Whether it’s your first time with wrinkle relaxers such as Botox or Dysport, or with fillers and other aesthetic injectables, or you’re a pro in our chair, you might be wondering how to minimize bruising and swelling after your treatment. While these popular cosmetic treatments have virtually no down time, a few simple tips and tricks can reduce your chances of experiencing the initial minor bruising and swelling that sometimes appears with the injections.
With just a few minutes and a touch of perfectly-placed injections, our favorite cosmetic injectables can soften determined wrinkles and perfect facial contours. With these simple tips, you can minimize downtime from your aesthetic injectable treatment and be event-ready in no time at all.
Check your (non-RX) supplements for blood-thinning properties.
Some medications and supplements are known to increase bruising after injectable treatments, so we advise avoiding them the days leading up to your treatment if possible. These supplements and medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, fish oil, and flaxseed oil.
Choose an experienced injector.
The techniques your injector uses can heavily influence both the immediate and long-term results of your Botox and filler treatments. Their skills, experience, and ongoing training can make all the difference to help minimize your bruising and swelling. Bonus— the best injectors are able to recommend the best products for your specific needs.
Try a cold compress.
Cold is one of our favorite ways to naturally reduce bruising and swelling after injections. Lightly applying a cold compress to the treated area after treatment can reduce any signs of injections. Tip— keep your skin safe by wrapping ice in a thin cloth.
Stay upright— day and night!
For the first day after your treatment, avoid exercise where you go upside down, and keep your head elevated while sleeping. While you don’t need to be completely upright, try to prop your head up with an extra pillow or two to allow gravity to naturally aid in reducing swelling.
Skip the gym— or workout before your treatment.
Strenuous activity following treatment is a surefire way to increase swelling and bruising after your Botox or filler treatment. Since exercise increases blood flow, it’s best to postpone the CrossFit or Pilates class for at least a day after treatment.
Pass on alcohol before treatment.
Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to relax and open. Even in small amounts (think one glass of wine at happy hour) can trigger this effect and increase your risk for bruising.
The good news is that these vasodilating effects are short-lived, so you only have to avoid alcohol for a day before and after treatment to reduce your risk of bruising at injection sites.
Add in fruits and veggies— and skip the processed foods.
Salty or processed foods can make swelling worse, so choose a clean diet before your treatment to help reduce your chances of bruising and swelling— and for better skin overall! Bonus tip— fresh pineapple is known to prevent bruising!
Do you have more questions about minimizing your post-Botox or filler treatment bruising and swelling? Send us a message, or ask your aesthetic injector during your appointment. It is our mission that you both look and feel your best.
Comments