Congratulations
You’ve invested in newer and healthier skin with Potenza RF Microneedling at Rebel Med NW. By now, you’ve met with your provider and understand that a therapeutic relationship at Rebel Med is an investment in you and your health. Take a moment to review the following guidelines in preparation for your upcoming treatment, or as you recover from treatment. Following our guidelines will provide you with the best results!
Pre-Care / Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink half your body weight in ounces daily 1wk prior to visit
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
- Discontinue retinols, isotretinoin, and exfoliating acids 3-7 days prior (as advised by your physician)
- No active sunburn in treatment area
- Arrive at the clinic with no makeup and a clean face
- Leave all jewelry at home as you will be asked to remove it before treatment
- Shave visible hair from the treatment area, male beards should be shaved on the day of treatment
Aftercare / Post Treatment Guidelines
You may observe the following temporary skin responses post treatment, such as (but not limited to) the following:
- Tightness or mild heat – similar to a “sunburn” sensation
- Mild swelling, redness
- A grid like pattern with dry or mild crusting, itchiness
- Dryness, flaking
- Acne breakout or purging, as the RF delivers heat deep into the skin that can cause inflammation or edema. This is normal and should resolve within 1-2 weeks.
During the first 24 hours
- Gentle cleansing: Use warm water and mild cleanser, avoid scrubbing or exfoliating
- Skincare: Apply approved moisturizer if skin feels dry or tight
- Sun protection: Use mineral based sunblock with SPF 30+ daily and avoid direct intense UV exposure for the fist 48 hours
- Makeup: Avoid liquid makeup for 24 hours; mineral makeup is okay once redness subsides
- Hygiene: Always wash hands thoroughly before touching treated areas
- Avoid: Picking at treated skin, alcohol consumption, hot tubs/saunas and sweating for 24 hours
- For persistent redness: Apply ice pack with a protective barrier (e.g., face cloth)
Important Notes: Temporary worsening of skin breakouts may occur due to inflammation. Contact your practitioner if you experience prolonged rash, itching, or redness (over 24 hours). Follow these guidelines for each treatment session.
Days 2-7
Call the clinic if you experience: rash, itching, redness etc for more than 24 hours
- Resume your normal routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen every day.
- Use mineral sunscreen > 30 SPF UV A/B daily and a hat if exposed to the sun in the next week.
- After the redness and heat have reduced, you can apply moisturizer to hydrate skin and decrease tightness or dryness.
- Avoid active skincare (alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), beta hydroxyl acids (BHA), Vitamin C, retinol), skin scrubs/exfoliants, and self-tanner for the next 5-7 days.
- We recommend trying to avoid application for 48 hours post-treatment. However, makeup can be resumed 24 hours after and we recommend mineral makeup. Be sure to apply makeup with clean brushes to avoid spreading bacteria from the treatment area.
- Do not pick at the treated area if you see flaking or peeling of the skin (a result of increased skin turnover), as this can cause hypo or hyperpigmentation. Allow the old skin to naturally flake off and keep skin moisturized at all times.
Remember, proper pre and post-treatment care significantly contributes to the effectiveness of your treatment and helps minimize potential side effects. In order to get the most out of your treatment, it is important to recognize the body as a whole. Nutritional therapies and stress reduction, along with other lifestyle choices can lengthen treatment results as well as combat new signs of aging. Please visit our website for more recommendations.
Remember to schedule your next appointment in 4-6 weeks
Other nutrient considerations for optimize skin healing
- Collagen – bone broths, collagen supplements
- Vitamin C – fresh pineapple, bell peppers
- Omega 3 sources – salmon, flax and chia seeds, avocados, walnuts
- Decrease inflammatory foods – dairy, wheat, simple refined sugar, alcohol
- Anti-oxidants – eat the colors of the rainbow with a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables
- Water, water, water!