Should I Still Have Track Marks Three Days After RF Microneedling?

RF microneedling treatment has gained popularity due to its ability to improve skin texture by reducing acne scars, stretch marks, and pore size. It’s a good alternative cosmetic procedure to invasive procedures that produce the same effect. It has received a good satisfactory rating on 67 to 92% patients. But despite this positive feedback from patients, some are bothered by the track marks that RF microneedling seems to leave behind.

So should you still have track marks three days after RF microneedling? Due to the non-invasive nature of RF microneedling, normal activities a day after treatment may resume, especially when you choose well-trained and highly-skilled people to have the procedure done on you. Depending on the extent of treatment and skin health, the healing time may take up to two to three days after treatment.

Learn More: Pros And Cons Of Fractional Laser Skin Treatments

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What Should You Expect After RF Microneedling?

RF microneedling is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production, leaving you with amazing skin through skin rejuvenation days after treatment when the skin’s natural healing process takes full effect. It addresses skin concerns such as facial acne scars as well as problems in skin pigmentation. RF microneedling also has skin tightening properties.

Common potential side effects of this procedure are minimal, which include the following:

• Grid marks that look like waffles have been imprinted in your skin may be seen. This signifies an allergic reaction as to where the microneedling device went in through your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Mild redness, swelling, or bruising depending on needle depth, because of the micro – injuries inflicted in your skin by the microneedling device and are also caused by the inflammatory processes of the body that are triggered by microneedling.
• Peeling or scaling because of skin cell regeneration.
• Skin color changes depending on the patient’s skin type.

These side effects shouldn’t be a cause of concern as they go away on their own eventually, although you may reduce discomfort by applying a cold compress over the swelling or buying over-the-counter drugs as guided by your doctor.

Home treatments for RF microneedling that produces the same effect may also be done; however, the risk of infection increases with the use of at-home roller so it’s suggested that you opt for office microneedling to minimize the complications of microneedling and to expedite the healing process.

How Long Should It Take For Your Skin To Recover After RF Microneedling?

On average, the healing time for the adverse effect of microneedling treatment are as follows:

• Grid marks that may last at least 24 hours (although some reported its occurrence lasting until months after treatment which still went away on its own);
• Mild redness that may last a day or two after the treatment; and
• Minor swelling or bruising that may last at least a day after the treatment.

The downtime for the microneedling treatment (that is, the length of time it takes for the skin’s healing process to be completed) varies depending on the time it takes for the production of collagen to be completed. It may be slowed down by old age, lack of sleep, and direct sun exposure so delays on the expected time for you to heal shouldn’t be too much of a problem unless rare signs of a more serious adverse reaction are observable or you suspect that who did the actual procedure is inexperienced.

The results of the treatment also aren’t instant and permanent. It is estimated that it takes 4 to 6 of the 30 to 60 minute-long treatments before the desired effects are observable, and touch-ups may be necessary every year or two to maintain it, which also depends on the extent of the treatment you have undergone.

Learn More: Do You Really Need To Wait For 6 Weeks Before You Do Morpheus8 Treatment Again?

Taking Care of Your Skin Before RF Microneedling

Make sure you take good care of your skin even before the actual procedure. You should avoid direct sunlight (especially sunbathing!) or use sunscreen with at least SPF30 if it can’t be avoided. Skin care products that may cause irritation such as Retin-A or OBAGI must be avoided at least two weeks before the procedure. Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin must also be avoided 3 to 5 days pre-micro needling to avoid prolonged bleeding after treatment. 

If you have acne breakouts or a history of cold sores, it’s a good idea to take oral antibiotics or antiviral medication, respectively, first before your treatment as per your doctor’s advice. This is because microneedling may predispose you to infection if you have acne breakouts while cold sores may be reactivated due to this treatment.

Taking Care of Your Skin After RF Microneedling

Your skin is extra sensitive, especially hours after treatment. Be gentle to your skin by not exposing it to direct sunlight, using sunscreen, and foregoing other cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, ablative laser skin resurfacing, and botox, until after the side effects have subsided or you’re sure that micro-injuries no longer exist. Alcohol and strenuous exercises should also best be avoided until after you have fully healed.

Avoid wearing makeup until the next day especially if you haven’t cleaned your brushes as they may put you at risk for infection. Avoid touching your face frequently to also avoid infecting the micro-injuries present in your skin. Should they appear, let your scabs heal on their own and avoid peeling them.

Keep your skin clean by gently washing it with a gentle cleanser; preferably, clean your skin using a mixture of one to two tablespoons of white vinegar and lukewarm water. Apply gentle moisturizers, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, to keep your skin hydrated (or, alternatively, lock in moisture by applying coconut oil as an emollient).

Most importantly, don’t forget to apply the healing balm or aquaphor that the doctor may ask you to apply to the skin areas that underwent treatment. 

When Should You See A Doctor For RF Microneedling Concerns?

Because RF microneedling is a non-invasive procedure, major side effects after this treatment aren’t common compared to surgical procedures. However, in the rare instances that they do occur, they still shouldn’t be overlooked because of the health dangers that they may bring.  These potential side effects include the following:

• Infections caused by at-home rollers that may not be sterilized before use;
• Redness, swelling, or bleeding that worsen and don’t go away on their own; and
• Other systemic symptoms such as fatigue and headache.

It is best to contact your doctor should you experience these major side effects as he/she would know how to address them before they get worse. Alternatively, seek the help of a skin care professional when doing RF treatments to avoid these altogether. 

Similarly, make sure to also avoid going through the treatment should you have other medical conditions that are absolute contraindications to the treatment such as the following:

• Active bacterial or fungal infection;
• Chronic, autoimmune skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema;
• Cancer and is currently on chemo/radiotherapy;
• High risk for developing keloid on scars; and
• Abnormalities of the blood vessels and other cardiovascular disorders.

Read More: What Happens To The Skin After CO2 Fractional Laser?

Professional Cosmetic Services At aNu Aesthetics

RF microneedling treatment has its fair share of benefits which bring improvements in your skin health. Similarly, it may also bring in potential side effects that go away on their own within days after treatment so these shouldn’t be of concern especially given that you have no other medical conditions and that experts have handled your skin.

Our team at aNu Aesthetics, led by Dr. Cristyn Watkins, are trained professionals that will handle your skin expertly and with care, ensuring that you’ll receive the maximum benefit of the microneedling treatment with as few potential side effects as possible. Contact us now to schedule a treatment session at (816) 670-4406 and get the amazing skin you’ve always wanted.

Heal Your Face Like Never Before With microNeedling

Rejuvenate and heal your face with the technique proven time and time again to provide maximum regenerative results: microneedling. Call us today to book your microneedling appointment at aNu Aesthetics.

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