5 Tips to Prevent Bruising After Botox or Dermal Filler Treatments

BotoxⓇ injections and dermal fillers can be a great way to refresh your complexion. Sometimes called a “liquid facelift,” these treatments can make a profound impact on your appearance without the recovery time of surgery. You can erase fine lines and wrinkles and add volume where it’s needed to create a more youthful look.

Although Botox and dermal fillers are easy and generally quick to recover from, bruising is the most common side effect of these procedures. Fortunately, the bruising is preventable. Here are 5 things Dr. Zarreii recommends to prevent bruising after Botox or dermal filler treatments.

1. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.

When you come in for your consultation, tell Dr. Zarreii which medications and supplements you regularly take. Many common medicines and supplements have blood-thinning properties, which can increase the likelihood of bruising. Some of these include:

• Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium
• Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin
• Fish oil or omega-3 supplements
• Vitamin E
• Green tea
• Ginkgo biloba

Avoid taking any of the above for a week before treatment. You should also avoid consuming alcohol for two days before your appointment.

2. Use certain natural supplements.

Pineapple contains a natural compound called bromelain, which may help with bruising. If you can’t eat pineapple or choose not to, you can also find bromelain supplements at most health food stores.

Arnica montana is a homeopathic supplement available in topical or pill form. Also known as the mountain daisy, this supplement is also found at health food stores. It’s known to help with healing, particularly healing from bruises. 

3. Use cold compresses.

Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas can help reduce bruising and swelling. You can even use packages of frozen vegetables as ice packs. The use of cold compresses are most effective when applied in the first eight hours after treatment. Apply them with a light touch for 5-10 minutes every hour.

4. Sleep with your head elevated.

You’ll want to avoid going to sleep or touching your face for the first four hours after the procedure is done. When it is time to go to bed, sleep with your head elevated the first night. Try using a couple of extra pillows to prop up your head.

5. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Don’t engage in any type of strenuous exercise, including aerobics and weight training, for the first 2-3 days after your treatment. Exercise increases your heart rate and blood flow, which can prevent the damaged capillaries at the injection site from healing as quickly.

You may still get a bruise, even despite your best efforts. Bruising can happen regardless of the doctor’s skill or the things you do to avoid it. If you do get a bruise, it will go away on its own within a week to 10 days. 

Starting a few days after your injections, you can use makeup to cover the bruise. Concealer makeup with yellow tones may work best for hiding a bruise.

When you’re looking at refreshing your appearance, Botox and dermal fillers can do wonders. Call our office in Delray Beach today or make an appointment with Dr. Zarreii online.