As the most common side effect of fillers, bruising post treatment shouldn’t be shocking, but it can (understandably) be upsetting. Here’s everything you need to know about why filler bruising happens, what you can do to prevent it and how to fast track your recovery.
Dozens of studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of bruising after cosmetic injections. While some report 19 to 24 percent of patients will experience bruising post cosmetic injections, others say upward to 68 percent do. Either way, bruising after filler injections can be upsetting.
While there are a few things that you can do to help diminish the likelihood of bruising, the truth of it is, bruising can happen to anyone—even with the most experienced injector. This is why I recommend not booking any cosmetic injections within two weeks of any events, just in case. For under eye filler, I recommend allowing at least three weeks before a big event. Besides, your filler will look its best when it has settled after a few weeks.
What can I do prior to my filler injection to decrease my risk of bruising?
Your preparation before dermal filler should actually begin a minimum three days prior to your treatment, but is more effective if started closer to one week before. When it comes to bruising, substances that cause blood thinning can increase your chance of bruising—and that includes alcohol. It’s best to refrain from indulging in that glass of wine starting a couple days prior to your filler appointment. You should also avoid having any Aspirin and Ibuprofen in your system before and immediately after cosmetic injections. Natural supplements and ingredients such as Vitamin E, fish oil and garlic are also known to increase your risk of bruising. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication and always consult with your family doctor.
How can my injector help reduce my risk of bruising?
As an injector, there are several things that I am being conscious of to help reduce my patients’ risk of bruising. Along with fully preparing my patients of the increased possibility of bruising when the substances mentioned above are still in their system, my focus is on carefully avoiding blood vessels. Both as an injector and as a Naturopathic Doctor, I have learned the face is an arterial minefield, which means no matter my experience and training, I can never guarantee that a patient won’t bruise.
What can I do after my filler injection to decrease my risk of bruising?
Apply a cold compress or wrapped ice pack to the treatment area following your injection to help reduce swelling, itching, pain and bruising. If you already see bruising, I recommend icing for 10 to 20 minutes per hour, for the first two days, while awake. For the first 24 hours, avoid wearing makeup on the treatment area and keep your head elevated when you go to sleep that evening. In the following 24 to 48 hours, it’s important to not elevate the blood pressure as it will make any swelling or bruising worsen. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and even hot showers. If you are needing pain medication, stick to Tylenol. The pressure of flying can also increase your chances of bruising, so do your best not to book your filler treatment right before your next vacation.
Bruising After Filler: The Bottom Line
We’re lucky enough to call cosmetic injections lunchtime treatments that require little to no downtime, but in some cases bruising might change that. Even if you and your cosmetic injector do everything possible to reduce your risk of bruising, it can still happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared with time on your side, a cold compress and some good concealer.
If you ever experience bruising after a treatment with myself, or any other cosmetic injector for that matter, do not be afraid to ask questions and send photos. It is my goal as a Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector, to make you feel confident in your own skin and I am here for any questions you may have.
To book your next dermal filler treatment at any of my four locations (Chilliwack, Langley, Parksville or Nanaimo), click here.
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