Fillers can be amazing for a lot of reasons. They can help to enhance the face, add volume to the lips, soften fine lines, decrease the shadow of the lower lids, and much more! One of the questions we get asked often in regards to filler, however, is how to prevent bruising after filler treatments
Why Does Bruising Happen?
So, why does bruising after filler treatments happen in the first place? The simple answer to this question is that bruising happens as a result of the blood vessels in your skin being punctured by a needle.
Bruising is a super common side effect for facial fillers and can happen after just about any injectable treatment. The lips are known to be even more susceptible to bruising as they’re usually more vascular than other areas.
How Long Does Bruising Last?
If you have any concerns about bruising, then you’re likely curious about how long it can last. While it will depend on how much effort you put into preventing the bruising and caring for your fillers, you should see it start to go away within five to seven days.
If you have an important event or need to start a new job, then we recommend scheduling your filler appointment accordingly. Five to seven days is a good estimate, but it could be longer depending on the person.
Talk to a professional and plan your filler appointment accordingly!
Tips to Prevent Bruising After Filler Treatments
Now here’s what you came for. Our best tips for preventing bruising after filler treatments!
Avoid certain medications and supplements
Well ahead of your appointment, you should look into what medications and supplements could have an effect on your filler. Some can slow down the cells in your blood that work to help stop bruising and bleeding. Your chances of bruising increase if these cells are unable to reach the broken capillaries or blood vessels after you’ve had an injection.
The common medications to stop taking are usually aspirin and NSAIDS, along with other supplements that can thin out the blood. It’s best to stop use of these meds at least two weeks before your appointment. Supplements such as vitamin E, turmeric, chia seeds, and flaxseeds should also be avoided before your appointment.
The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor or your provider to get an understanding of what you should stop taking before your treatment.
Consider taking Arnica
What you should take instead of the medications and supplements mentioned above, is Arnica montana. This is a flowering plant that grows in lovely, sunny locations and has been known to help with treating bruising and swelling.
It’s commonly recommended that you take Arnica pills around four to five days before and after your filler treatment if you would like to reduce bruising as much as possible. It’s usually found at homeopathic shops, drugstores, or online stores as an over-the-counter supplement.
Again, it’s always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medications or supplements.
Refrain from alcohol
Sometimes it’s hard to stop yourself from having a nice glass of wine or two, but it can be helpful when it comes to preventing bruising after filler treatment. Alcohol can act as a vasodilator which makes the blood vessels relax and open.
It’s unfortunate, but even the smallest bit of alcohol can make the blood vessels open which only ups your chances of bruising after your filler treatments. That goes for Botox as well!
The good news is that alcohol can only really affect the blood vessels in the short term. So, you’re usually ok to just avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after your appointment. This will help to keep your bruising down, which means it’s definitely worth it!
Avoid vigorous exercise for two days after your appointment
Ready to hit the gym? Not so fast! While exercise is good for you in the grand scheme of things, you might try to avoid vigorous exercise for two days following your filler treatment.
Vigorous exercise works to increase your heart rate, which in turn increases blood flow. An increase in blood flow doesn’t help when it comes to bruising. Take the two days following your appointment to allow for the damaged capillaries and blood vessels to recover. You’ll be back to your regular gym routine in no time. And with minimal bruising!
Use ice
Ice is a simple, but super effective tool when it comes to preventing bruising after filler treatment. The cold helps to constrict the blood vessels and can help to slow down the flow of blood to the injection sites. Less blood flow in these areas means less bruising!
You can also apply an ice pack to the area you’ll be getting filler before your filler appointment which will help to numb the area. You’re a lot less likely to feel discomfort when it comes to needles.
When booking your appointment, check to see if your provider will provide ice packs to use before your treatment. Then, once you return home, make sure you have ice or ice packs ready to go so you can use them right away.
Put makeup on
While this tip might not necessarily be preventative, it can definitely help you after the fact! It’s common for patients to use makeup to help cover up any of the mild bruisings that are left over after you’ve done everything you can to prevent it.
You can look up different techniques to cover up bruising or ask your provider. They’ll be able to give you recommendations on what works best, along with some tips and tricks for covering those pesky bruises until you’re all healed up.
It’s always best to choose the right coverup for your skin tone ahead of time. That way you’ll be all ready to go right after your appointment!
Choose an experienced provider
The truth is, that the person who ends up giving you your fillers can make a difference in how much you bruise. That means choosing the right person can be a great way to prevent it!
Do your research to see what options are available to you and don’t be shy when it comes to asking for credentials. Check to see examples of their work in the past and be sure to ask questions. When you’re paying for a service it’s always a good idea to get all of the information you need.
More Questions About Filler Treatments
Before we send you on your way, here are some answers to some of the commonly asked questions we get in regard to filler treatments.
How long do the results from fillers last?
The results from filler treatments will vary depending on what type of filler you get. Collagen filler it usually lasts between 2 to 3 months, while hyaluronic acid gel lasts anywhere from 4 to 12 months.
One of the best things about fillers is that they only need to be injected in the areas where fullness needs to be replaced.
Will the fillers look natural?
Once again, whether or not the results you get look natural will depend on the person injecting the filler. An expert will be able to help you get the look you’re going for and will be able to make recommendations on how much filler you should get.
It’s always best not to overdo it on fillers, especially if you’re going for a more natural look.
What are the possible side effects of fillers?
We already discussed the side effects of bruising and how you can prevent it, but there are a few other temporary side effects you should be aware of. Swelling, tenderness and redness are common side effects when it comes to fillers, but they usually clear up within 7 to 14 days, if not sooner.
If you are to use someone without experience for your filler treatments, the chances of experiencing more serious side effects increase. That can include infection, severe swelling, overfilled area, ridges, lumps, and skin discoloration.
Are fillers safe?
We’re sure you’ll be happy to hear that fillers are one of the safest cosmetic treatments you can get! The practice of filler treatments has been ongoing for years and years, and there are plenty of experts out there that can ensure you have the safest experience possible.
Your Next Filler Appointment with Anushka
Now you’re all set to take care of your fillers both before and after your appointment! The key is to have your fillers done by a professional who will not only make sure your appointment goes smoothly but will be able to make recommendations just to suit you and your needs.
If you’re ready to book your filler treatment with one of our experts here at Anushka in West Palm Beach, or simply learn more, be sure to get in touch with us! You can book your appointment, or schedule a consultation to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
