5 Tips to Prevent Bruising After Botox or Filler Treatments

At Starkey Medical Esthetics in Salem, Virginia, we understand the desire to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin so you can look your best. Michele Meinhart, FNP, and her team of professional aestheticians are certified experts in administering injectable cosmetic procedures, like Botox® and fillers, which do just that.

But anytime an injection is administered there’s a risk of bruising. For anyone considering Botox or filler treatments, we’ve put together the following list of five tips to help you stop bruising before it starts.

1. Before treatment, avoid medications or supplements with blood-thinning effects

Certain medications and supplements can slow platelets, the cells in your blood that help stop bleeding and bruising. If your platelets are unable to get to the broken capillaries or blood vessels after an injection, your chances of bruising increase.

To reduce the risk of bruising, stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®, naproxen, ibuprofen), and any supplements that also act as mild blood thinners at least two weeks prior to treatment.

Common supplements to avoid before treatment include vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil (and other oils high in omega-3 fatty acids).

It’s best to talk to your doctor before stopping any regular medications. The trained specialists at Starkey Medical Esthetics discuss any medication or supplement use with you before treatment to ensure your best results and well-being.

2. Eliminate alcohol before and after treatment

Alcohol acts as a vasodilator — it causes blood vessels to relax and open. Even small amounts, like a glass of wine or a shot of hard alcohol (mixed drinks count!), can trigger this effect and increase your risk for bruising after Botox or filler treatments.

Fortunately, the vasodilating effects of alcohol are short-lived. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment to reduce your risk of bruising at injection sites.

3. Try taking Arnica before and after treatment

Arnica montana, most frequently referred to as simply Arnica, is a perennial, flowering plant that grows in sunny locations at higher elevations. It’s been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including bruising and swelling.

Taking Arnica pills or sublingual tablets 4-5 days before and after your treatment can help keep bruising at bay. Not sure where to find it? Arnica is available as an over-the-counter supplement at most drugstores, homeopathic shops, and online stores.

4. Apply ice or cold packs to the affected areas during and after treatment

Ice and cold packs constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of blood to injection sites. As a result, the risk of bruising from injections is reduced. As an added bonus, applying packs just before treatment numbs the area and may alleviate discomfort from the needles.

At Starkey Medical Esthetics, your practitioner provides ice packs before treatment. When you get home, apply ice or cold packs to the injection sites to reduce the risk or appearance of bruising.

5. Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 days after treatment

Everyone knows exercise is good for your heart and great for your health. But an increased heart rate and the blood flow it brings aren’t so great for bruising.

While you can return to normal activities immediately, skip your daily trip to the gym or evening run for a few days. Keeping blood flow to a minimum by avoiding vigorous exercise for two days after Botox or filler treatment can help the damaged blood vessels and capillaries recover faster.

At Starkey Medical Esthetics, we offer personalized treatment plans to help you look your best. If you're ready to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, call or click to book an appointment today.