You can use a numbing cream prior to micro-needling to reduce sensation. This can be purchased from a pharmacy. We recommend Emla or LMX4.
Patch test yourself for the numbing cream at least 48 hours prior to your appointment by placing a small pea-sized amount on the inside of your arm and covering it with a plaster. This should be left on the skin for 24 hours (providing no reaction noticed) and then checking for a reaction. Reaction may include redness, swelling or itching. If a reaction occurs then remove immediately, rinse with water and seek GP advice if necessary.
Prior to your appointment thoroughly cleanse your face. 45 minutes prior to your appointment apply a thin layer over your face avoiding eyes, lips and nostrils.
Pre-treatment Advice
Avoid sun exposure in the 7 days prior and post-procedure
Avoid shaving on the day of treatment
Discontinue use of topical retinoids (retinol) 48 hours prior to your appointment, and prescription strength vitamin A e.g., Tretinoin 2 weeks before treatment
Wait 6 months following oral isotretinoin or Roaccutane use before undergoing micro-needling
Avoid Botox and fillers in the 2 weeks prior to your appointment
Wait 2 weeks following any other regenerative or invasive treatment such as peels, laser, IPL, resurfacing or radiofrequency
Contra-indications
The following may prevent or restrict the treatment. We will conduct a full consultation at your first appointment but please contact us prior to your appointment if any of the following apply to you:
You are feeling unwell, overly tired on run down at the time of the treatment. Please let us know if you have suffered any illness (however minor) in the last 4 weeks
You are pregnant or nursing
You have had cancer or skin cancer. 5 years since all-clear is required to undergo the treatment
You have actinic (solar) keratosis
You have open wounds or sores in the treatment area
You have a skin infection (bacterial, fungal or viral i.e cold sores/warts). If you are prone to cold sores you can take a prophylactic anti-viral medication for 3 days before your treatment to prevent an outbreak. This can be prescribed by our in-house doctor
You have an allergy to stainless steel or anaesthetics (patch test required for anaesthetic)
Please let us know if you have any other allergies or have ever suffered anaphylaxis
You have a Haemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or haemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction
You have a collagen vascular disease or scleroderma
Currently taking any drugs with the ingredient isotretinoin, Roaccutane or any prescription strength Vitamin A in the past 6 months
You have diabetes
You are on any blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
You have an autoimmune disease, such as Lupus or are undergoing any immunosuppressive therapy
You have any vascular disease or cardiac abnormalities
You have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
You have a history of keloid scars
If you suffer from active acne or acne rosacea – please let us know prior to the treatment as it may be necessary to manage the acne with topical skincare prior to treatment
You have eczema or psoriasis in the area to be treated. Please also let us know if you suffer from chronic eczema or psoriasis on any other part of the body
You have a history of contact dermatitis
You have a wound healing deficiency or disorder
You wish to treat scars or stretch marks less than a year old
Topical steroids (wait 1 week)
Oral steroids (wait at least 1 month)
Aftercare advice
Following treatment, the skin will be reddened, possibly a little puffy and you may be aware of a little tenderness. You will also experience skin tightness and the skin may “flake” in the first few days. Do not pick at any flaking skin it should be left to shed naturally
Pigmentation may darken prior to lightening (particularly on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types)
For the rest of the day of treatment use ONLY the remaining HG LIFT that your practitioner has given you. Do not use any other products on your skin at all
The day after treatment use ONLY the HG RESCUE product to calm and soothe the skin. Do not use any other products or makeup
Make sure you use a clean pillowcase and towel following the treatment
Do not touch the skin unnecessarily immediately post-treatment this will be important to avoid any post-treatment infection
Do not allow any pets to lick the area that has been treated, this can lead to a major infection
Keep out of the sun for 24 hours
After 24 hours use an SPF factor 50 and keep out of direct sunlight to maximise long term results
Do not apply make-up for 24 hours post-treatment
Do not use harsh perfumed, astringent, AHA or alcohol-containing products in the area for 48 hours post-treatment
Do not shave or use after-shave type products on the treated area for 48 hours
Do not engage in any excessive exercise sessions for 48 hours
Do not go swimming or be in chlorinated water for 5 days post-treatment
Try and follow a healthy diet and clean living to support healing and regeneration of collagen
Do not have any other clinical treatments for 1-4 weeks post-treatment. Speak to us for exact advice on how to best combine other treatments in the week’s post-treatment
To obtain the most effective results we recommend a course of between 3 and 6 treatments. We offer a package price for course bookings – please enquire for details.
