Microneedling — Important Safety Information (ISI)

Read this information carefully before receiving microneedling treatment. Discuss any questions or concerns with your provider at your free consultation.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a medical-grade aesthetic procedure that uses sterile, ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production to address texture, tone, scarring, and laxity. At Tactus Health, two distinct microneedling treatments are offered at our Sugar Hill, GA clinic: SkinPen mechanical microneedling and Pixel8 RF microneedling.

SkinPen Mechanical Microneedling

SkinPen is an FDA-cleared mechanical microneedling device manufactured by Crown Aesthetics. It uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges to create controlled micro-channels at calibrated depths. SkinPen treatments at Tactus Health are performed by our licensed aestheticians under Dr. Ashar’s direct clinical oversight, with every protocol reviewed and approved before treatment begins.

Pixel8 RF Microneedling

Pixel8 RF is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency microneedling device manufactured by Rohrer Aesthetics. It combines microneedling with bipolar radiofrequency energy delivered through insulated needles directly into the dermal tissue. Pixel8 RF protocols at Tactus Health are designed and overseen by Dr. Ashar, our Medical Director, and executed by our trained medical team under our Medical Director’s clinical oversight.

Important Safety Notice

WARNING: MEDICAL PROCEDURE WITH SKIN PENETRATION AND ENERGY DELIVERY. Microneedling involves controlled penetration of the dermis with sterile needles. Pixel8 RF additionally delivers radiofrequency thermal energy into dermal tissue. Both treatments should only be performed by trained clinical providers in a medical setting using sterile, single-use cartridges. Failure to follow pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions can result in adverse outcomes including infection, prolonged inflammation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or scarring. Pixel8 RF specifically requires additional precautions for patients with implanted electrical devices or metal implants in the treatment area.

Contraindications

Microneedling is contraindicated in patients with:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection in the treatment area
• Active herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreak or cold sores in the treatment area
• Open wounds, abrasions, or compromised skin barrier in the treatment area
• Active acne lesions or pustules in the treatment area (cystic or inflammatory)
• Use of oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 to 12 months
• Severe active eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare in the treatment area
• Known hypersensitivity to topical numbing cream ingredients
• Bleeding disorders or current use of blood thinners without medical clearance
• Recent radiation therapy to the treatment area
• Active skin cancer or undiagnosed lesions in the treatment area

Additional Contraindications for Pixel8 RF

The following contraindications apply specifically to Pixel8 RF radiofrequency microneedling due to the electrical energy delivered during treatment:

• Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or other implanted electrical devices, particularly in or near the treatment area
• Metal implants, plates, screws, or surgical hardware in the treatment area
• Cochlear implants or other implanted electronic medical devices
• Permanent dermal fillers or implanted facial threads in the treatment area
• Severe cardiac arrhythmias or unstable cardiovascular conditions

Warnings and Precautions

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Risk: Patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV-VI) carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if pre-treatment and post-treatment protocols are not followed precisely. Microneedling carries significantly lower PIH risk than ablative laser treatments because the energy is delivered below the epidermis and does not interact with surface melanin, but risk is not zero. Strict adherence to aftercare reduces this risk.
• Keloid and Hypertrophic Scarring History: Patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring carry increased risk and should discuss candidacy with our medical team before treatment. A test patch may be recommended before committing to a full session.
• Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation: Microneedling can trigger reactivation of latent HSV in patients with a cold sore history. Our medical team may recommend prophylactic antiviral medication beginning 2 days before treatment for patients with known HSV history.
• Skincare Discontinuation: Prescription retinoids, topical antibiotics, AHA/BHA products, vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide, and other active ingredients must be discontinued for at least 5 to 7 days before treatment to reduce skin irritation and ensure proper healing response.
• Sun Exposure: Significant sun exposure should be avoided for at least 1 to 2 weeks before and after treatment. Tanned or sunburned skin is more reactive and at higher risk for adverse outcomes. SPF 30 or higher mineral sunscreen must be used daily during the healing period and for at least 30 days following treatment.
• Anesthetic Reactions: Topical numbing cream containing lidocaine and other anesthetics is applied before treatment. Patients with known sensitivity to topical anesthetics should disclose this at consultation. Allergic reactions, while rare, can include hives, rash, swelling, or in severe cases respiratory symptoms.
• Bleeding and Bruising: Pinpoint bleeding is normal during microneedling and stops within minutes. Patients on blood thinners, NSAIDs, or supplements that increase bleeding risk (fish oil, ginkgo, vitamin E, garlic) may experience prolonged bleeding or increased bruising. Disclose all medications and supplements at consultation.
• Infection Risk: The open micro-channels created during treatment remain vulnerable to bacterial introduction for several hours post-treatment. Touching, picking, or applying contaminated products to the skin during this period can result in infection. Hands should be kept away from the face for the first 24 hours, and only the post-treatment skincare provided should be used.
• Heat and Sweat Exposure: Avoid saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours after treatment, as heat can intensify irritation, prolong redness, and increase infection risk through sweat introduction into open micro-channels.
• Eye Protection (Pixel8 RF): Eye protection is provided during Pixel8 RF treatment near the periorbital area. Patients with previous eyelid surgery or compromised orbital tissue should disclose this at consultation as it may affect treatment planning.

Most Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of microneedling include:

• Redness and erythema in the treatment area (24 to 72 hours, more pronounced with Pixel8 RF)
• Mild to moderate swelling, particularly with Pixel8 RF (24 to 48 hours)
• Pinpoint bleeding during treatment (stops within minutes)
• Skin tightness and dryness during healing
• Sensitivity to skincare products during recovery (5 to 7 days)
• Mild peeling or flaking 3 to 5 days post-treatment
• Temporary skin texture changes during healing
• Mild bruising in delicate or vascular areas
• Itching during the healing phase

Less common but possible side effects include prolonged redness or swelling beyond expected timelines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (particularly without proper sun protection), HSV reactivation, allergic contact reactions to numbing cream or topical products, and in rare cases infection or scarring. Pixel8 RF can additionally cause mild burns or pinpoint marks if energy parameters are not properly calibrated, which is why physician-overseen protocols are essential. Contact our team promptly if you experience severe pain, spreading redness with warmth, pus or discharge, blistering, or symptoms beyond the expected timeline.

Skincare and Medication Interactions

The following products and medications can interact with microneedling treatment and should be disclosed at your consultation. Many will require temporary discontinuation before and after treatment:

• Topical and oral retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretinoin) must be discontinued at least 5 to 7 days before treatment, and isotretinoin must have been discontinued for at least 6 to 12 months
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic)
• Vitamin C serums and other active antioxidant treatments
• Topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and prescription acne medications
• Hydroquinone and other prescription pigment-lightening agents
• Anticoagulant medications (warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel) and antiplatelet drugs
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) within 48 hours of treatment due to increased bleeding risk
• Supplements that increase bleeding risk (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, turmeric in high doses) within 48 hours
• Recent injectable treatments (Botox, dermal fillers) should be separated from microneedling by at least 2 weeks before or after
• Hair removal procedures (waxing, threading, depilatories, laser hair removal) in the treatment area within 5 days
• Photosensitizing medications including certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, sulfonamides), diuretics, and some antifungals

Our medical team reviews your full medication and skincare history at consultation. Do not discontinue prescription medications without consulting the prescribing provider.

Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: Microneedling is not performed during pregnancy. While the procedure itself does not directly affect the pregnancy, topical anesthetics and the body’s healing response involve systems that should not be activated unnecessarily during pregnancy.
• Lactation: Microneedling is not performed on breastfeeding patients. Pixel8 RF is specifically contraindicated during breastfeeding due to the RF energy component. SkinPen mechanical microneedling may be considered after weaning on a case-by-case basis.
• Pediatric Use: Microneedling is not indicated for patients under 18 years of age except in specific circumstances and only under direct medical supervision for established skin conditions.
• Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI): We treat all six Fitzpatrick types. Microneedling delivers energy below the epidermis and does not interact with surface melanin, making it significantly safer than ablative laser treatments for darker skin tones. Strict sun protection and adherence to aftercare reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.
• Patients with Implanted Devices: SkinPen mechanical microneedling does not use RF energy and may be appropriate for patients with implanted electrical devices when other contraindications are absent. Pixel8 RF is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, or other implanted electrical devices. Always disclose all implanted medical devices at consultation.
• Immunocompromised Patients: Patients on immunosuppressive therapy or with conditions that impair wound healing should discuss candidacy with our medical team. Treatment may be delayed or modified based on clinical evaluation.
• Geriatric Patients: Microneedling can be performed safely in older adults. Skin healing may take longer than in younger patients, and concurrent medications (particularly anticoagulants) should be reviewed carefully at consultation.
• Patients with Bleeding Disorders: Patients with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or other bleeding disorders should discuss candidacy with our medical team and obtain medical clearance from their hematologist before treatment.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

To minimize complications and optimize results, patients are required to follow pre-treatment instructions provided at consultation. General guidelines include discontinuing active skincare ingredients for at least 5 to 7 days before treatment, avoiding sun exposure and tanning for 1 to 2 weeks before treatment, completing any hair removal at least 5 days before treatment, avoiding NSAIDs and bleeding-risk supplements for 48 hours before treatment, arriving without makeup on the treatment area, and disclosing all medications, supplements, and implanted devices at intake. A written pre-treatment protocol specific to your selected treatment will be provided at your consultation.

Post-Treatment Care

Adherence to post-treatment instructions is essential to safe and successful results. Every microneedling session at Tactus Health includes written aftercare instructions specific to your treatment type. Key requirements include keeping the treated area clean and avoiding touching it for the first 24 hours, using only gentle cleanser and recommended post-treatment skincare for the first 5 to 7 days, applying SPF 30 or higher mineral sunscreen daily, avoiding active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) for 5 to 7 days, avoiding heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga, hot showers) for 48 hours, and refraining from strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. A follow-up appointment is included with every session at 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment.

Full Product Information

This ISI is a summary of important safety information for microneedling treatments as administered at Tactus Health. Complete product information including detailed device specifications, clinical study data, and manufacturer-specific safety guidelines is available from Crown Aesthetics for SkinPen and Rohrer Aesthetics for Pixel8 RF. Patients should discuss any questions or concerns with their provider at their free consultation prior to treatment. For complete details on candidacy, results, and what to expect, see our microneedling overview and microneedling FAQ.