Microneedling and Microneedling RF Post Care Instructions

Congratulations on taking the next step in your skin rejuvenation journey! Whether you have just wrapped up a session or are mapping out your recovery timeline, following strict post-procedure protocols is exactly how you protect your investment and maximize your results. Because both traditional microneedling and RF microneedling in Portland rely on creating controlled micro-channels to stimulate clean collagen and elastin production, your skin is uniquely vulnerable—and highly receptive—in the hours immediately following a session. Adhering to professional guidance ensures these micro-punctures heal flawlessly without irritation or complications. If you ever have questions during your recovery or want to ensure your healing is on track, our clinical team at our Northwest Portland skin clinic is always available to guide you through every stage of your skin’s transformation.

2026 Clinical Update: We have updated our post-care protocols to include specific recovery steps for our newest RF Microneedling technology now available at our NW Flanders St. location.

Post Care Instructions

• Refrain from touching your skin unnecessarily after your microneedling treatment, but if you must, make sure you wash your hands first. Keep in mind that you now have micro sized punctures in your skin which is great for inducing collagen production as well as work as micro-channels delivering serums and moisturizers into the lower layers of your skin. Unfortunately, it also opens your skin up for debris to enter if you are not careful. We also recommend changing your pillow case to ensure your skin only touches a clean fresh surface especially for the next few days.
• Please try and let your skin breath by not wearing any makeup for the next 48 hours…..or as long as you can toward that goal.
• Continue to wash your face regularly but for the first 2 weeks, just use a gentle cleanser and water rubbing your face with your fingers rather than a wash cloth. A moisturizer is also recommended as some experience minor peeling and flaking of the outer layer of skin.
• Avoid all saunas, moisture, swimming, or strenuous exercise for 72 hours. We want you to avoid anything that makes you sweat or adds heat to the treated area, this is especially important when receiving microneedling radio frequency (RF) treatments.
• To ensure the proper healing environment, do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) scrubs or anything perceived as “active” skincare for one week post treatment.
• Do not use any powered cleansing brushes like Clarisonic for one week post treatment.
• For the next couple weeks (or always) you will want to avoid unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds. If you do decide to spend some time in the sun we recommend applying sun protection of SPF of 25 or greater.

Recovery from Microneedling And Additional Treatments

As a premier clinic located in the alphabet district of NW Portland, we’ve guided hundreds of patients from Pearl District and Beaverton through their skin rejuvenation journey. Following these steps ensures your results are as vibrant as a spring morning at the Portland International Rose Test Garden.

Within a few days you will start to see and feel the difference in the treated area. This can be very excited and can lead to the temptation to immediately another microneedling treatment or other treatments. It’s important that you resist this temptation for the next 2-4 weeks after treatment (depending on the treatment being considered). It takes time for your skin to heal and hitting it again with another treatment could do more harm than good. After that time it is safe to receive another microneedling treatment. Not only is it safe, it is recommended. For most it takes 3-4 treatments spaced about a month apart to get the maximum benefits as this treatment is cumulative with each treatment yielding better results. Then after you receive those treatments and you have achieved maximum results, you will want to maintain your skin by getting another treatment every 3-6 months.

Complications From Microneedling

With microneedling, and like almost all others, there is always a chance that there will be complications. You should expect that after the procedure, the skin will be red, with mild swelling, itch, and might feel tight and sensitive to the touch. Although these symptoms may take 2-3 days to resolve completely, they will diminish significantly within a few hours after treatment. If you experience this, know that it will clear up, but if you have any questions or concerns you should reach out to the provider that performed the service or their medical director.

Clinical Support at Laser Skin Solutions: These guidelines are designed for our Portland patients. While recovery is usually straightforward, please contact our NW Flanders St. office directly if you have specific concerns about your healing process.

If you haven’t already done so…Lets get your next microneedling appointment at our Portland location on the books!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I disclose to my aesthetician before a microneedling treatment?

For your safety and to ensure optimal results at our Portland skin clinic, you must disclose your full medical and skin history. Specifically, inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), keloid scarring, eczema, rosacea, or active acne breakouts. Additionally, you must disclose if you are pregnant, have an autoimmune condition, or are currently using medications such as blood thinners or isotretinoin (Accutane).

How many microneedling sessions are required for optimal results?

Most patients require a series of 3 to 6 microneedling sessions to achieve the best outcomes for acne scarring, skin texture, and collagen production. Sessions are typically spaced 4 weeks apart. While you will see initial skin radiance within a few weeks, deep tissue rejuvenation and collagen remodeling are cumulative and will continue to manifest for 1 to 3 months following your final treatment.

What is the typical recovery timeline after microneedling?

Typical downtime lasts 3 to 5 days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin will appear flushed—similar to a mild sunburn—and may feel tight or sensitive. As the micro-channels heal, you may experience minor swelling or pinpoint bruising.

Does RF microneedling involve significant pain?

Discomfort is minimal, as we apply a medical-grade topical numbing cream to the skin 20 to 40 minutes prior to the procedure. Once the area is numb, most clients describe the sensation of the treatment as a light, warm scratch rather than pain.

When will I see visible results from my treatment?

You can expect initial improvements in skin brightness and tone within 4 to 6 weeks after your first session. Because microneedling stimulates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, the most dramatic and long-lasting results typically appear 1 to 3 months after completing your full, recommended treatment series.