Excessive bruising from Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectable treatments is rare, though it can happen. Here’s how to reduce bruising after these types of treatments…
Botox is a highly effective youth-enhancing treatment. Botox injections improve the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and more. It’s the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment to keep you looking healthy, rested, and youthful.
Dermal fillers, like Juvederm, are the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment on the market. Dermal fillers help to fill in lines and wrinkles, add volume, improve facial symmetry, and more. Dermal fillers are used for cheek enhancement, chin augmentation, tear trough filler, and jawline augmentation, to name just a few of their uses.
However, on rare occasions, Botox and dermal filler treatments can have some minor side effects. Bruising after treatment is one of those side effects. Fortunately, bruising from Botox and dermal filler typically goes away within a few days following treatment. Still, many of us prefer to reduce the bruising as much as possible or prevent it altogether.
To provide tips and insights on how to reduce bruising after injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, we turn to Houston-based Registered Nurse, Allergan Trainer, and Injector Nicole Sarmiento and Houston-based Aesthetician, Mindy Goeke.
What are injectable treatments?
Injectable cosmetic treatments are treatments that require a needle filled with the treatment to be injected into the skin. Popular injectable treatments include neuromodulators, like Botox and Dysport, and dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane.
Kybella is another popular injectable treatment. It uses an enzyme to break down fat after being injected in treatment areas, like under the chin.
How to reduce bruising after injectable treatments
First, if you take any prescribed medications or medications recommended by a doctor, talk to your doctor before you make a choice to stop taking them for any reason. You can also talk to the DermaTouch RN practitioners about your medications and how they might interact with any treatments you receive.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, here are seven ways regarding how to reduce or prevent bruising after injectable treatments according to Goecke and Sarmiento:
- Avoid blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Use ice following treatment
- Avoid alcohol before and after treatment
- Elevate your head
- Use natural remedies, like arnica
- Avoid activities that could raise blood pressure following treatment
- Get a BBL Bruise Treatment
Ask about blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs
This is an important one when it comes to how to reduce bruising after injectable treatments.
“Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements increase the risk of bleeding and bruising following injectable treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and Kybella,” shares Sarmiento.
Many medications, over-the-counter blood thinners and supplements to generally avoid before and after a Botox treatment include:
- Aspirin
- Heparin
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Turmeric
- Plavix
- St. John’s Wort
- High doses of Vitamin E supplements
Some medications and supplements will need to be stopped up to a week before treatment and should be avoided for a couple of days following treatment, as well. Again, speak with your doctor or a DermaTouch RN practitioner about your medications in advance of your treatment.
Use ice following treatment
When it comes to how to reduce bruising after injectable treatments, one of the easiest things you can do is use ice. Ice can help reduce any lingering discomfort that can sometimes occur following an injectable treatment, as well as help to reduce swelling and bruising.
“Hold a bag of frozen vegetables or ice wrapped in a washcloth or an ice pack on the treatment area,” suggests Goecke.
Avoid alcohol up to 48 hours before and after
“Drinking alcohol can thin the blood,” Sarmiento points out.
So, it’s best to skip the happy hour cocktail or glass of wine with dinner for up to one to two days before and after your injectable treatment.
Elevate your head
Sleeping on an extra pillow at night can support circulation and expedite healing, which might help prevent bruising and swelling after Botox or dermal fillers.
Use natural treatments
Natural treatments, like arnica and eating pineapple, can help reduce swelling and bruising from injectable treatments.
Arnica is a homeopathic supplement available in tablet and gel form. Taking arnica by mouth for a week leading up to your treatment and a couple days following treatment can help reduce discomfort, bruising, and swelling. You can also apply arnica gel immediately following treatment for the same reasons.
Pineapple contains vitamin C and bromelain that can both support healing and reduce inflammation when eaten following dermal filler and Botox injections.
Limit activities that could raise blood pressure (like exercise)
Any activities that could raise blood pressure are best avoided for up to 48 hours following treatment. This includes activities like exercise or sports.
“You also want to limit any activities that would raise your blood pressure for 48 hours following treatment,” shares Sarmiento, “This is especially true when it comes to dermal fillers.”
Get a BBL Bruise treatment
Goecke points out that the BBL Bruise treatment is an excellent option when bruising occurs post treatment. Why?
“A BBL Bruise treatment helps to quicken the healing process of the bruise,” shares Goecke, “So it diminishes faster.”
Additional precautions to take for injectable treatments
There are a few additional precautions to consider to help reduce the risk of treatment side effects and support healing:
Avoid vaccinations two weeks prior and following an injectable treatment. Since vaccines cause an immune response in your body, they can increase the risk of unwanted side effects, which are rare.
Avoid dental work two weeks prior and following treatment. Dental work can also trigger an immune response in the body, increasing the risk of adverse side effects, though rare.
Don’t wear makeup for 24 hours following treatment. Immediately applying make-up following a treatment can increase the risk of infection at the injection site.
If you have a cold sore or rash in the area being injected, reschedule your appointment. An injectable treatment could make the issue worse and increase the risk of side effects.
If you are sick, reschedule your appointment. Aside from keeping everyone safe from getting sick, depending on the issue, a treatment could exacerbate the issue or cause adverse side effects if you’re sick.
Answer questions honestly. It’s important to be honest with the clinic where you’re having your treatment regarding any of the above considerations or with any other questions you might be asked. The goal is to ensure you have the best experience and outcome possible, which requires transparency.
Follow post-care instructions. You should receive pre and post care instructions regarding your injectable treatments. If you don’t receive them, ask for them, and be sure to follow them for the best outcome possible.
Review DermaTouch RN’s pre and post care dermal filler instructions.
Bruising from injectable treatments subside within 1 to 2 weeks
If you do happen to experience bruising following your treatment, it will typically subside within 1 to 2 weeks. To ensure you see results and to allow for any side effects to subside, it’s best to avoid scheduling your treatment within a month of a big event, like a wedding.
The above considerations also hold true for dermal filler injectable treatments. For additional pre- and post-treatment considerations and instructions, visit the DermaTouch RN Pre/Post Care page.
Consider an injectable treatment consultation
Now you know how to reduce bruising after Botox and other injectable treatments. If you have any questions or concerns about your cosmetic service, be sure to speak with your Professional Injector or Botox Practitioner. It can also be helpful to schedule a consultation prior to treatment to get clear on several factors, including if the treatment is right for you and what to expect if you do decide to move forward.
DermaTouch RN’s team of professional injectors have provided 1000s of dermal filler and Botox injections as the number one provider of Botox and dermal fillers in the Texas region. And our team of skilled Aestheticians have provided 1000s of laser treatments, like the BBL, to support skin rejuvenation and healing.
To schedule your injectable or aesthetic treatment, call or book your appointment online.
Nicole Sarmiento, BSN, RN
NURSE INJECTOR
Nicole became a Registered Nurse in 2011 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since 2013, her focus has been in Medical Aesthetics. Her background includes Botox, Dysport, Fillers, CoolSculpting ELITE, Ultherapy, BBL and Laser Hair Reduction. Nicole enjoys teaching and educating her clients. She has a strong passion for the aesthetic industry, and most importantly, helping others feel and look their absolute best.
Mindy Goecke, Aesthetician
Aesthetician
Mindy is a Houston-based Aesthetician with over a decade of experience helping patients utilize the best skin care products and treatments to meet their skin care goals and needs. She is continually striving to provide the best care to her patients and educate them on skin care and treatments. She is continually learning, seeking and applying the best state-of-the-art treatments and latest trends, so she can apply what she learns to support clients in achieving their desired results for the short- and long-term. Learn more about Mindy and the team of professionals she works with.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
