What to Expect Before, During, and After an Exosome Treatment

Exosome therapy is a fast-rising regenerative treatment that promises measurable improvements in skin quality, scar reduction, and even hair health. If you’re considering it, knowing exactly what to expect before, during, and after a session will help you feel prepared and maximise your results.

Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring vesicles released by cells that carry growth factors, proteins and genetic material (microRNA). They act as messengers between cells, instructing neighbouring cells to repair, rebuild and regenerate. In aesthetic medicine, clinicians harness exosomes—usually derived from cultured stem cells or platelet-rich plasma to deliver regenerative signals directly to the skin or scalp.

Unlike treatments that remove damaged tissue or temporarily fill wrinkles, exosome therapy aims to re-educate the skin’s own repair systems. The result is often an improvement in texture, tone, and elasticity that unfolds over weeks and months rather than days. Common benefits people seek include:

• Smoother skin texture and refined pores
• Reduction in fine lines and improved firmness
• Lightening of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and a more even tone
• Faster healing and improved outcomes when combined with needling or other procedures
• Stimulation of hair follicles in cases of thinning or early hair loss

Who Can Benefit from Exosome Therapy?

Exosome therapy is versatile and is considered for a wide range of indications. However, it’s better suited to some people than others.

Ideal candidates

• Adults with mild-to-moderate signs of ageing (fine lines, early laxity, dull skin).
• People with acne scarring or uneven texture are seeking regenerative improvement.
• Those experiencing slow healing or frequent inflammation who want to enhance their skin’s resilience.
• Clients with thinning hair or early-stage hair loss who want to stimulate scalp health.
• Individuals who prefer non-surgical, low-downtime options.

When to be cautious

• People with active skin infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal) should wait until cleared.
• Anyone currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6–12 months should delay treatment.
• Those with uncontrolled autoimmune disease or certain blood disorders should discuss safety with a physician.
• If you have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring, consulting a specialist is essential.

A qualified clinician will assess your skin, medical history, and expectations to determine whether exosomes are the right option and whether they should be used alone or combined with other therapies.

Before Your Exosome Treatment

Preparation is straightforward but essential. A good pretreatment routine reduces risk, improves comfort, and sets realistic expectations.

Consultation and assessment

• Comprehensive skin review: The practitioner examines texture, pigmentation, scarring and vascularity.
• Medical history: Disclose medications, supplements, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and recent treatments (laser, isotretinoin).
• Photographs: Baseline photos taken under standard lighting help measure progress.
• Goal setting: Agree on which areas will be treated, the delivery method (topical + microneedling, microinjection, or combined), and the recommended number of sessions.

Pretreatment skincare guidelines

• Discontinue retinoids and strong acids (AHA/BHA) for 5–7 days to minimise the risk of irritation.
• Avoid vigorous exfoliation or peels for at least one week before the session.
• Minimise sun exposure and tanning for at least 1–2 weeks; sunburnt skin cannot be treated safely.
• Hydration: Keep skin well moisturised in the week before to promote tolerance.

Medications and safety

• If you take anticoagulants or certain supplements that increase bleeding (high-dose omega-3, ginkgo, vitamin E), your clinician may discuss pausing them where safe.
• If you experience frequent cold sores, antiviral prophylaxis may be considered before procedures that involve breaking the skin, such as dental procedures.

Expectations and logistics

• Plan your treatment around events, although downtime is minimal for most. Mild redness or swelling may be expected for 24 to to 48 hours.
• Arrange transport or downtime if you prefer not to return to work immediately, though most clients resume normal activities quickly.

During the Exosome Treatment Session

The delivery of exosomes depends on the clinic, the treatment goal (skin vs. scalp), and the chosen technique. The following outlines standard delivery methods and provides a step-by-step guide to the experience.

Step-by-step procedure (typical)

1. Cleansing and antisepsis: The skin is thoroughly cleaned to remove oils and debris.
2. Optional topical anaesthetic: For deeper microneedling or injection-based delivery, a numbing cream may be applied for 20–30 minutes to ensure comfort.
3. Delivery method: Exosomes can be applied via:
   • Microneedling/Dermapen: The needling device creates microchannels, allowing topical exosomes to penetrate the dermis.
   • Microinjections / Mesotherapy-style delivery: Microdroplets are injected directly into the superficial dermis.
   • Combination approach: Many clinicians apply exosomes immediately after microneedling to maximise uptake.
4. Soothing and protection: A calming serum, barrier balm and SPF are applied post-treatment.
5. Immediate advice: The clinician reviews aftercare and provides written guidance.

What you’ll feel

• When numbed, sensations are mild, including pressure, vibration, and faint pricks.
• Without numbing, you will feel the device or microinjections, but the discomfort is generally short-lived.
• Total appointment time varies, typically ranging from 45 to 75 minutes for face or scalp sessions.

Safety and sterility

• Single-use needles and cartridges, along with sterile handling, are standard.
• Experienced staff monitor skin response during the session and adjust depth or technique accordingly.

Immediately After Treatment: Normal Reactions

Knowing the typical immediate reactions helps reduce anxiety. Most effects are transient and expected.

Common immediate reactions (first 24–48 hours)

• Redness and mild swelling usually fade within 24–48 hours.
• Warmth familiar in the common area may feel warm or slightly tender to the touch.
• Pinpoint bleeding or bruising is possible with injections, but they are it is less common with lighter microneedling depths.
• Tightness or slight flaking: As skin begins to repair, light peeling may occur in some individuals.

What is NOT normal?

• Severe pain that increases after leaving the clinic
• Spreading redness, increasing warmth, or pus (signs of infection)
• Large, painful lumps or excessive bruising beyond the expected

If any worrying symptoms appear, contact the treating practitioner promptly.

Post-Treatment Care: Dos and Don’ts

Aftercare significantly affects comfort and outcomes. Follow these practical steps to support healing and maximise exosome efficacy.

Immediate aftercare (first 24–72 hours)

• Keep the area clean: Use only the gentle cleanser recommended by your practitioner.
• Hydrate: Apply the recommended hydrating serums (often hyaluronic acid–based) to support barrier repair.
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours, or until your clinician says it’s safe.
• Use physical sun protection (broad-brim hat and SPF 30–50) and avoid direct sun exposure.

Ongoing care (first 1–2 weeks)

• Avoid active ingredients: Hold off on retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C serums and other potent actives for at least 3–7 days, per clinic guidance.
• Don’t pick or scrub: let any peeling occur naturally. Picking increases infection and scarring risk.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for 48–72 hours to reduce inflammation and sweat-induced irritation.
• Stay hydrated and rest: Systemic healing supports local skin repair. Sleep and hydration play a crucial role in this process.

Recommended products

• Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
• Hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid) and barrier creams
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ applied daily (even indoors)
• Avoid products containing alcohol, citrus, or strong exfoliants until the skin has fully healed.

Managing Side Effects and When to Seek Help

Most people tolerate exosome therapy with minimal issues, but it helps to recognise common side effects and red flags.

Typical mild side effects

• Redness and warmth for 24–48 hours
• Minor swelling or tenderness
• Very mild flaking or tightness as the skin renews

Less common issues

• Bruising at injection points (if injections were used)
• Temporary sensitivity or increased acne in some individuals

Warning signs: contact your practitioner if you experience:

• Increasing pain or throbbing after the initial 24 hours
• Fever, spreading redness, pus, or unusual discharge (possible infection)
• Severe or prolonged swelling beyond a few days

Early contact with your clinician allows timely management—antibiotics or topical care can be prescribed if necessary.

Results Timeline: When You’ll See Improvements

Exosome therapy typically produces results that evolve, reflecting actual regenerative effects rather than instant cosmetic camouflage.

First 48 hours

• A fresh, radiant “post-treatment glow” as circulation increases.
• Temporary decrease in surface oiliness or dullness.
• Mild redness and warmth are expected.

2–4 weeks

• Early changes include improved hydration, slight softening of fine lines, and a smoother texture.
• Post-inflammatory redness begins to subside; pigment may appear more even.

6–12 weeks

• Marked improvement: collagen deposition and dermal remodelling become more noticeable.
• Acne scars and textural irregularities reduce; elasticity recovers.

3–6 months

• More profound structural changes are visible—skin appears firmer, plumper, and more youthful.
• Long-term pigment and scar improvement continues to be refined.

Maintenance and durability

• Many clients report meaningful results that last 6–12 months or longer, depending on their skin condition, age, and lifestyle.
• Maintenance sessions (e.g., every 6–12 months) help sustain outcomes.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Treatment plans vary with the concern being treated and the delivery method.

Typical protocols

• Skin rejuvenation (general): 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
• Acne scarring / pronounced texture: 3–6 sessions may be advised for deeper remodelling.
• Scalp and hair stimulation: often 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with maintenance every 3–6 months.

Your practitioner will tailor the exact schedule to your skin’s response and clinical goals.

Combining Exosome Therapy with Other Treatments

One of exosomes’ greatest strengths is their ability to integrate well into multi-modal skincare protocols. When appropriately used, combination treatments can enhance efficacy without increasing risk—if they’re timed intelligently.

Common and effective combinations

• Microneedling + exosomes: Microneedling creates microchannels that dramatically improve topical exosome uptake. This is a very popular protocol for scar revision and skin rebuilding.
• PRP + exosomes: Some clinics utilise PRP (platelet-rich plasma) in conjunction with exosomes to achieve a synergistic growth factor boost.
• Laser or fractional resurfacing + exosomes: After deeper laser treatments, exosomes can speed healing and modulate inflammation. Timing matters—usually applied after the acute healing phase or immediately post-procedure, depending on the clinician’s protocol.
• LED light therapy: Post-procedure LED can reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen further when used in combination with exosomes.

Safety considerations

• Avoid stacking highly irritating treatments simultaneously. For example, combining a deep chemical peel with an aggressive laser on the same day as exosome application can increase the risk of inflammation.
• Always use a qualified clinician to sequence treatments appropriately and allow adequate recovery between modalities.

Exosome Therapy for the Scalp: What to Expect

If hair restoration is your aim, exosomes can be used to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair follicles. The delivery method is often microinjections into affected areas.

Typical scalp protocol

• Scalp cleansing and topical anaesthetic as needed.
• Microinjections of exosome solution into the thinning areas.
• Mild post-procedure redness, possible pinpoint bleeding for a few hours.
• Gentle hair washing after 24 hours and avoid harsh styling for a few days.

Results timeline for hair

• Early improvements in scalp health and reduced shedding may appear within 4–8 weeks.
• Noticeable increases in hair thickness and density often take 3–6 months as follicles re-enter active growth phases.
• A course of 3–6 sessions is commonly recommended for optimal outcomes.

Safety Profile and Evidence

Exosome therapy is generally well-tolerated when prepared and administered under sterile, regulated conditions. Current evidence—from early clinical studies and growing real-world experience—supports improvements in skin texture, scar reduction, and stimulation of hair follicles. Important safety notes:

• Source and quality matter: Clinical outcomes correlate strongly with the purity and preparation standards of exosome products. Select clinics that use reputable, tested formulations.
• Regulations vary: Regulatory oversight differs by country; ensure the clinic follows local guidelines for cellular products and sterile practice.
• Low allergy risk: Since exosomes are not whole cells, allergic reactions are rare; however, screening and sterile technique remain essential for ensuring safety.

Always ask the clinic about product sourcing, batch testing, and adverse event reporting.

Cost, Frequency and Long-Term Maintenance

The cost depends on the region, clinic reputation, product quality, and whether exosomes are combined with other procedures. Typical considerations:

• Per-session cost: Higher than basic mesotherapy due to the advanced regenerative product; expect a premium for quality.
• Series vs. single session: Most goals require a short series of treatments for optimal and durable results.
• Maintenance: One or two maintenance visits a year often sustain improvements for many clients.

It helps to think of exosome therapy as an investment in long-term skin health rather than a one-off cosmetic fix.

Practical Tips to Maximise Results

To get the best from your exosome treatment, consider these practical tips:

• Follow aftercare strictly: The first 48–72 hours are critical for safe absorption and recovery.
• Protect from the sun: Daily SPF is non-negotiable to preserving new collagen and preventing pigmentation.
• Hydrate and nourish: Good sleep, hydration, a balanced diet and reduced alcohol/smoking support regenerative outcomes.
• Document progress: Take standardised photos under the same lighting; this helps you and the clinician judge progress objectively.
• Be patient: Collagen remodelling is a biological and gradual process—expect improvements over weeks and months.

Final Thoughts

Exosome therapy represents an exciting shift toward cellular-level skincare. It’s a great option for those seeking regenerative improvement—scar softening, texture correction, tone evenness, and even hair stimulation—without the downtime or risks associated with more aggressive surgical or thermal methods. The best outcomes are achieved when exosomes are delivered by trained professionals using high-quality products, following evidence-based protocols, and combined with sensible aftercare.

At Charisma Beauty Lounge, we specialise in professional exosome treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate your skin safely and effectively.

If you’re curious to explore integrated approaches that treat both scalp and skin, consider reading more about combined protocols such as Exosome hair & face, which outline dual-area strategies for comprehensive rejuvenation.

For final peace of mind, schedule a consultation with a qualified clinician who can assess your skin, explain realistic expectations, and recommend a personalised plan—because good outcomes begin with clear communication and careful planning.