Radiofrequency Microneedling Pre & Post Care
 Before your treatment
- Avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin, Motrin, Advil, ibuprofen, or any other non-Tylenol, non-acetaminophen product) for two weeks prior to treatment to minimize the potential for bruising, unless the medications involved are prescribed for the treatment of an existing medical condition.
- Hydrate: for seven days prior, moisturize your skin in the morning & evening. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- If you have a history of fever blisters, take antiviral medication starting 1 day prior and follow the directions on your prescription.
- Stop all topical acids (like glycolic, alpha, or beta hydroxyl acids), retinol, Retin-A, or other like products 4 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid tanning beds or prolonged exposure to the sun 4 days prior to treatment. Always use a zinc oxide sunscreen with SPF 30+.
- Remove all substances from the intended treatment area, including topical numbing cream, tanning products, ointments, lotions, perfumes, bath/shower oils, deodorants, etc. Do not use flammable products in the vicinity of anticipated treatment.
Following Your Treatment
- Expected downtime: 5-7 days. The expected healing sequence and expected treatment side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, light discomfort, and possibly small bumps and pinpoint bleeding.
- Cover your pillowcase daily for 5 days with a clean towel each day to avoid soiling linens or contaminating yourself.
- Wash the treated area 3-4 times daily. To clean use mild cleansers or soaps without perfumes, acids, and avoid washcloths and harsh cleansers until all transient healing processes have resolved naturally. We offer a post-treatment skin care kit.
- Apply a thin coat of antibiotic or healing ointment (like Aquaphor® or Alastin Balm) to the treated area as per the standard medical procedure. Keep the treated area moist AT ALL TIMES FOR 1 WEEK, to avoid scab formation.
- To minimize the post-procedural inflammation, apply ice packs on the treatment zone for about 45 minutes (15 minutes on 15 minutes off) for 24 hours.
- Sleep with a slight elevation of your head on 2-3 pillows. Avoid sleeping with pets for 48 hours
- Avoid excessive sun exposure in the treatment area and use sunscreen (SPF 30+) for one month following the procedure.
- Contact the office (Alabama Surgical Arts Office Phone Number 334-271-2002) if you have any concerns about how your skin is responding to treatment or is healing.
- If you are healing well, you may resume using mineral makeup 48 hours later. Do not resume the use of topical acids, retinol, Retin-A, etc. for 7 days.
Re-Treatment Clinical testing suggests that wrinkle improvement can continue to develop for 3 to 6 months following treatment. Clinical literature suggests that the dermal remodeling process following non-ablative RF treatments can continue for 6 to 12 months.
