After any aesthetic treatment, knowing what to expect in the healing stages is part of the key to getting the best results. Microneedling, PRP, and injectables like biofiller are all minimally invasive, but each comes with its own recovery timeline and aftercare needs. Here’s what you should know before your aesthetics appointment.
Immediate Aesthetics Post-Treatment Effects
After microneedling and PRP treatments or post injectables, redness and mild swelling along with sensitivity of the skin are common. The skin may feel warm or tight like a mild sunburn, especially post-microneedling treatment. Minor bruising and skin flaking post-aesthetic treatments are also not uncommon, especially with injectables.
Despite the post-aesthetic treatment effects, most people recover within a few hours to a few days, and it usually does not greatly affect their daily activities. If you are experiencing more harsh post-aesthetic treatment side effects, it’s best to reach out to your aesthetics provider for guidance.
Recovery Timelines by Aesthetic Treatment Type
The recovery time post-aesthetic treatment varies by the kind of aesthetic treatment you receive.
- Microneedling recovery timeline. 24-72 hours of redness and light skin flaking are common after microneedling treatment.
- PRP recovery timeline. The PRP recovery timeline is similar to microneedling, sometimes also producing some mild bruising.
- Injectables recovery timeline. Injectables like biofiller typically swell or bruise for a few days. The lips can sometimes be a bit more sensitive, and bruising may last longer.
How to Care for Your Skin After Aesthetic Treatment
Post-treatment skincare is important for microneedling aftercare, PRP aftercare, and aftercare for injectables. Some general tips for post-aesthetics treatment skincare are below.
- Avoid sun exposure and heat from saunas or intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
- Use gentle skincare products only without harsh actives like retinol or acids.
- Touch the treated areas as little as possible.
- Stay hydrated to help your skin heal.
- Follow provider-specific guidelines given to you at the time of your aesthetic treatment.
When You’ll See Results After Aesthetic Treatments
Filler results and PRP or microneedling results vary in their timeline, as they all have different mechanisms of action and application techniques.
- Microneedling/PRP results timeline. PRP and microneedling results typically are gradual and take place over a course of 4-6 weeks after treatment.
- Injectables timeline. Injectables produce results more immediately with noticeable changes to volume. However, they settle into place over the days and weeks following.
Most aesthetic providers will recommend multiple sessions of each treatment spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the best post-aesthetic treatment results.
When to Contact Your Provider After Aesthetics Treatment
It’s important to know that microneedling and PRP complications can happen in some people. Certain populations may also be more susceptible to injectable side effects. If you think you may be experiencing more intense post-injection or post-aesthetic treatment side effects, it’s best to reach out to your provider.
Watch out for symptoms such as:
- Excessive or persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection
- Unusual lumps or asymmetry from injectables in particular
- Symptoms that worsen over time instead of improve
Be assured that while side effects from aesthetics are not desired, they are also not uncommon and usually not your fault. There are many ways your provider can help you overcome these side effects safely and guide you if you are still considering future aesthetic treatments.
Supporting the Best Aesthetics Aftercare
Healing is all part of the aesthetics process and should not be rushed. Consistent, gentle aesthetic treatment aftercare improves overall outcomes. Contact PEAK Integrative Medicine for a qualified provider to help you achieve safe, effective results post-aesthetics treatment.