Many of Dr. Moz’s patients want to know how they can prevent bruising from injectable treatment with Botox, Dysport and dermal fillers. The truth is, we cannot guarantee that our patients won’t bruise — anytime a needle penetrates the skin, there is a small chance of bruising. However, there are a few things that patients can do to reduce their chances of bruising. Here’s what Dr. Moz suggests:
Stop Taking Blood-Thinning Medication before Treatment
Blood thinning medications increase the likelihood of bruising. Stay away from aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for two weeks leading up to treatment. Tylenol is a safe substitute. Other things that can thin your blood include Vitamin E, garlic, Chinese herbal teas, green teas and wine. Some patients take Arnica before injections or surgery but there is very little convincing medical literature that supports its effectiveness. It probably won’t hurt.
Stay Still During Your Injections
While the injections are being administered, try to stay as still as possible. Flinching or suddenly moving can cause the needle to enter the wrong place or penetrate deeper than needed, leading to bruising. Ask for topical anesthetic to prevent pain, meditate or do whatever is necessary to keep yourself from moving around (e.g., squeeze a stress ball).
Use an Ice Pack after Treatment
Apply an ice pack to your face immediately after treatment. If you have swelling later at home, apply another ice pack to the treated area for a few minutes.
Avoid Exercise and Putting Pressure on the Treated Area
Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment. You don’t want to elevate your heart rate by running, bicycling or other vigorous activity. Avoid yoga inversions or hot yoga. Refrain from massaging or squeezing the treated area (unless you were advised otherwise by our team). Also, elevate head during sleep for 24 hours.
Use Color-Correcting Makeup
Using color-correcting makeup won’t technically prevent bruising, but it can conceal it. We have make-up, including concealers and other creams, and can show you the colors that best camouflage bruising as it progresses.
Schedule Treatment Well Ahead of a Big Event
Just in case you do have minor bruising (or another side effect) after your injections, it’s best to schedule your appointment well ahead of a big event or important work. Give yourself a buffer of about two weeks so that any side effects can resolve. By this time, the results of treatment will have fully stabilized also.
For more information about injectable treatment with Dr. Moz or Hilary Black R.N. (named “Expert Injector” and Galderma “Top 100 Injector”), please contact Belladerma Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center today. Call (858) 261-6900 or send us an email.
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