Clinical Protocol: Microneedling Facials
Pre-Treatment Safety, Expectations & Aftercare.
Realistic Expectations
The Repair Process
Microneedling is a controlled trauma. I am injuring the skin to force it to repair itself better than before. Whether you have had the Essential Glow or the Micro-Tox, the healing phases are similar.
The Sunburn Effect: You will leave the clinic looking pink or red, similar to moderate sunburn. This is universal. It usually lasts for 24 hours. The skin will feel tight and warm.
The Dry Phase: Around day 3-5, your skin may feel incredibly dry or rough to the touch. You may even experience light flaking. This is the dead skin cells lifting away. Do not pick them.
The Glow: The true result is seen after 14-28 days, once the new collagen has formed.
Specific Notes for Custom Luxe & Micro-Tox:
If you received a corrective cocktail for pigmentation, dark spots may appear darker for a few days as they lift. If you received a cocktail for acne, you may experience a "purge" (breakout) as the skin detoxifies.
Immediate Side Effects
Pin-Point Bleeding: During the treatment, tiny spots of blood may appear. This is normal. I clean this away before you leave, but you may see tiny dried marks later.
Track Marks: Very rarely, you may see faint grid lines or scratch marks where the device moved. These are superficial and typically vanish within 48 hours.
Bruising: While rare, small bruises can occur, especially around the eyes or jawline.
Adverse Reactions
Infection: This is the biggest risk for all microneedling treatments. You have thousands of open channels in your skin. If you touch your face with dirty hands, apply makeup, or let a pet lick your face within 24 hours, you risk a bacterial infection.
Allergic Reaction (Custom Luxe / Micro-Tox): While rare, introducing active ingredients deep into the skin can trigger a reaction. You must inform me of all allergies (vitamins, metals, botanicals) prior to treatment.
Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores): Microneedling can trigger a cold sore outbreak. If you are prone to them, I recommend taking anti-viral medication prior to your appointment.
Granulomas: If non-approved skincare products are applied to the open channels, the skin can react by forming hard lumps. Only use the products I advise.
The Aftercare Rulebook
To prevent infection and ensure results:
Do NOT touch your face for 4 hours.
Do NOT apply makeup for 24 hours (mineral makeup is acceptable after 24 hours).
Do NOT sweat (gym/sauna) for 48 hours. Sweat contains bacteria that can enter the open channels.
Do NOT use Retinol, Acids, or Vitamin C for 5 days.
Change your pillowcase to a clean one tonight.
SPF 50 IS MANDATORY.