A Guide to Microneedling Before & After Care

At The Vanity Lab in Vancouver, we take a three-dimensional approach to skin health. While many clinics offer standard microneedling, our 3D Microneedling protocol is designed to improve texture, support collagen, and restore radiance with a more comprehensive treatment flow.

Results depend on more than what happens in the room. Microneedling works by triggering your body’s natural repair process, which means your preparation and aftercare directly impact how well you heal and what kind of outcome you see.

This guide walks you through how to prepare for 3D Microneedling and how to care for your skin after.

What Makes 3D Microneedling Different?

Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin.

At The Vanity Lab, we use the DP4 pen, an award-winning device capable of up to 1,920 micro-channels per second. This allows us to treat delicate areas, including the eyelids, with precision and speed, while keeping the experience more comfortable than older, slower devices.

The "3D" difference lies in our comprehensive method:

Preparation: Medical-grade skincare prep, tailored to your skin.
Treatment: Infusion of trans-epidermal active solutions during needling.
Enhancement: A post-treatment mask (LED, hydro-jelly, or hydrating sheet mask) to support recovery.

The "Before": Your Pre-Treatment Timeline

To protect your skin and optimize results, we recommend the following prep timeline. If key steps are missed, we may need to reschedule your appointment for safety.

4 Weeks Before Treatment

Pre-Conditioning: We strongly recommend prepping your skin with medical-grade skincare for at least four weeks before your appointment. A stronger barrier typically means better healing and more consistent results.

14 Days Before Treatment

Pause Injectables: Avoid Botox or dermal fillers within the two weeks leading up to treatment.
Check Medications: You must not have taken antibiotics in the past 14 days.
Skincare Adjustments: Stop doctor-prescribed retinoids and products containing benzoyl peroxide.

7 Days Before Treatment

Pause Exfoliation: Stop strong at-home exfoliants, including over-the-counter retinols and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

3 Days Before Treatment

Cold Sore Prevention: If you have a history of herpes simplex (cold sores), begin antiviral medication 3 days prior. Microneedling can trigger a flare.

The "After": Your Recovery & Aftercare Rules

Immediately following your 3D Microneedling session, your skin is in a heightened repair state. The micro-channels stay open briefly, which means your skin absorbs more, but it’s also more reactive.

Immediate Aftercare (Days 1–3)

The "Sunburn" Feeling: Expect redness and heat sensitivity for at least 3 days. A warm or tingling sensation is common in the first 48 hours.
Swelling: Swelling and tightness are normal. The eye area may look swollen or feel heavy.
Cleansing: Wash your face morning and night with cool to lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
Avoid Rigorous Exercise: Skip sweating and vigorous exercise for 2–3 days. Sweat can irritate healing skin.
Strictly Avoid Anti-Inflammatories: Do not take ibuprofen/Advil and do not ice the face unless your provider tells you otherwise. Inflammation is part of the collagen-building process.

The Peeling Phase (Day 3+)

Around day 3, your skin may look dry or feel rough. Mild flaking is common.

Do Not Pick: Let shedding happen naturally. Picking can cause irritation and slow healing.
Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable): Avoid direct sun for 7 days. If you need to be outside, use mineral SPF (reapply every 2 hours) and wear a wide-brim hat.
Hold Off On Active Ingredients: Avoid retinols and exfoliants until the skin is fully healed and peeling has resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling

How many microneedling treatments will I need?

For corrective goals such as acne scarring, wrinkles, or pigmentation, we typically recommend 4–8 microneedling sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. For ongoing maintenance and prevention, many patients schedule microneedling every 2–3 months.

When will I see results from microneedling?

Some patients notice improved texture and glow shortly after treatment, but collagen production from microneedling takes time. New collagen formation can take up to 90 days, with the most visible results often appearing around 3 months after completing a treatment series.

Does microneedling hurt?

At The Vanity Lab, microneedling is designed to be as comfortable as possible. We use a high-quality topical anesthetic, and our DP4 microneedling pen operates at 1400 RPM, which most patients find significantly more comfortable than older microneedling devices.