BHRC BLOG
What to Expect at Your First Microneedling Appointment in West Hollywood
Booking your first microneedling appointment is an exciting step toward healthier, more radiant skin. But if you have never experienced the treatment before, the unknown can feel a bit intimidating. What does microneedling actually feel like? How should you prepare? What happens during and after the procedure?
At Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center West Hollywood, we welcome first-time microneedling patients every week. Our Santa Monica Boulevard location makes professional skin rejuvenation accessible to residents throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and the greater Los Angeles area. Understanding exactly what your first appointment involves helps you arrive relaxed, prepared, and ready to get the most from your treatment.
This guide walks you through the complete experience, from finding our West Hollywood med spa to the moment you leave with fresh, glowing skin.
Your First Microneedling Appointment: What to Expect
A complete overview of your first microneedling visit in West Hollywood:
- Arrival: Check in at 8550 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 101, West Hollywood
- Consultation: 15-20 minutes discussing your skin concerns and goals
- Preparation: Skin cleansing and 30-45 minutes for numbing cream to take effect
- Treatment: 30-45 minutes of microneedling across the treatment area
- Aftercare: Soothing serum application and personalized home care instructions
- Total time: Plan for approximately 90 minutes for your first visit
- Sensation: Mild pressure and vibration with minimal discomfort
- Immediate after: Redness similar to sunburn, subsiding within 24-48 hours
First-time patients should arrive with clean skin and allow extra time for the consultation process.
Arriving at Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center West Hollywood
Our West Hollywood med spa is located at 8550 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 101, in the heart of the West Hollywood community. The location sits along one of the most iconic boulevards in Los Angeles, easily accessible from Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and surrounding neighborhoods.
For those driving, street parking is available along Santa Monica Boulevard and surrounding streets. Several paid parking structures are also nearby. If you are coming from the west side of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Boulevard provides a direct route. From Hollywood or the Valley, La Cienega or Fairfax offer convenient north-south access to Santa Monica Boulevard.
Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows you to check in, complete any remaining paperwork, and settle in before your treatment begins. First-time patients may have additional forms to review, so the extra time ensures you are not feeling rushed.
When you enter our med spa, our front desk team will greet you and confirm your appointment. The atmosphere is designed to feel welcoming and relaxing, a contrast to the busy energy of Santa Monica Boulevard just outside. Take a moment to get comfortable before your provider comes to meet you.
Your Initial Consultation
Every first microneedling appointment in West Hollywood begins with a consultation. Even if you have done research on your own, this personalized conversation ensures the treatment is customized to your specific skin and goals.
Your provider will ask about your skin concerns, what you hope to achieve with microneedling, and any relevant medical history. Be honest about your skincare routine, any medications you take, and whether you have had any previous aesthetic treatments. This information helps your provider determine the best approach for your treatment.
Common goals patients share during consultations include improving skin texture and tone, reducing the appearance of acne scars, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, shrinking enlarged pores, and achieving an overall more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Your provider will examine your skin and explain how microneedling works to address your concerns. They will discuss needle depth settings appropriate for your skin type and concerns, the number of sessions typically needed for your goals, and any treatment enhancements like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) that might benefit you.
This is also your opportunity to ask questions. First-time patients often ask about discomfort level, expected downtime, and how soon they will see results. Your provider has heard these questions many times and will give you honest, detailed answers.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Once you and your provider have discussed your treatment plan, the preparation phase begins. This is where your skin gets ready for the microneedling procedure.
Skin Cleansing
Your provider or aesthetician will thoroughly cleanse your face to remove any makeup, oil, or debris. Even if you arrived with a clean face, this medical-grade cleansing ensures nothing interferes with the treatment. The goal is to create a completely clean surface for the microneedling device.
Numbing Cream Application
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to your entire face. This cream contains lidocaine or a similar anesthetic that temporarily numbs the skin surface. The numbing process takes 30 to 45 minutes, so you will have time to relax while it takes effect.
Some patients use this time to respond to messages, read, or simply close their eyes and relax. Our treatment rooms are designed for comfort, allowing you to unwind before your procedure begins.
The numbing cream makes the microneedling procedure significantly more comfortable. While you may still feel some sensation during treatment, it should not be painful. If you have concerns about discomfort, let your provider know. They can adjust the numbing time or depth settings as needed.
Preparation Tips for First-Time Patients
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin if possible. Avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids for three to five days before your appointment. Do not schedule your appointment immediately before an important event, as you will have visible redness afterward. Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your treatment for optimal skin health.
What Happens During Microneedling
Once your skin is fully numb, your provider will remove the numbing cream and cleanse your face again. Now the actual microneedling begins.
The Device and Technique
Professional microneedling uses a pen-like device equipped with tiny, sterile needles. At BHRC West Hollywood, we use FDA-cleared microneedling devices that allow precise control over needle depth and speed. Your provider will select settings customized to your skin type and treatment goals.
During treatment, your provider moves the device across your face in systematic passes. The needles create thousands of microscopic channels in your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, the proteins responsible for firm, smooth, youthful skin.
What You Will Feel
With proper numbing, most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or vibration rather than pain. Some areas may feel slightly more sensitive than others, particularly around the forehead, nose, and lips. If you experience discomfort beyond mild pressure, tell your provider immediately. They can adjust the settings or apply additional numbing.
Treatment for the full face typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you are adding enhancements like PRP for a vampire facial, the procedure may take slightly longer.
During the Procedure
You will be lying comfortably on a treatment bed throughout the procedure. Your provider will work section by section across your face, ensuring thorough and even coverage. You may hear a gentle buzzing sound from the device. Some patients find the experience almost meditative once they relax into it.
Your provider may apply serums during the treatment to take advantage of the micro-channels created by the needles. These products penetrate more deeply than they would on intact skin, enhancing results.
Immediately After Your Treatment
When the microneedling is complete, your provider will apply soothing serums and a calming mask to your skin. This helps begin the healing process and provides immediate hydration.
Looking in the mirror, you will notice that your skin appears red, similar to a moderate sunburn. This is completely normal and expected. The redness indicates that your skin’s healing response has been activated. Some patients also experience mild swelling, particularly around the eyes and cheeks.
Before you leave, your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions. These typically include avoiding sun exposure and wearing SPF 30 or higher, skipping makeup for at least 12 to 24 hours, using only gentle, hydrating skincare products, avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and staying away from retinoids and active ingredients for several days.
Many patients are comfortable returning to work or normal activities the same day, though some prefer to schedule their appointment when they can go home afterward. The visible redness is most pronounced immediately after treatment and fades significantly within 24 to 48 hours.
The Days Following Your First Treatment
The day after your microneedling treatment, your skin may still appear pink or slightly red. By day two or three, most redness has subsided for most patients. You may notice your skin feels slightly rough or textured as the micro-injuries heal, and some patients experience mild peeling similar to after sun exposure.
Within the first week, many patients notice their skin looks brighter and feels smoother. This early glow comes from accelerated cell turnover and increased hydration. However, the real results develop over the following weeks and months as new collagen production increases.
For optimal results, most providers recommend a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Your provider will discuss the ideal treatment schedule for your specific goals during your consultation. Learn more about microneedling frequency for maximum benefits.
West Hollywood Sun Protection Advisory
Southern California sunshine is beautiful but intense. After microneedling, your skin is temporarily more vulnerable to sun damage. Be diligent about sunscreen application and consider a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors. Many of our West Hollywood patients schedule their appointments during less sun-intense times or plan indoor activities for the days immediately following treatment.
Ready to Book Your First Microneedling Appointment?
Now that you know exactly what to expect, booking your first microneedling appointment should feel less daunting and more exciting. At Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center West Hollywood, our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Our West Hollywood location at 8550 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 101 offers convenient access for residents throughout the Los Angeles area. Whether you are seeking to improve skin texture, reduce scarring, or simply maintain youthful, healthy skin, our professional microneedling services can help you achieve your goals.
Contact us at (310) 912-7271 to schedule your consultation, or book online through our website. We look forward to welcoming you to BHRC West Hollywood and helping you discover the transformative benefits of professional microneedling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Microneedling Appointment
How long does a first microneedling appointment take?
Plan for approximately 90 minutes for your first microneedling appointment. This includes the consultation (15-20 minutes), numbing time (30-45 minutes), and the treatment itself (30-45 minutes). Follow-up appointments are typically shorter since the consultation portion is abbreviated.
Does microneedling hurt during the first treatment?
With proper numbing cream application, most patients experience minimal discomfort during microneedling. The sensation is typically described as mild pressure or vibration rather than pain. Some areas of the face may feel slightly more sensitive, but overall the procedure is well-tolerated by first-time patients.
What should I avoid before my first microneedling appointment?
In the days before your appointment, avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, and harsh skincare products. Do not have excessive sun exposure or use tanning beds. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements if medically appropriate (consult your doctor first). Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin if possible.
Can I wear makeup after my first microneedling treatment?
You should avoid makeup for at least 12 to 24 hours after microneedling. The micro-channels in your skin need time to close before applying makeup, which can introduce bacteria. Many patients are comfortable applying mineral makeup by the second day, but follow your provider’s specific instructions.
How red will my face be after microneedling?
Immediately after treatment, your face will appear red similar to a moderate sunburn. This redness is most intense right after the procedure and typically fades significantly within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities, including work, by the next day.
When will I see results from my first microneedling treatment?
Initial skin glow and improved texture often appear within one to two weeks as your skin heals. More significant results develop over the following weeks as collagen production increases. Most patients see optimal results after completing a series of three to six treatments.
Is there parking available at BHRC West Hollywood?
Street parking is available along Santa Monica Boulevard and surrounding streets near our West Hollywood location at 8550 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 101. Several paid parking structures are also located nearby. We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
What should I bring to my first microneedling appointment?
Bring a valid ID and your payment method. If you have specific skincare concerns, bringing photos of your skin at different times can be helpful for your consultation. Consider bringing a hat or sunglasses for sun protection after your treatment, especially on sunny Los Angeles days.
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