5 Tips to Prevent Bruising When Getting BOTOX or Dermal Fillers

When it comes to quick-and-easy anti-aging tools, few beat BOTOX® and dermal fillers for their effectiveness and ease of use. In just a few minutes, we can treat fine lines, wrinkles, and deep folds with simple injections, and the results are immediate or show within a few days after your treatment. To ensure that the anti-aging effect isn’t offset by bruising from the injections, there are some steps you can take before and after your visit with us.

At Hanami Medspa, Dr. Elaine Phuah and our team have extensive experience with cosmetic injectables, helping our clients in Fort Worth, Texas, turn back the clock on aging skin. While many of our clients experience no problems with bruising after their BOTOX or dermal filler injections, some have more sensitive tissue, and minor bruising can crop up.

If you fall into the latter category, here are 5 tips that will help keep your skin free from bruising.

1. Stop certain medications and supplements

If you regularly take medications like aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®), these drugs thin your blood, which can lead to bruising. We recommend that you discontinue use of these medications for about a week before your appointment with us and for at least a day afterward.

Please also note that certain supplements can have the same effect, such as high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and garlic. For the week leading up to your cosmetic injections, curb your use of these supplements to avoid bruising.

If you’re on blood thinners like warfarin for cardiovascular issues, please let us know. You should continue to take these medications per your doctor’s instructions, but do know that you may be more susceptible to bruising after your injections. Rest assured, the bruising does go away!

2. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can influence your platelet activity, so we suggest that you don’t drink for the 24 hours preceding your visit with us. You might also avoid alcohol for the next 24 hours after your appointment just to make sure that your platelets are behaving normally.

3. Ice it

Immediately after your BOTOX or filler injections, we suggest you ice the area, which can go a long way toward preventing bruising by constricting your blood vessels. And the icing does double duty by numbing any discomfort you may be feeling at the injection sites. You should apply cold compresses for the rest of the day after your appointment with us for the best results.

4. Elevate the area

Following your appointment, be mindful of avoiding any activity that might force blood into the areas where we’ve administered the injections. For example, you may want to skip your yoga class and the downward-facing dog and headstands for 24 hours following your injections.

5. Use arnica

Arnica, available as oral tablets and a topical ointment, is derived from the arnica herb, and it’s been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever that also tackles bruising. You can find arnica in most pharmacies or natural supplements stores, and you simply apply the ointment per the instructions.

As we pointed out in the beginning, bruising isn’t a side effect that occurs in everyone. Many patients have nothing to show for their cosmetic injections — except younger-looking, smoother skin. However, if you know you have sensitive skin, or you’ve experienced bruising after previous treatments, these 5 tips should keep you in good stead.

If you have any questions about bruising after BOTOX or dermal fillers, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Or you can use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.