How To Prepare For Microneedling | Donaldson Plastic Surgery

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By Tatjana Dzamov |

How To Prepare For Microneedling

What To Do & What To Avoid Before Microneedling Treatment

How to prepare for microneedling

Microneedling is a popular, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves using fine needles to skillfully create controlled injuries to the skin. This safely triggers the body’s natural healing process and stimulates collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other skin concerns.

As you prepare for your initial session, there are a few things your provider will want you to know so you can get the most out of this treatment — and prolong those beautiful results! 

How To Prep Skin For Microneedling At Home

Optimal preparation for microneedling actually begins months before your first treatment is scheduled! During the initial consultation, your provider will access the current state of your skin, listen to your concerns and establish a pre-treatment regimen. This routine is centered around making the skin healthier, preconditioning the skin and creating a clean slate for the provider to work with. Not only does this bespoke process help your body respond better to the microneedling procedure, but you will recover even faster. 

“Patients who weren’t given the right education or guidance prior to their procedure tend to have less vibrant and lasting results. Establishing a sustainable skincare plan will instill long-term best practices and ensure the health of your skin just keeps getting better and better.”

Tatjana Dzamov

What To Avoid At Least 24-48 Hours Before Microneedling Treatments

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine 
  • Blood-thinning prescription medications
  • OTC blood thinning (Ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol, etc.)
  • Any cosmetic acids (pads, toners, etc.) 
  • Fish oil (can be ideal in the weeks leading up to the treatment but should be stopped 48 hours out)

Staying well-hydrated is also crucial to ensuring excellent results — this goes for before your treatment and well into the microneedling aftercare process.

“Patients need to really up their water intake a couple of days before microneedling. The more hydrated they are, the less sensitive they will be. Instead of the normal 64 ounces, try to increase that to 80 — especially if you have been enjoying caffeine or alcohol recently.”

Tatjana Dzamov

When To Stop Retinol Before Treatment

Retinol usage should be paused one week before your microneedling treatment. This product can typically be resumed one week after your treatment, but you should first consult with your provider to ensure this is the best course of action for you. 

Should You Get A Facial Before Microneedling? 

Yes. A medspa facial is typically part of the microneedling preparation plan. This process clears out the pores of debris. We don’t want to stir up the bacteria and just push it back down into the skin — this can cause a breakout. If you have a clean slate, you’ve been using products and your skin is prepped, the medical microneedling treatment can begin with the greatest chance of achieving the best results. 

“You’ve invested the time. You’ve invested the money. You deserve to get the results you were promised. Professional product recommendations — both before and after your treatments — are crucial to reaching your goals.”

Tatjana Dzamov

About The Author

Tatjana Dzamov is the senior skincare expert at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. Throughout her tenure in the medspa industry, she has researched new treatments and discovered revolutionary products designed to improve the health and appearance of skin. She has also established her own line of medical-grade skincare products. Tatjana believes that healthy living begins with accurate information and is achieved with adequate preparation and a proactive, truly customized routine that meets the unique needs of each patient. 

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