Bruising of the treated area from Botox and dermal fillers is one of the biggest concerns people have before receiving aesthetic injectable treatments. Bruising occurs when small blood vessels are punctured during the injection process, leading to the leakage of small amounts of blood into the surrounding tissue. Potential bruising will subside naturally, but the following tips can help keep any possible bruising to a minimum.
How You Can Prepare Before and Plan After Your Treatment
We offer SkinadeMD INsupport, which is a specially formulated product to enhance the results of injectable treatments and to reduce social downtime, including from bruising and swelling. You can purchase this and all our in-store products on our product order form.
Prior to your treatment avoid taking supplements with blood thinning effects. Some of these include fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green tea, and vitamin E, which may increase the likelihood of bruising especially if you’re taking blood-thinning medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There such supplements should be discontinued seven days prior to your appointment.
Also avoid non-essential medications such as aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), which also have blood thinning characteristics. If possible these should be stopped for several days before, and one day after, your appointment. If you are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix, or are prescribed any of the aforementioned, please consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations as these guidelines do not constitute medical advice.
Short-term Lifestyle Modifications
• Don’t drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your treatment. Alcohol has anti-platelet effects and increases your chances of bruising.
• Discontinue exercise for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Physical activity increases your heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow. Minimal blood flow allows damaged capillaries to repair faster.
• If the lips were treated do not put pressure on them with a straw, water bottle nozzle, etc. for one week.
• Do not put significant pressure on treated areas for one week (like lying face down on a massage table cradle).
• To prevent blood from pooling and minimize bruising, elevate your head while sleeping by using an extra pillow. This slight elevation helps improve blood circulation and reduces the chances of excessive blood accumulation in the treated areas.
• Should bruising still occur it may be covered with your usual makeup.
By following these post-appointment care guidelines, you can support the healing process and maximize your chances of achieving a beautiful and bruise-free outcome.
Finally, plan accordingly prior to your treatment and afterwards. Even by following all these tips, bruising can still occur. An important part of getting cosmetic injections is timing. Try to make your appointments at least two weeks prior to a big event just in case you do have swelling or bruising.
