Why am I experiencing cystic acne +whitehead flare 24 hours post Infini treatment?

Question

I just had an Infini treatment (microneedling + RF) performed 48 hours ago and aside from the expected redness, I have completely broken out with what appears to be cystic acne + whiteheads in the treated areas. I haven't had issues with acne for years. After the treatment, they applied Vitamin C gel and talc. I have been cleansing with a gentle cleanser and using the same Vitamin C gel. I also used dapsone gel 5% when I felt the acne flare begin. Why is this happening?

Kent V. Hasen, MD · Answer

Most likely, the talc applied following the Infini procedure is causing your acne flare.  After Infini, hundreds of microchannels are opened in the skin. The talc penetrated these channels and caused irritation.  Our office has patients apply only a medical grade growth factor product for the first day after treatment, since penetration of any applied products is exponentially increased due to these microchannels.    Occasionally, patients with a history of acne may experience a mild flare after treatment, so the combination of the talc and your history of acne are both probably contributing.  Follow up with your provider.  They may recommend oral or topical antibiotics to minimize the acne.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Talc is most likely the culprit here. It traveled down the channels created by the microneedles and became a nidus for infection. Keep in mind that I consider this procedure a sterile procedure. Breaking down the skin barrier opens up the skin to infection very easily. I use growth factors - Lifeline Stem Cell, Clindamycin Gel after the procedure. No other products should be used while these channels are open, at least until the morning. Acne occurs sometimes in patients which are acne prone, and in those I continue the clindamycin and sometimes give oral Minocin.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

I think the talc applied directly after treatment is the culprit.  The microneedling of Infini leaves thousands of small microchannels that penetrate through the skin.  Talc can work its way down into these channels and cause an intense reaction.  Sorry to have this happen to you.  Don't blame this on Infini, but rather what was applied afterwards.  After an Infini treatment at our office it is only pure medical grade hyaluronic acid such as Hyalis for the first 24 hours.  Ice cold compress for swelling.  OK to return to usual products after 24 hours except for any 'scrubs' and Retin A for at least a week.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Agreed, probably the talc and all the other products you are using. If 200 shots were used, and each stamp give 49 micro needle channel, potentially you may have 10,000 micro channels in your skin. This enables talc, irritants, chemicals and even bacteria to enter your skin. Every Board Physician has their own protocol, I normally cover patients with oral antibiotics for 3-4 days, and also a bland antibiotic ointment. This way skin heals up within 2-3 days at most. Once again, it is not INFINI, it could possibly be the after care. I suggest you consult your Specialist, as he or she can help with anti-inflammatories, and or anti-bacterial abs to help you recover. All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBrisbane.

Why am I experiencing cystic acne +whitehead flare 24 hours post Infini treatment?

Answers (4)

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