ProCell Microchanneling
Pre-care & aftercare for your microchanneling treatment
Microchanneling creates thousands of controlled micro-injuries so your skin rebuilds collagen, paired with ProCell human-derived growth factor serums. It is an advanced, near-medical treatment — the protocol below must be followed exactly for a safe, even result.
Follow this protocol exactly. Microchanneling leaves temporary open channels in the skin. Skipping a step — a product, a workout, a day of sun — is what turns a great result into irritation or pigmentation.
- Prep starts
- 7 days before
- Redness
- 24–48 hours
- Strict aftercare
- First 72 hours
- Best results
- Series of 3–6
Pre-care — 7 days before
Prepping properly is what keeps microchanneling safe, even and comfortable.
- —Stop retinoids, retinol, glycolic/salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C 5–7 days before.
- —No waxing, threading, laser, dermaplaning or chemical peels for 7 days prior.
- —Avoid sun, tanning beds and self-tanner for 2 weeks; treatment is postponed on sunburned skin.
- —Avoid blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and alcohol for 48–72 hours (only if your physician approves pausing them).
- —Tell Lady J about cold sore history, isotretinoin use within 6 months, keloid scarring, active acne cysts, eczema flares, pregnancy or nursing — some of these mean we adjust or postpone.
- —Arrive with clean skin, no makeup, well hydrated and having eaten — and stop any new injectables at least 2 weeks prior.
What to expect — day by day
- Day 0Treatment dayNumbing, then microchanneling with ProCell growth factor serum. Skin is pink and warm like a moderate sunburn. Do not wash or touch your face for 6 hours.
- Day 1Serum onlyRedness and tightness continue. ProCell serum only — no other products. Mineral makeup allowed after the 24-hour mark. SPF 30+ starts now.
- Day 2–3Dry & sandpaperySkin feels tight and rough, sometimes with light flaking. Still serum only. No sweating, gym, sauna, steam, pools or hot showers.
- Day 4–5ClearingRedness fades and skin looks smoother. Reintroduce a gentle cleanser and bland moisturizer.
- Day 7–14Back to activesRetinol, acids and vitamin C can resume after day 7 (day 10 if tender). No waxing, laser, peels or facials for two weeks.
- Week 4–6Collagen revealNew collagen finishes building — firmness, texture and scarring keep improving. Book your next session about 4 weeks out.
Aftercare — the first 72 hours
- —Use ONLY the ProCell take-home serum for the first 3 days — nothing else, no exceptions.
- —First 6 hours: do not wash your face, touch it with unwashed hands, or apply anything else.
- —No makeup for 24 hours, then mineral makeup only with clean brushes.
- —No sweating, gym, sauna, steam, hot tubs, swimming pools or hot showers for 72 hours.
- —No sun exposure; SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen every day starting at 24 hours, reapplied.
- —Never pick, scrub, exfoliate or use a cleansing brush while skin is healing.
- —Sleep on a clean pillowcase and keep hair products and pets off your face for 3 days.
Aftercare — days 4 to 14
- —Reintroduce a gentle cleanser and a bland moisturizer once redness settles.
- —Resume retinol, acids and vitamin C only after day 7 — or day 10 if your skin still feels tender.
- —Hydrate well and stay consistent with SPF; new collagen is sun-sensitive.
- —No waxing, laser, peels or other facials for 2 weeks.
- —Text Lady J photos any time during healing if something looks or feels off.
Your results plan
- —Most clients do a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, then maintain every 3–6 months.
- —Best for acne scarring, fine lines, texture, large pores, laxity and overall firmness.
- —Safe for all Fitzpatrick types I–VI — microchanneling does not rely on heat or light.
- —We often alternate microchanneling with the Perfect Derma™ Peel for correction plans; the two are never done in the same week.
Microchanneling questions, answered
Does ProCell Microchanneling hurt?+
A topical numbing cream is applied first, so most clients describe a light prickling or sandpaper feeling rather than pain. Bonier areas like the forehead and jawline are the most sensitive.
How much downtime is there?+
Plan on 24 to 48 hours of pink, sunburn-like redness and 2 to 3 days of dryness or light flaking. Most clients look normal by day 4 and can wear mineral makeup after 24 hours.
What can I put on my skin after microchanneling?+
Only the ProCell take-home serum for the first three days — nothing else. Your skin has open microchannels, so any other product, including your usual moisturizer, can irritate it or cause a reaction.
When can I work out again?+
Wait a full 72 hours. Sweat, heat, gym equipment and pool or hot tub water all raise the risk of irritation and infection while the channels are closing.
How many microchanneling sessions do I need?+
Most plans are a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, then maintenance every 3 to 6 months. Acne scarring and deeper texture typically need the higher end of that range.
Is microchanneling safe for darker skin tones?+
Yes. It uses no heat and no light, so it is safe for all Fitzpatrick types I–VI, including skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation — which is why it is one of Lady J’s go-to corrective treatments.
Can I get microchanneling and a chemical peel together?+
Not in the same week. We schedule them apart and often alternate them across a correction plan so your skin fully recovers between treatments.
Who should not have this treatment?+
We postpone or decline for active cold sore outbreaks, active cystic acne or infection in the treatment area, isotretinoin use within the past 6 months, keloid scarring, uncontrolled diabetes, blood-clotting disorders, chemotherapy, and pregnancy or nursing. Always disclose your full health history on your intake form.
Questions during your healing week?
Call or text Lady J at (703) 286-0339 with a photo any time, or book a complimentary 10-minute consultation to plan your microchanneling series.