5 Tips to Prevent Bruising after Botox® or Filler Treatments

Injectable treatments are one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures utilized by women aged 30-50. Botox® and dermal fillers can give you back a relaxed, youthful appearance, but with renewed beauty often comes temporary bruising.

At Elysium SurgiSpa in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Mick provides various injectable options to deliver a smoother, younger-looking appearance. Before you sign up for Botox or filler treatment, though, find out how you can minimize after-treatment bruising so you don’t end up having to field embarrassing questions about your face.  

Neurotoxins and hyaluronic filler injectables

There are many different types of injectables, but most fall into two main categories: dermal fillers and neurotoxins. In 2017, more than three million dermal filler treatments and more than five million botulism injections were completed for cosmetic enhancement. 

Neurotoxins

Neurotoxin injectables contain a form of safe, purified botulism, which is a mild paralytic. When administered precisely, Botox and related injectables work by relaxing the nerves of the face. This prevents lines and wrinkles from forming when you smile, laugh, or frown.  

Dermal fillers 

Dermal filler injectables contain hyaluronic acid, which is a substance made naturally by your body. The filler plumps out the skin, lessening the visibility of a line or wrinkle, and it encourages your body to make more collagen for a younger, fresher appearance.  

Both Botox and filler treatments can cause bruising after your injections, but you can minimize this side effect by following five guidelines.

5 ways to cut down on bruising after cosmetic injectables

Injectables cause tiny amounts of trauma to your facial tissues, because the gel or liquid being injected has to make room for itself under the skin. This has the same effect on your face as a strong pinch applied over and over along the length of a wrinkle or line. To prevent bruising, plan ahead so you can prepare before and self-treat after a session to keep the bruising down. 

1. Avoid blood thinners

If you take aspirin, NSAIDs, or any herbal supplements known to thin your blood, such as St. John’s Wort, discontinue them two weeks before your treatment. Check with your doctor if you are on prescription blood thinners, and find out what the ramifications are when it comes to injectable treatments

2. Give alcohol a rain check

Alcohol is also a blood thinner that can increase bruising, so don’t indulge in alcoholic beverages for at least two days before your treatment

3. Put pineapple on your pizza

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce bruising, so eat some the day of and the day after your treatment. You can also buy bromelain supplements if you don’t like pineapple.

4. Rub on some arnica

Arnica gel applied topically several times a day after your injections will also help to cut down on bruising and reduce swelling.

5. Use cold packs

Soft, moldable cold packs or plastic bags filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be applied gently off and on for eight hours following treatment. 

Following these steps can help you avoid bruising and allow you to feel great about yourself immediately after injectable treatments. To schedule a treatment with Dr. Mick, call our Chicago office at 312-219-2260 or request an appointment online today.