Suitability and Preparation for Microneedling
Who microneedling isn’t suitable for
Microneedling isn’t right for everyone. For safety, we can’t treat (or may need to postpone) if any of the below apply.
Pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding/chestfeeding
Active cold sores (Herpes Simplex)
Any active infection in the treatment area (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
Broken skin in the treatment area (cuts, abrasions, open wounds, sunburn, severe irritation)
Severe or inflamed acne in the area being treated
Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or rosacea flare-ups in the treatment area
History of keloid scarring or poor wound healing
Currently taking isotretinoin (e.g. Roaccutane/Accutane) or recently completed a course (timing assessed case-by-case)
Blood-clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant/blood-thinning medication (requires medical clearance)
Autoimmune disease or immunosuppression (including chemotherapy, long-term steroids) may not be suitable. Please consult your doctor
Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that significantly affect healing (assessed case-by-case)
Recent laser/IPL, resurfacing, medium–deep peels, or other intensive skin procedures in the same area (requires a waiting period)
Recent facial threads, microblading, or dermaplaning in the treatment area (requires a waiting period)
Allergy to stainless steel
Active skin cancer or suspicious lesions in the treatment area (requires medical clearance)
2–4 weeks before
Avoid strong sun exposure and tanning (including sunbeds). Consistent SPF is key.
If you’ve had laser hair removal on the face, you’ll need to wait at least 4 weeks before booking microneedling.
Pause intensive skin procedures in the area, including: chemical peels, laser resurfacing, IPL, dermaplaning, or other resurfacing treatments.
Injectables / aesthetic treatments. Avoid anti-wrinkle injections for two weeks and avoid fillers, Profhilo, or skin boosters for four weeks.
Microneedling should not be combined with other facial treatments in the two weeks before your appointment. This includes peels and other advanced skin services, to avoid overstimulating the skin.
If you’ve had cancer in the past, we kindly ask that you wait until you’ve been in remission for at least 6 months, and provide a letter from your doctor confirming you’re safe to proceed.
7 days before
Stop facial hair removal in the area (waxing, threading, depilatory creams).
Avoid self-tan on the treatment area.
Avoid new skincare products (this is not the week to experiment).
If you’re prone to cold sores, please tell us in advance — you may need preventative antiviral medication (via GP/pharmacist) before treatment.
3-5 days before
Pause active skincare in the treatment area, including:
retinoids/retinol
AHA/BHA/PHA acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic)
exfoliating toners/pads
strong vitamin C “treatment” serums
If you’re on prescription skincare, please consult your prescriber before commencing treatment
48 hours before
Avoid scrubs and at-home exfoliating devices (cleansing brushes, microcurrent/exfoliation tools).
If possible, avoid alcohol the day before (it can increase sensitivity and redness for some people).
On the day
Arrive makeup-free if you can (especially on the area being treated).
Don’t shave the area on the day of treatment (it can increase sensitivity).
Come well-hydrated, and ideally don’t arrive hungry.
If your skin is sunburnt, broken, actively irritated, or you have an active cold sore, please contact us before you travel in, we may need to reschedule.
First time with us
If this is your first microneedling appointment at Pre-, please complete your consultation form at least 6 hours before your appointment so we can tailor everything safely to your skin.