As an injector, it can sometimes be frustrating that patients will equate no bruising with good results. Is it awesome when you don’t bruise? SURE! Does it happen even when we try our best for it not to? ABSOLUTELY. There are so many blood vessels in our head and neck that avoiding them altogether while injecting is virtually impossible. But there are things that you and I can do to minimize the risk and extent of bruising.
Prior to Injections
Staying off of NSAIDS (think Motrin, naproxen, etc) and Aspirin TWO WEEKS prior to injections will greatly decrease your risk of bruising. I often get into discussions with patients who try to convince me to inject sooner than the two week window. And while it can be done, you may not be happy with the amount of bruising that occurs if you took an alleve two days ago. So schedule accordingly! I know headaches and things come up—but sticking to Tylenol before and after injections will help us to minimize the risk of bruising.
Avoid oily vitamins (fit E, fish oil, co-Q-10, etc.) TWO WEEKS before injections as these can increase your chance of bruising.
Avoid alcohol (yes, wine.) for at least THREE DAYS prior to injections. Alcohol thins your blood and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
Avoid heavy exercise the day before and the day after. Exercise will increase blood flow and raise your blood pressure. Which in turn can increase chances of bruising. However, a gentle walk is fine.
If you are on a prescription blood thinner, check with your prescriber. I typically do not recommend injections while patients are on prescription blood thinners. The risks outweigh benefits here.
During injections
This part is for me to worry about! While I am unable to completely avoid all superficial blood vessels in your skin, I have greatly studied anatomy to know the areas to avoid and the larger vessels which will cause greater bruising. I use a cold roller (think ice) during most filler procedures which will help with your comfort but also constrict some of those vessels and minimize swelling. I will typically send you home with an ice pack as well.
After Injections
Ice! See above.
Take oral arnica Montana as well as apply topical arnica to help with any bruising.
BBL, IPL, pulse dye lasers can help with any bruising that has occurred.
I always tell my patients that bruising is a small price to pay for months/years worth of improvements with injectables.
Take Home Message
Plan! Just like any medical procedure, have a plan in place. If you follow the above guidelines, you will be doing everything you can to minimize bruising. But I also advise to give yourself time to heal. If you have a big event such as a wedding or a reunion, we want you to be looking your absolute best. So don’t book your procedure the week before. Give yourself some time to heal and we will all be happy!