The benefit of dermal fillers is immediate results, but you might not be able to enjoy those results right away if your skin is badly bruised. Bruising after fillers is one of the most common side effects, but there are steps you can take to help bruising.
At Envision Aesthetics, Dr. Whipple is a premier provider of fillers, Botox, and many other aesthetic treatments. With board certification in cosmetic and oculofacial plastic surgery, she has a unique knowledge of delicate treatment areas around the eyes and face.
Read Dr. Whipple’s tips to help bruising after fillers below.
What helps bruising after fillers?
In general, you should “baby” your skin after treatment to help prevent bruising and promote healing. Below are ways to help bruising and promote healing after fillers.
Do not lie down for at least 4 hours
Botox and filler need time to settle into the tissues, so you should avoid laying down for the first 4 hours after your injections and keep your head elevated.
Use Ocumends gel pads
One of our favorite products to recommend for post-procedure care is the OcuMend gel pads by Cearna. These pads significantly reduce swelling and bruising after procedures. They cover about 1/2 of the cheek, and you can use multiple pads at once or just 1 or 2 where you need them.
Note: This product also helps with pain!
Take Arnica supplements
Taking Arnica supplements both before and after your treatment is one of the best ways to help prevent or reduce bruising and swelling.
Arnica montana is a supplement that’s known to help prevent bruising and swelling. It’s important to get a high-grade form of this supplement. We personally recommend DermaVance Arinka Forte (which is available for purchase in-office or online!).
The capsules are vegetarian and contain arnica, bromelain, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids to speed up healing, plus reduce bruising and swelling from fillers, injections, and procedures
⚠️ Not all Arnica supplements are the same concentration. Make sure you purchase supplements from a quality provider.
Depending on whether we’re using it for Botox, filler, or a surgical procedure, your provider may recommend taking the supplement for a longer period of time. A 14-day supply of the DermaVance Arnika Forte is the perfect amount for post-surgical care.
Related: How To Reduce Bruising After Lip Fillers
Apply cooling packs
You may find cool packs helpful to relieve any discomfort, bruising, or swelling during the 24 hours after your injections. Be sure not to over ice the area and use the cool packs in 30-minute sessions. Do not use too much pressure or movement on the skin while doing so!
Related: Ask an Injector: How To Prevent & Treat Bruising
Elevate your head while sleeping
To allow for the Botox or filler to settle into place accurately, keep your head elevated while sleeping for the next few days.
What to avoid
Blood-thinning medications
Just like pre-treatment, you should avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for a few days after your injections or other procedure to reduce or prevent bruising.
- Aspirin like Bayer or Excedrin
- Blood-thinning supplements like Vitamin E or Fish Oil
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
* If you are taking this medication under direction of your doctor, be sure to speak with him or her for permission before discontinuing it.
Vigorous exercise
Exercise increases blood flow, which could disrupt/diffuse the Botox or filler placements. You should avoid high-intensity exercise for the first 48 hours after your injections. Light exercise like a walk is fine!
Massaging the area for 12 hours
You should not touch and/or massage the skin on and around the injection site for 12 hours after the injection. Rubbing the skin could move the product from its intended placement before it’s settled and impact your results.
Visit the experts at Envision Aesthetics for the best aesthetic care!
Envision Aesthetics is conveniently located near the expressway, making it easily accessible for both the east and west sides of Rochester. We check every box of what makes an amazing medical spa. With highly trained staff and high-quality products and treatments, we’re here to give you the best experience for your aesthetic enhancements.
No matter what your goals are, we’re here to help! Get started with our virtual consultation tool and get on the path to looking and feeling your best. Or, if you’d prefer, schedule an appointment to come see us and learn more about before and aftercare for Botox, fillers, and other procedures!
The safety and comfort of our customers are top priorities for us. We will always make sure that you’re comfortable with your decisions and happy with your results for a more confident you!