How to Prevent Bruising After Botox

Published June 06, 2021

Injectable therapies, such as Botox and dermal fillers, have grown in popularity. This is because of their ability to treat signs of facial aging without the pain and recovery time associated with surgery procedures, like cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery. Injectables, on the other hand, can occasionally cause bruising (or swelling) near the injection area.

Bruising after a Botox treatment is uncommon, although it may still occur. However, even the most outstanding doctors may cause bruising after giving Botox. Moreover, it frequently happens when the needle nicks a blood artery, allowing blood to flow underneath the skin’s surface and causing the skin to appear reddish and/or purple.

No injector can promise that you will not experience bruising after Botox and other injectable treatments. Still, it is always preferable to go to the most experienced injector in your area to avoid any significant side effects. Treatments can take 1 to 2 weeks for results to really settle in. So unless something is seriously wrong, most minor issues heal in time. 

However, if you are looking for tips to prevent bruising after Botox, you can try our suggestions below:

1. Avoid Blood-Thinning Drugs or Supplements Before Treatment 

Platelets, the cells in your blood that assist in stopping bleeding and bruising, can be slowed by some drugs and supplements. Your chances of bruising rise if your platelets are unable to reach the broken capillaries or blood vessels following an injection. Avoid taking aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®, naproxen, ibuprofen), and any supplements that function as moderate blood thinners for at least two weeks before treatment to lessen the chance of bruising.

It is recommended to consult with your doctor before discontinuing any regular drugs. However, if you require a pain reliever, Tylenol is a suitable replacement.

2. Avoid Alcohol Before and After Treatment

Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and opens blood vessels. Even small amounts of alcohol, such as a glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor (mixed drinks count!), may cause this effect and raise your risk of bruising following Botox or filler treatments.

Fortunately, alcohol’s vasodilating effects are transient. We don’t want to ruin your fun plans but avoiding alcohol the night before and the night of your injectable treatment is great bruising prevention.

3. Green Tea, Vitamin E, and Herbal Supplements Should Be Avoided

High doses of Green Tea, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ginseng, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Ginkgo Biloba, Flaxseed Oil, and herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wart, Garlic, Red Yeast Extract, and many others act as mild versions of prescription blood thinners. Moreover, they significantly enhance your chances of botox bruising. 

Green Tea Extract, in particular, is regarded to be one of the strongest “bruisers” on the market. Therefore, limit intaking any before your injectable treatment. In addition, since there are so many herbal supplements that are unpredictable when it comes to bleeding and bruising, it is recommended to discontinue ALL supplements at least one week before your treatment.

4. Avoid Strenuous Exercise Following Treatment

Everyone knows that exercise is essential for your heart and overall health. Additionally, increased heart rate and blood flow are not good for bruises.

While you can resume normal activities right away, postpone your daily gym visit or evening run for a few days. Avoiding strenuous exercise for two days following Botox or filler therapy can help the damaged blood vessels and capillaries recover faster. Also, avoid squeezing or massaging the treated regions for several hours after the treatment as this may alter the outcomes slightly.

5. Select a Qualified Injector

This is a no-brainer but proceed with caution. Since no enforceable standards govern who is permitted to inject wrinkle reducers and dermal fillers, there are many unqualified injectors on the market. Be especially wary about getting injected at clinics that claim exceptionally low pricing because they frequently utilize counterfeit medications.

6. Consider Applying Ice or Cold Packs 

Ice and ice packs restrict blood vessels, causing blood flow to injection sites to slow down. As a result, the risk of injection-related bruising is minimized. As a bonus, placing packs right before treatment numbs the area and may reduce needle discomfort. Ice is particularly efficient in reducing bruises and should be applied before and after a Botox treatment. However, it should never be applied directly to the skin.

7. Apply Anesthetic Cream

If your injector applies numbing cream 20-30 minutes before beginning the treatment, it will help avoid bruising and make you more comfortable during the procedure. In addition, some anesthetic creams constrict blood vessels slightly, reducing the likelihood of bruising. If you wish to have numbing cream, ask if you need to come in early when you arrange your appointment.

8. Take Arnica Before and After Treatment

Arnica montana, also known as just Arnica, is a blooming perennial that grows in sunny settings at higher elevations. It has been used for millennia to cure a wide range of ailments, including bruising and swelling. It is available without a prescription in any clinic.

9. Use Sun Protection

Excessive sun or heat should be avoided until any early swelling and redness has subsided. It is always crucial to wear sunscreen correctly and frequently. The sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and have an SPF of 30 or above. When going outside, always wear a hat.

10. Plan Ahead of Time

Timing is also a crucial aspect of obtaining injections. Make your appointments at least two weeks before a major event in case you suffer swelling or bruises. When you do get the therapy, you need to make sure that it is within your budget. Depending on how your body responds, you may require more or fewer locations to be treated. Since injectables operate differently on various people, you may not get the same results as anyone else regarding how long the treatments persist.