Preventing Bruising

Before treatment, avoid medications or supplements with blood-thinning effects

Certain medications and supplements can slow platelets, the cells in your blood that help stop bleeding and bruising. If your platelets are unable to get to the broken capillaries or blood vessels after an injection, your chances of bruising increase.

To reduce the risk of bruising, stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®, naproxen, ibuprofen), and any supplements that also act as mild blood thinners at least one weeks prior to treatment.

Common supplements to avoid before treatment include vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil (and other oils high in omega-3 fatty acids).

2. Eliminate alcohol before and after treatment

Alcohol acts as a vasodilator — it causes blood vessels to relax and open. Even small amounts, like a glass of wine or a shot of hard alcohol (mixed drinks count!), can trigger this effect and increase your risk for bruising after Botox and filler.

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment to reduce your risk of bruising at injection sites.

3. Try taking Arnica and/or Bromeline before and after treatment

4. Apply cold packs to the affected areas during and after treatment

Cold packs constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of blood to injection sites. As a result, the risk of bruising from injections is reduced.

5. Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 days after treatment

Everyone knows exercise is good for your heart and great for your health. But an increased heart rate and the blood flow it brings aren’t so great for bruising.