It is always a good idea to be prepared for any procedure, especially one involving your face. Read below to learn what to expect and how to prepare for your microneedling procedure.

What to Know Before Your Appointment

• Come to your appointment with a makeup free, freshly cleansed face
• Do not use products that contain AHA's, Retinol, or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your procedure
• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours prior to your procedure
• For men, avoid shaving your face the day of the procedure as this could cause irritation and inflammation. Instead, plan to shave your face a day or two before your appointment.

Post Procedure Guidelines

• Avoid sunscreen or any other product other than the specific products given to you at your appointment for the first 24 hours after your procedure (this also means no makeup, no other face creams)
• Avoid sun exposure for 72 hours after your procedure and be most careful the first 24 hours (you won't be wearing sunscreen!)

• Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat for 72 hours after the procedure

What To Expect Immediately After

• Pinpoint bleeding and redness for the first 24 hours
• Your skin will be pink (like a sunburn) for 24-48 hours post procedure
• You may experience tightness, burning, peeling, and roughness for 72 hours post procedure

*Keep in mind that all skin types are different and react differently to the procedure

Not Suitable For Microneedling

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you are taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane), stop using 6 months before procedure
• Open wounds to the treatment area
• Skin cancer to treatment area

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Read below to learn what you need to know before your PRP appointment:

Before PRP

• **Drink plenty of fluids**(VERY important for obtaining PRP)
• Ideally come in with a freshly cleansed, make-up free face (or freshly cleansed hair free of product if you are coming in for hair treatment)
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
• Avoid pain medication for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment

After PRP

• Avoid washing your face or the area injected for 6 hours (we want that PRP to stay put)
• If PRP for hair, avoid washing your hair for 6 hours and avoid hair products for at least 3 days
• Avoid extreme heat or intense exercise for 24 hours
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Avoid pain medication for at least 24 hours, Tylenol is ok

What to Expect After Your PRP Treatment

• Redness, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur for 24-72 hours post treatment
• Area injected may feel tight

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Introduction to Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that targets various skin concerns. By creating controlled microinjuries, microneedling stimulates the body's natural healing process, resulting in the production of collagen and elastin. These key proteins contribute to firmer, smoother, and more even-toned skin. Read below to learn more about how microneedling can help you get the results you want and the advantages of SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. 

What is Microneedling?
Microneedling involves the gentle puncturing of the skin to create controlled microchannels in both the epidermal and dermal layers. This activates the body's natural wound healing cascade, triggering the production of collagen and elastin. As these proteins work together, they enhance the overall texture, tone, and elasticity of the skin. Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address numerous skin concerns effectively. 

Common Uses of Microneedling

1. Scars
Microneedling reduces the appearance of scars by mechanically breaking down and remodeling scar tissue.

2. Uneven skin tone and texture
Increased production of collagen reduces the appearance of large pores and uneven texture, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion. 

3. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage can be reversed with microneedling due to the production of collagen and the increased blood flow to the area.

4. Fine lines and wrinkles
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to development of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling stimulates the natural production of these proteins, helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Why I Use SkinPen
When it comes to microneedling, choosing the right device is crucial. SkinPen stands out as the most reliable and trustworthy option for achieving the desired results. Below is why SkinPen is my go-to device:

1. FDA-Cleared
SkinPen is the first microneedling device to achieve clearance from the FDA. This clearance ensures that the device has undergone rigorous testing and meets stringent safety and efficacy standards.

2. Proven Effectiveness
SkinPen has been validated to deliver on its promises. For example, it has been validated to go to the depths set, to keep its needles sharp, and proven to improve the quality of skin.

3. Safety and Versatility
SkinPen is suitable for all skin types, making it an inclusive option for everyone. Furthermore, unlike many other treatments, SkinPen can be used year-round, even during summer months.

4. Single-Use Treatment Kits
SkinPen comes with single-use disposable treatment tips to ensure sterility and sharpness of the needles, which means a guaranteed safe and effective treatment every time. 

Main Take Aways
SkinPen microneedling offers a reliable and effective solution for various skin concerns. By harnessing the body's natural healing mechanisms, this procedure encourages cell turnover and stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin texture, tone, and elasticity. SkinPen's FDA clearance and proven track record make it a trusted choice for me and my clients.

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

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Dermal fillers offer a safe and effective treatment for restoring lost volume and contour to the face. Below are some things to keep in mind before your appointment:

Before Treatment

• Unless medically necessary, avoid over-the-counter pain relievers 2 days prior to your treatment. These include medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or Aleve (these drugs can increase the chance of bleeding and bruising)

• Avoid dental work 2 weeks before your appointment
• If you have a history of facial cold sores, you may be prone to an outbreak
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get dermal fillers
• Avoid alcohol for at least 2 days before your appointment (alcohol increases your chance of bleeding and bruising)
• Come to your appointment with a clean face (cleansed beforehand and no makeup)
• A topical anesthetic may be applied before your appointment for your comfort
• Avoid planning major social gatherings for 1-2 weeks after your treatment (you may be swollen and bruised)

After Treatment

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours 
• No facials for 1 week post treatment
• Lay on your back when you go to sleep and ideally prop your head up with 1-2 pillows for at least the first night
• No makeup until the next day
• Use gentle pressure when washing your face, and ideally wait 6 hours post treatment
• No dental work for 2 weeks after treatment
• No strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Tylenol ok to take for pain
• Avoid rubbing the injection points for 24 hours post treatment

Keep in Mind

• Best outcomes occur when we build the product overtime
• It takes 6 weeks for the product to fully integrate into the skin
• The greatest amount of swelling will be 24 hours after your treatment
• Mild to moderate swelling may last 2-4 weeks
• Bruising is common and may last 1 week
• Lumps are common and may last around 2 weeks

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective aesthetics treatment, just keep in mind there are some parameters to follow before and after the treatment. 

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Whether you have had Botox injections before or not, everyone can use a refresher when it comes to preparing for an appointment. Read below to learn what you need to know before your Botox appointment. 

Before Botox

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior 
• Ideally come to your appointment with a freshly cleansed, make-up free face
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medication at least 24-48 hours prior

After Botox

• No lying down for 4 hours
• No intense exercise for 4 hours
• No facials for 1 week
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medication for 24 hours, Tylenol is ok
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours
• Avoid rubbing the injection sites for the rest of the day
• Use gentle pressure when washing face at night

What to Expect Immediately After

• Small slightly raised bumps at the injection sites, these will go down within an hour
• Minor headache, bruising, swelling, redness are the most common possible side effects

Keep In Mind

• You will start to see results in 3-5 days
• It takes 14 days to see full results
• The effects of Botox typically last 3-4 months

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics