Microneedling + PRP
We combine PRP with micro-needling as it enhances patients’ outcomes and improves their downtime. Micro-needling creates micro-channels that allow topical products to penetrate into the skin more readily and promote a boost in collagen production and post-procedural healing. Micro-needling creates controlled micro-wounds in the deeper layers of the skin that helps to stimulate collagen, reduce pores, improve fine lines and lightly tighten the skin. The micro-wounds allow for topical products like serums, growth factors, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be pushed deep into the skin and stimulate the body’s own healing process. PRP is drawn from your blood and is used to accelerate the healing process after lasers or peels as well as improve collagen production with micro-needling.
Prepare for your treatment
Discontinue use of Isotretinoin for 6 months (Sotret, Claravis, Amnesteem, and Accutane).
Avoid Retinols, Topical Antibiotics, Exfoliants, Hydroquinone, Benzoyl Peroxide for 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Refrain from any Medium/ Deep chemical resurfacing and laser treatments for 1 month.
Refrain from waxing and use of depilatories for 72 hrs.
If you are prone to cold sores, micro-needling may cause a break out; you may require prophylactic treatment such as Valtrex. Please use medication 2 days before, during and 2 days after.
Wait at least 2 weeks after dermal fillers and at least 5 days after Botox or other neurotoxins.
Avoid shaving the day of the procedure.
Patient Denies: active cold sores, herpes simplex or warts in area to be treated, open sores, active sunburn, pregnancy, dermatitis, or inflammatory rosacea within the treatment area.
If a topical anesthetic will be applied, please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Aftercare Microneedling
Avoid prolonged sun exposure or sunbathing for at least 10 days to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin. Patients who absolutely cannot avoid sun exposure should use a broad- spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to maintain your improved skin.
Injections can be resumed in 72hrs.
Waxing and depilatories can be resumed in 2 weeks.
Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna, and intense cardio) for 72 hrs.
Avoid applying makeup for 48 hours or until skin integrity has returned.
Topical prescription medications can be resumed after all treatments are done.
OTC acne medications may be resumed after all treatments are done.
Tylenol is okay to use for discomfort, but avoid Ibuprofen, Motrin Midol, Advil, and Aspirin.
Feel free to apply a cool compress if you experience discomfort, redness, burning or swelling.
Expected skin changes with microneedling
Day 1 – Use gentle cleansers/moisturizers and SPF 30+, Avoid all other products on your skin. May look a little pink, and or puffy.
Day 2-7 – Use gentle cleansers/moisturizers and SPF 30+, begin to incorporate other products. May begin to flake or feel dry as skin cells begin to turn over and regenerate.
Day 7+ - Back to normal skincare routine and SPF 30+. Skin will begin to feel and look smoother and more radiant, and regeneration continues.
The above is a guideline and not exclusive.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel involves the application of a customized chemical solution to the skin to prompt a gradual peel of the treatment area. Once the treated skin has peeled away, new, smoother skin is revealed to restore a more youthful complexion.
Chemical peels are most often performed on the face. Skin on the backs of the hands, the chest, and the neck can also be rejuvenated with chemical peels.
NOT a Candidate for peels
Patients with active cold sores or warts, skin with open wounds, sunburn, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis or inflammatory rosacea in the area to be treated. Inform the esthetician if you have any history of herpes simplex.
Patients with a history of allergies (especially allergies to salicylates like aspirin), rashes, or other skin reactions, or those who may be sensitive to any of the components in this treatment.
Patients who have taken Accutane® within the past year.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding (lactating).
Patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Patients with vitiligo.
Patients with a history of an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc.) or any condition that may weaken their immune system.
Note: Patients who have had medical cosmetic facial treatments or procedures (e.g. laser therapy, surgical procedures, cosmetic filler, microdermabrasion, etc) should wait until skin sensitivity completely resolves before receiving a chemical peel.
Chemical Peel Prep
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR PEEL AVOID THESE PRODUCTS AND/OR PROCEDURES: Electrolysis, Waxing, Depilatory Creams, Laser Hair Removal. Patients who have had BOTOX® injections should wait until full effect of their treatment is seen before receiving a peel.
TWO TO THREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR PEEL AVOID THESE PRODUCTS AND/OR PROCEDURES: Retin-Am, Renova®, Differin®, Tazorace. Any products containing retinol, alpha -hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), or benzoyl peroxide Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating
Note: The use of these products/treatments prior to your peel may increase skin sensitivity and cause a stronger reaction.
Chemical Peel Aftercare
It is crucial to the health of your skin and the success of your peel that these guidelines be followed:
If retinoic acid was used as part of your treatment, your skin will have a light yellow tinge immediately after the procedure. This is temporary and will fade in 1 to 2 hours. SkinMedica recommends waiting until the evening to wash your face, however if you should choose to wash it sooner, please wait until after the yellow tinge completely disappears (1 to 2 hours).
It is imperative that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and avoid direct sunlight for at least 1 week. Patients with hypersensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure as they may be more sensitive following the peel.
Your skin may be more red than usual for 2 to 5 days.
Please avoid strenuous exercise during this time.
Approximately 48 hours after the treatment, your skin will start to peel. This peeling will generally last 2 to 5 days. DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN. Allow skin to peel at its own pace.
When washing your face, do not scrub and do not use a wash cloth. Use a gentle cleanser such as SkinMedica Sensitive Skin Cleanser or any other cleanser that does not contain soap.
After washing your face, apply SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream appropriate SkinMedica moisturizer recommended by your medical professional for 4-5 days as often as needed to relieve any dryness.
You may resume the regular use of Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products or bleaching creams ONLY after the peeling process is complete.
Wait until peeling completely subsides before having ANY OTHER FACIAL PROCEDURES, including: Facials Microdermabrasion Laser treatments (including laser hair removal) Facial hair removal BOTOX injections Injectable fillers