Advanced RF Needling aftercare

To support your recovery and help avoid any adverse reactions, it is important to follow your aftercare instructions carefully.

RF Needling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate the skin's natural healing and remodelling response. Because the treatment works at a deeper level than standard skin needling, your skin requires careful management in the days following your appointment.

What to expect after your treatment

• Redness, warmth, mild swelling, and sometimes crusting are normal and expected immediately after treatment. This typically resembles a sunburned appearance and usually settles within 24–48 hours, though in some cases may last 3–5 days depending on treatment intensity

• Waffle-like grid marks or a tingling or burning sensation may be present immediately after treatment. This is normal and resolves within a few hours in most cases

• Mild pinpoint bleeding or bruising at needle entry points may be visible. This is normal and resolves quickly

• The skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive for several days following treatment

• Light flaking or peeling may occur from days 3–7 as the skin sheds and renews

• Some patients experience a temporary bronzed or darkening of the skin before it sheds. This is normal

• Patients with oily or acne-prone skin may notice temporary pimples or pustules in the days following treatment. These generally resolve within 1–3 days

• If pigmented lesions were treated, they may appear darker before lightening over 1–2 weeks. This is a normal part of the treatment process

Your clinician will apply a soothing post-treatment product and SPF before you leave the clinic.

For the 24 hours following your appointment:

• Do not wash the treated area for at least 6 hours post-treatment. After this, cleanse gently with lukewarm water only

• Do not apply any product to the skin that has not been approved or instructed by your clinician

• Avoid makeup. If absolutely necessary, apply gently with a clean brush or sponge after 24 hours (or after 4–6 hours following a less intensive treatment, as advised by your clinician)

• Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area

• Avoid direct sun exposure. Wear a hat or protective clothing when outdoors

• Avoid hot showers, spas, saunas, and steam rooms

• Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that causes excessive sweating

• Avoid alcohol and smoking

• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser 2–3 times throughout the day if the skin feels tight or uncomfortable

• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ 2–3 times throughout the day

• Sleep on clean pillowcases

• If you received a more intensive treatment, apply a facial mask or towel-wrapped icepack to the treated area to help alleviate redness and swelling. Note that products containing vitamin C may cause a burning sensation on freshly treated skin and should be avoided

For the 3 days following your appointment:

• Continue to avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, swimming, and heat exposure

• Continue to avoid alcohol and smoking

• Cleanse gently with a mild, non-active, mildly acidic or alkaline cleanser. Avoid anything foaming or exfoliating

• Hydrate the skin frequently using a soothing post-treatment cream. Aim for 2–3 applications per day

• Continue applying SPF 50+ 2–3 times per day

• Avoid fake tanning products

• Avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cosmetics and skincare products

• Do not pick, scratch, or attempt to remove any flaking or peeling skin. Allow it to shed naturally

• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless medically necessary

For the 7 days following your appointment:

• Avoid sun exposure and continue daily SPF 50+ application. Wear a hat or protective clothing when outdoors

• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean

• Avoid waxing, laser, IPL, or other skin treatments in the treated area

• Avoid active skincare ingredients including retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and glycolic acid

• Continue to avoid alcohol and smoking where possible

For the 2–4 weeks following your appointment:

• Avoid peeling and scrub products for 4 weeks

• Avoid phototherapy treatments for 4 weeks

• Avoid facials, peels, and microdermabrasion in the treated area for 2 weeks

• Avoid excessive sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and SPF daily

• Your clinician will advise when you can safely resume your regular skincare routine and active ingredients

Cold sore warning

If you have a history of cold sores, RF needling can trigger an outbreak. If you notice any tingling, itching, or blistering around the treatment area, contact us promptly so we can advise on appropriate management.

Adverse reactions

Please contact us promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Skin burns, blisters, severe pain, or bleeding within 24 hours of treatment

• Pimples, pustules, folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), burning sensation, or tenderness lasting more than 2–3 days

• Scabbing or crusting lasting more than 3–7 days

• Increasing redness, heat, swelling, or pain beyond 48 hours post-treatment

• Signs of infection including discharge, fever, or spreading redness

• Hyperpigmentation, textural changes, or scarring appearing after 1–2 weeks

• Any symptoms that concern you

If you are unsure about anything following your treatment, please don't hesitate to contact us. It is always better to check.

Your treatment plan

RF Needling is typically recommended as a course of 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, depending on your skin concerns and goals. Your clinician will advise on the recommended number of sessions and intervals at your consultation. Results continue to develop over 8–12 weeks following each session as the skin remodels and responds to treatment.

Follow up

Our team is always here if you have any questions or concerns about your RF Needling treatment.

Email: hello@dermhaus.com.au

Call: (07) 3132 7999

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