What can I do to minmize bruising after a dermal filler treatment?
Injectable dermal fillers are a popular choice to enhance, add volume and contour areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and jaw lines. Fillers are also a great treatment option to soften facial creases, reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of scars.
Even thou dermal fillers can give you fabulous results, they can cause temporary swelling and bruising. Bruising happens when blood vessels get punctured during your treatment.
Take a look at the attached image and you’ll notice that the face is filled with arteries and veins and even thou we take every precaution necessary, it is impossible to completely avoid these blood vessels during your injectable treatment.
Here are a few tips to help minmize these effects.
– Avoid NSAIDs and Asprin products for 1 week prior to your treatment (if safe to do so)
Products such as ibuprofen, motrin, naproxen, alleve, advil, midol, excedrin, and asprin, limits your platelet function (the cells in your body that form clots to stop bleeding). If possible, avoid these medications for 1 week prior to treatment and if safe to do so use tylenol (acetaminophen) instead.
If you are on any of these medications for medical reasons or have been prescribed to take them on a regular basis, please consult with your medical provider BEFORE stopping these products.
– Avoid Alcohol for 24 hours prior to and after treatment
Alcohol can increase your chance of bruising as well as it alters your platelet function. We suggest skipping that glass of wine with dinner so that you have less downtime.
– Avoid supplements such as green tea, vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, st. johns wort, ginger and ginseng.
These supplements can also thin your blood and increase your chance of bruising so we advise stopping these for 1 week prior to dermal filler treatment.
What else can you do?
So now that you know what to avoid before your dermal filler treatment, here are some simple steps you can do to speed up your healing and minimize side effects.
Take Arnica Montana and Bromelain supplements 5 days prior to treatment
Arnica and bromelain are well known supplements that reduce bruising and swelling. Fresh pineapple also contains bromelain and is a natural alternative.
You can find these at your local pharmacy, vitamin stores, and major supermarkets and retailers (Yea..another excuse to go to Target). You can continue taking these supplements after your treatment until your bruising has diminished.
The bottom line!
Its important to remember that even if you follow these recommendations, there is no gurantee that you won’t bruise after your filler treatment. No one can promise you this!
You can apply makeup or coverup to the area if bruising occurs, we just suggest waiting 24 hours after your treatment to decrease your risk of infection.
There are also steps we take during your treament to minimize bruising, such as icing the area, using a cannula when appropriate, and applying pressure to the treatment area.
Taking these steps will minimize but not necessarily eliminate these temporary effects and if bruising does occur it typically lasts less than 2 weeks. For most clients the results are worth it!
Fillers are an incredible way to rejuvenate your look and we strive to give you a natural and enhanced appearance. If you are interested in learning more or would llike a complimentary consultation call us at 248.955.3535.
