedium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional care may be required to maximise skin protection.

Other Treatments

Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: