See an Experienced Provider
When it comes to getting Botox or another injection, technique matters. A provider who has ample training and plenty of experience administering fillers or other injectables will typically have the skill to limit the amount of bruising and side effects patients experience.
Another benefit of working with an experienced provider is that they are better able to recommend a filler or injectable to you that will cause the least amount of bruising. Thicker fillers do tend to be associated with bruising, in part because they need to be injected more deeply into the skin. Your provider can give you tips and pointers to help you choose an injectable that will provide the results you want with minimal side effects.
Talk to Your Provider About Any Medications You Take
Before your treatment, you’ll need to sit down with your provider and discuss your goals and medical history. The consultation is a good time to bring up any medications or supplements you take, as some medicines can increase the risk of bruising after an injection. For example, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin thin the blood, making bruising more likely. The same is true of some supplements, such as Vitamin E and St. John’s Wort.
While you might be able to temporarily stop taking some medicines or switch to another option in the weeks or days leading up to your injection, if you’re taking a prescription for an ongoing condition, you probably can’t stop taking it. You’ll want to discuss your options with your provider and also talk to the doctor who is treating your condition before you schedule an injectable treatment.
Ask for an Ice Pack and Numbing Cream
During the injection process itself, there are a few things you can do to help to keep bruising to a minimum. Try asking for a numbing ointment around the injection area. Numbing creams don’t just dull the pinch of the needle, they can also help to decrease bruising. The creams constrict your blood vessels, which can make you less likely to bruise.
Another thing you can do is to ask your provider for an ice pack as soon as the injection is over. Applying cold to the treated area ASAP will help keep bruising to a minimum. Use the ice pack for up to 10 minutes every hour during the first eight hours after treatment.
Take It Easy After Injection
Although injectables are promoted as having no downtime, if you’re concerned about your skin bruising after your injection, the best thing to do is to take it easy for the first few days. Skip the gym or any strenuous workouts during the first 48 hours. When you bump your heart rate up, it increases blood flow. This can make bruises look more visible. Light activity, such as walking, during the first few days after treatment, should be OK.
Try Pineapple to Minimize Bruising
If you like pineapple, eating it during the first couple of days after your injection might help to reduce the appearance of bruises. Pineapple contains enzymes that are thought to reduce bruising. There’s only anecdotal evidence to support this claim, though, so if you really dislike pineapple, don’t force yourself to eat it. If you do, go ahead and snack on it.
Keep Your Head Up After Treatment
Keeping your head up and elevated for a few days after your injection helps to keep blood from pooling in the area and can help you avoid putting pressure on the injection site. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed and try sleeping on your back. The less you lean forward or tilt your head, the better.
Dr. Paul Vitenas and the staff at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas offer a wide range of injectables, from Botox to Juvederm and beyond. To learn more about your injectable options and what you can do to minimize side effects after treatment, call 281-810-9083 today.