What to Expect:
- Depending on the area of your face or body being treated and the type of device used (i.e. needle length), the procedure is well-tolerated and in some cases virtually painless, feeling only a mild prickling sensation.
- Your practitioner will apply a topical anesthetic to your skin prior to treatment to reduce any pain and discomfort.
- Your skin will be pink or red in appearance, much like a sunburn, for a couple of hours following treatment.
- Minor bleeding and bruising is possible depending on the length of the needle used and the number of times it is pressed across the treatment area.
- Your skin may feel warm, tight, and itchy for a short while. This should subside in 12-48 hours.
Before Your Treatment:
- Avoid blood thinners 24 - 48 hours before your treatment. This includes alcohol, blood thinner medications and fish oil.
- Avoid the sun or tanning bed for 48 hours prior to treatment.
- Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated.
- Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, Retinols or other forms of exfoliation for 1 week prior.
- Make sure you allow yourself at least two weeks after receiving Botox injections.
After Your Treatment:
Day 1:
- Apply Hyaluronic Acid as often as you want.
- Only touch your face with CLEAN hands.
- Put sheet mask in the refrigerator and apply that evening for 15-20 minutes.
- Do not use thick moisturizers tonight.
- If you have a growth factor serum, you can use that tonight.
- You will be red and swollen tonight.
- Use a fresh pillowcase.
Day 2:
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle, milky cleanser using your hands, not a washcloth.
- You can use up the rest of your Hyaluronic acid.
- Use sunscreen!
- Tonight you can use a thicker cream or Epionce Enriched Firming Mask (leave on).
- You will be slightly pink and a little swollen.
One Week After Treatment:
- No sweaty excercise, sauna, hot tubs or steam treatments. (3-4 days)
- No foundation or powder makeup.Tinted sunscreen is OK. Eye makeup and lipstick is fine.
- Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours. ALWAYS wear sunscreen.
- Day 3 you will be dry and flaky. Use thicker moisturizer (Epionce Renewal Calming Cream, Epionce Intensive or Epionce Enriched Firming Mask.)
Possible Side Effects:
Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin with scab formation in rare cases.
- Milia (small white bumps) may form; these can be removed by the practitioner.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of certain areas of the skin) can occur very rarely and usually resolves after a month.
- If you have a history of cold sores, this procedure may cause flare ups. Start an antiviral medication 24 hours before treatment.
- Temporary redness and mild-sunburn effects may last up to 4 days.
- Freckles may temporarily lighten or permanently disappear in treated areas.
- Other potential risks include: crusting, itching, discomfort, bruising, infection, swelling, and failure to achieve the desired result. Permanent scarring (less than 1%) is extremely rare.
The benefits and risks of the procedure have been explained to me and I accept these benefits and risks. The nature of my medical or cosmetic condition has been explained to my satisfaction as have been any substantial or significant risks of harm. I am also aware of and accept the risk of rare and unforeseen complications which may not have been discussed and which may result from this treatment. Please refer to www.blackbirdharmonyspa.com for detailed information. I have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification of this procedure and its alternatives including no treatment and my questions have been answered satisfactorily. If you have questions, please contact Kara at 206-999-8178 or blackbirdharmonyspa@gmail.com.
I understand the following contraindications listed below and will notify my provider if any of the following apply to me:
- Allergies to Benzocaine, Lidocaine or Tetracaine
- Active infections - viral, fungal, bacterial
- Rashes, warts, skin cancer
- Active acne
- Immune-suppressed patients
- Skin-related autoimmune disorders
- Pregnant or breast-feeding
- Patients on anticoagulants (NSAIDS, ASA, Coumadin/Warfarin)
- Recent ablative dermal procedures
- Rosacea
- Diabetes
- Actinic (solar) keratosis
- Keloids
I hereby authorize Blackbird Harmony Spa/Kara Ballard to perform Microneedling Therapy (Collagen Induction Therapy). I understand that this procedure is purely elective.