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The Reality of Bruising with Injectables


Skin Thesis Botox Bruising
Preventative measures can be taken against bruising.

When clients come into our clinic, we are always transparent and honest about the potential side effects of performing injectables. One unfortunate reality is bruising. Bruising may occur even with the most experienced and skilled practitioner when performing services such as filler injections or Botox. While such injectables are often viewed as having no downtime, there can be more to the story. These non-surgical treatment options can result in bruises after Botox, Dysport or other injectables, but preventative measures can be taken to decrease the probability of this happening.


How Common is Bruising after Skincare treatment?

The risk of bruises developing after cosmetic injections such as dermal fillers is always a probability. It can be a potential side effect of injections any time a needle is used on the face as it is a highly vascularized region of the body with a network of vessels.


A skilled injector will usually advise you on the risks associated with injections and other aesthetic treatments such as under-eye filler, mid-face enhancement, lip injections or generalized neurotoxin injections (Botox, Dysport).


Tips to Prevent the Occurrence of Bruises after Injections


Avoid Medications and any Supplements that have a Blood Thinning Effect before Treatment


Some specific medications and supplements effectively slow down the platelets in your blood. Remember that platelets are responsible for blood clotting; thus, if they are blocked from reaching damaged capillaries at the injection site, your risk of being bruised increases. Therefore, avoiding any drug that has a blood-thinning effect (aspirin, advil) at least 1 week before treatment would be beneficial. Common supplements you should avoid are chia seeds, flaxseed oil, garlic, and vitamin E. However, before you stop taking any prescribed medication, consult your physician. The use of arnica, a homeopathic, can be taken 2-3 days prior and post treatment to prevent and heal bruising and inflammation.

Do Not Use Alcohol before and after Treatment


Alcohol is a vasodilator, making your blood vessels relax and open. Taking even trace amounts of alcohol like a shot of vodka can stimulate this effect, thereby increasing the risk of bruises on your face. Therefore, avoiding alcohol at least 24 hours before an after your procedure is good practice.

During and even After Treatment, Use Ice on the Affected Sites

Ice is effective in managing bruises as it constricts blood vessels, slowing down the flow of blood to the injection site. This has the effect of reducing the occurrence of bruises. Similarly, ice numbs the skin, and you can apply it to manage the pain the needle may cause after the injection.

Keep Away From Strenuous Exercise for at Least Two Days after Your Procedure


It is no secret that exercise is good for your overall health and well-being. When it comes to bruising, however, the increased heart rate that comes with exercise is detrimental to healing bruises and scarring. This is because the damaged blood vessels will recover quicker if they are not strained by increased blood flow caused by exercise. You can return to normal activities after the procedure but avoid strenuous ones.


Precautions Clinics Can Take to Minimize the Occurrence of a Bruise

  • There are some options where the practitioner is able to use a microcannula. Using this type of needle allows a small pilot hole for the entrance of the cannula. Due to the cannula having a blunt end, there is less likely of vessels being penetrating a trauma to the tissue. Therefore, use of a cannula instead of a traditional hypodermic needle will reduce your chances of bruising.

  • At the end of the day a skilled and knowledgeable practitioner makes a difference. Although no one can completely prevent bruising, your practitioner can provide options and guidance prior and during the procedure to reduce chances of bruising.

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