RF Microneedling in Fort Collins and Breckenridge

Please plan your treatment to allow for several days of potential swelling and redness of the skin. Please allow TWO FULL WEEKS for full resolution of symptoms. 

Always inform your provider of all medications, including supplements you may be taking and whether there are any recent changes to your medications such as a new antibiotic.

Always inform your provider of your full medical, surgical, social, psychological, allergy, and medication history. 

Always inform your provider of all of the products you are using as part of your skincare routine.

Certain medications can thin your blood and increase your risk of bruising. These medications include Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Ginko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, as well as others. These medications should be avoided 14 DAYS PRIOR to your procedure if possible.

Other medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, and antiplatelet medications will also thin your blood but should NOT be stopped without discussing it with your doctor first. 

Avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 HOURS PRIOR to your procedure to reduce the chance of bruising.

You may consider starting oral arnica 7-10 DAYS PRIOR to your procedure to reduce risk of bruising. Follow the directions on the bottle.

If you have an active cold sore/fever blister, canker sore, shingles you will need to postpone treatment. ​If you are prone to developing cold sores/fever blisters or shingles, please contact us 1 week before treatment for recommendations.

For TWO WEEKS BEFORE your treatment:

• Limit sun exposure and avoid natural or artificial tanning 

• Avoid the use of sunless tanners creams or sprays

• Avoid the use of any active ingredients such as retinol/Retin-A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, any other AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide, astringents, vitamin C or hydroquinone 

• Avoid waxing, tweezing, or using depilatory creams such as Nair® 

Please note that you cannot be treated with the Genius® RF microneedling if any of the following pertain to you:

• If you have an active cold sore, shingles infection, skin cancer, or bacterial skin infection in the treatment area

• If you have used Accutane® in the last 6 months

• If you are allergic to lidocaine, tetracine, benzocaine or any other anesthetic products

• If you have undergone any recent cancer treatment including chemotherapy or radiation within the last 6 months

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Please arrive to the appointment well hydrated. 

Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment.

Redness, edema (swelling), soreness, and a sunburn sensation can be normal up to 7 DAYS post procedure. Rarely, some patients experience redness for up to 2 WEEKS.

You may experience an itching or mild burning sensation as your body’s healing processes take effect. You can help to alleviate this sensation by taking Benadryl® or Zyrtec® (for itching) and ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for discomfort) as needed, unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Your skin may feel dry, peel or flake.  You may notice a “sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. This is normal; it is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated.

Bronzing, crusting, and small dark spots are a normal part of the healing process. They will slough off on their own usually within 7 days after treatment. Please do not attempt to exfoliate. 

If you develop any areas of raw skin after treatment, keep them moist with an emollient such as Aquaphor® or Bacitracin®.  You do not need to apply band-aids, but keep the areas moist and do not pick at them. They will heal very rapidly on their own.

The laser may leave a grid-like pattern on your skin, which is completely normal and will resolve over days to weeks.

Sometimes small papules/pimples can arise post treatment. If this occurs please call us for treatment advice.

You may elect to ice the area post treatment but must do so very carefully. Use an ice pack with the fabric side against the skin or wrap a soft plastic ice pack in a wet thin towel. Apply the ice pack approximately 30 seconds on, and 30 seconds off. Icing too vigorously can cause frostbite and scarring. You may apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes per hour, and you may do this hourly for up to 3 days.

You can elect to sleep with the head of your bed elevated the first night to reduce swelling.

Avoid scrubbing or wiping the treated area vigorously for the FIRST 2 DAYS. Gently wash and pat skin dry.

Refrain from vigorous exercise or becoming overheated for 24 HOURS AFTER the procedure.

Only apply the serum provided to you at your visit for the first 48 HOURS following your treatment. No other skin products, makeup, or even sunscreen should be used. Avoid ANY sun exposure in that time period.

48 HOURS AFTER the treatment:

• You can begin to use non-active gentle moisturizers such as Cerave® or Cetaphil® and/or emollients such as Aquaphor®.

• You can begin to apply makeup. Mineral makeup is recommended. 

• You should begin to apply broad-spectrum 40+ SPF sunscreen daily and reapply every two hours throughout the day. Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 WEEKS following the procedure.

Avoid using any active ingredients such as retinol/Retin-A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, any other AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide, astringents, vitamin C or hydroquinone for 2 WEEKS AFTER the procedure.

Avoid waxing, tweezing, or using depilatory creams such as Nair® for TWO WEEKS AFTER the procedure.

If you develop any worsening redness that is spreading, painful, and hot or develop fevers or chills, please notify the office immediately and/or seek medical attention at your nearest emergency department.