are there risks?

although the majority of microneedling clients do not experience any complications, it is important that you understand that risks do exist. the microneedling procedure is minimally invasive and uses a set of micro needles to inflict multiple, tiny, punctures/lacerations to the outermost layer of the skin. because microneedling penetrates the skin, it inherently carries health risks, including but not limited to:

infection - infection is very unusual. however, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can occur any time the integrity of the skin is compromised. you'll be given alcohol wipes prior to your departure and they should be used to wipe down any and everything that comes in contact with your treated skin for the first 12 hours. it is important to avoid touching the treated area unless hands have been thoroughly cleaned. should infection occur, you must contact our studio immediately, and a visit to your primary care provider will likely be necessary.

pigment/color change (hyperpigmentation) - because the dermal penetration associated with microneedling is so superficial it doesn't extend into the layer of the skin containing melanocytes, hyperpigmentation is very rare. however, failure to follow post-treatment instructions can put you at risk for hyperpigmentation. you must avoid direct sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks after a microneedling treatment. you should also wear a daily spf facial moisturizer, which your practitioner can recommend. lastly, avoid picking and/or peeling the skin during healing period.

scarring - although normal healing after the procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur in both the skin and deeper tissues. in rare cases, thickened or keloid scars may result, especially if you are prone to keloid scarring anyway. scars may be unattractive and of different color than surrounding skin. if you are prone to keloid scarring it is best to avoid this treatment.

pain - there may be a very slight burning, scratchy, and irritated sensation to the skin. this is usually temporary and is gone within a few hours after treatment. a sudden reappearance of redness or pain could be a sign of infection, and you should notify our office immediately.

persistent redness, itching, and/or swelling - itching, redness, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. these symptoms rarely persist longer than 24 hours. however, treatments received less than 4 weeks apart may induce prolonged symptoms.

allergic reaction - microneedling is performed with a device whose head contains 12 sterile, hypodermic needles, which makes an allergic reaction nearly impossible. however, in conjunction with the microneedling procedure a variety of products may be used on the face; those products could cause an allergic reaction. you will be sent home with post care that will last you three days. using unapproved products and substances could cause you to become hypersensitive to certain ingredients. if an allergic reaction were to occur, you must contact our studio immediately, as it may require further treatment.

lack of permanent result - microneedling is not botox or fillers - it will not completely or permanently improve skin texture, tone, elasticity, hyperpigmentation, or scars, or erase fine lines and wrinkles. it is important that your expectations be realistic and you understand that the procedure has its limitations. additional procedures may be necessary to achieve your desired effect.

unsatisfactory result - although rare from microneedling, there is a possibility of a poor result from any cosmetic procedure. microneedling may induce undesirable results, including but not limited to skin sloughing, scarring, permanent pigment change, and/or other undesirable skin changes. there is always a possibility that you may be disappointed with the final results of microneedling.

what do i need to avoid before my service?

- no retin-a/retinol products or applications for 24 hours prior to treatment.

- no auto-immune therapies or products for 12 hours prior to treatment.

- no prolonged sun exposure or sun burns to the treatment area 48 hours prior to treatment.

- skin should be clean and make-up free.

- if an active or extreme breakout occurs before treatment, evaluate on a case by case basis.

preparing the skin for this procedure will ensure optimum results. healthy skin will respond better and results will last longer. skin cells need nutrients for best function and a microneedling recommended anti-aging regime should include:

- cleansers and toners

- topical vitamin a/vitamin c

- topical antioxidants

- sunscreen

what should i expect after?

after the treatment, take precautions against sun exposure. do not apply sunscreen for 12 hours after the microneedling treatment due to the skin's channels being open for a period of time and due to the toxic nature of some sunscreens on the market.

- do not perform any vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment.

- do not use products that have active acids, enzymes, or granules in them (retinols, ahas, harsh cleansers, resurfacing products) for at least 72 hours.

- do not apply make-up for at least 24 hours after the treatment.

- microneedling needling may trigger a cold sore response in patients and a prophylaxis medication should be recommended to those who are prone to breakouts.

- wash the face thoroughly a few hours after treatment. gently massage the face with tepid water, and remove all serum and other debris such as dried blood.

- for the first 1-3 days the skin will be very dry and feel tight.

- after 2-3 days clients may return to regular skin care regime or as soon as it is comfortable to do so.

- avoid alcohol based toners 10-14 days.

- avoid direct sun exposure for at least 10 days if possible.

- do not use exfoliating medications, chemicals, or products on the treated areas for at least 1 week.

- avoid exercise that causes sweating, sauna, or steam baths if any skin irritation exists.

- sleep on your back on a freshly cleaned pillow case - keep your head elevated slightly to reduce swelling.

- day 1: erythema and redness depends on the skin's ability to tolerate the treatment, and severity will depend upon how aggressive the treatment was performed.

- day 2: a red hue or pink hue persists like a moderate sunburn. skin may still feel sunburnt/wind burnt and feel tingly when client experiences heat, sweats, or is active. swelling may be more noticeable on the second day.

- day 3-5: skin can be pink or normal color. swelling subsides and some mild peeling/flaking may begin.