What to Expect at Your Microinfusion Appointment
If you're used to getting spa water and plush slippers with your facials, this is not the same experience. While it's not exactly relaxing, if you've chosen the right dermatologist, you'll definitely feel well taken care of and supported. I began by getting a vial of my blood taken (for PRP extraction) and a numbing cream applied to my entire face, including my lips — so I would advise going to your appointment fresh faced, with no products and no makeup on.
While the numbing cream took effect, the medical assistant talked to me about my skincare goals (smooth out fine lines, plumping, adding luster) and ran through what to expect during the treatment. I signed a couple forms, then waited another five minutes to be fully numb. To be honest, it was a pretty low-key numb — nothing like how you feel after a dentist appointment, and certainly no drooling or difficulty drinking.
Dr. Devgan and I chatted about my skin, and I told her about some problem areas I wanted to focus on — namely, the delicate area under my eyes where some fun new wrinkles have started to emerge. Then the stamping began! Truth be told, it would have been fine without the numbing cream ("It's less uncomfortable than grooming your eyebrows," Dr. Devgan said), but better safe than sorry. Dr. Devgan quickly stamped over the entirety of my face until all the ingredients ran out, less than 10 minutes in all. Be prepared for some drippage of the excess serum that you'll need to leave on for a few hours before washing off.
What's the Downtime and Aftercare?
Basically none. I was a little splotchy and red for an hour or so after the treatment, but by the time dinner rolled around, I was back to normal. Dr. Devgan advised that you should wait at least four hours before washing your face with a gentle cleanser (I used Cetaphil) so all the good stuff can finish soaking into your skin. A light, unscented moisturizer is fine before bed (I used Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré), but you should stay away from chemical exfoliants and makeup the same day as the treatment. Remember, you've just poked a hundred tiny holes in your face. However, life can go completely back to normal when you wake up the next day, whereas traditional microneedling can leave you with up to three days of redness.
