SKN BAR RX IS HERE TO SERVE THE GREATER MILWAUKEE AREA AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH INJECTABLES, HOW THEY WORK AND HOW OUR TEAM OF MEDICAL AESTHETICIANS CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SKINCARE GOALS WITH A TREATMENT PLAN.
You may have just received an injectable treatment and notice a few bruises popping up. Rest assured – there is always risk of bruising after injectables and it is completely normal! We’ll be answering all your questions about injectable bruises from what you can do if bruising does occur after your appointment and when to know if your bruising is more serious.
What are bruises?
Bruises, or ecchymosis, form when a blood vessel is damaged and a small amount of blood leaks beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in skin discoloration. Bruises typically appear red/purple at the time of injury and the body works to heal a bruise by slowly reabsorbing the blood and healing the vessel. As the bruise continues to heal you may notice it turn light brown or yellow in color. You will typically see any bruising heal after 3-4 days but in some cases, it may take up to a week to heal.
Bruising after Neurotoxin treatments
Bruises can form after a neurotoxin treatment if a blood vessel is nicked by a needle during treatment. At SKN BAR Rx we utilize a device called Accuvein, which helps us visualize blood vessels in the face to assist in preventing injury to a vessel and possibly cause bruising.
Bruising after dermal filler treatments
Bruising is more common during dermal filler than it is neurotoxin because we are typically making more injection points with dermal fillers. Lips are one of the most common places to use dermal fillers and they are a highly vascular area which can increase bruising.
Uncommon signs of bruising
Delayed capillary refill in the treatment area is not a normal sign of bruising and can be a concern with dermal filler treatments. Capillary refill is used to check peripheral tissue perfusion. To do this you will need to apply pressure to the treated area for 5 seconds and when you release pressure the tissue should reperfuse within 2 seconds. If it takes longer than 2 seconds or has an abnormal white/grey color, it is important to call the clinic to determine further steps.
Ways to prevent bruising
Despite bruising being extremely common after injectables, there are a few things you can do to help prevent or lessen the bruising.
1. Restrict any blood thinners a few days prior to treatment
Blood thinners such as ibuprofen, advil, vitamin E, fish oil, alcohol, garlic, and ginkgo can all be causes of bruising after an injectable treatment. Blood thinners are designed to slow down blood clotting which can cause broken blood vessels to take longer to stop leaking, resulting in bruises.
2. Apply ice to the treated area before and after treatment
Placing cold ice on the area that you are going to or have received injections on can majorly avoid or limit bruising. Ice does such amazing wonders for bruising because the cold constricts blood vessels, therefore making it harder to puncture through a vessel.
3. Utilize topical lidocaine before dermal filler
At SKN BAR Rx, we use topical lidocaine before any dermal filler treatment because it helps make clients much more comfortable by preventing pain. Along with making treatments less painful, it also constricts blood vessels which helps limit bruising as well.
4. Use Arnica gel or tablets after treatment
Post care for Botox & Dermal Fillers
1. Do not lie down completely flat for 4 hours after treatment
The reason you should not lay completely flat after treatment is because of the increased risk of bruising. Bending or laying down can spread the toxin to other areas of your body which causes bruising. This doesn’t mean you can’t relax though! Just be cautious of how much you’re laying down, we suggest propping up a pillow behind your back so your face can stay upright.
2. Do not receive a facial for 2 weeks following neurotoxin
Not receiving any facials for 2 weeks after neurotoxin will help avoid the risk of the neurotoxin being disrupted while it’s healing and working its magic.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Exercise increases blood flow and will cause both bruising and the spread of the toxin in the body.
4. Avoid hats or pressure on the treated area for 24 hours
Any pressure on the treated area, such as hats, will spread the neurotoxin and make it less effective.
5. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol has blood thinning properties that can cause issues after Botox such as bruising and swelling at the site.
6. Stay hydrated
Your Botox can have longer lasting results if you remain hydrated after treatment and it’s crucial to drink plenty of water after Botox since it can cause dehydration.
Bruising is okay!
You shouldn’t be completely startled if bruising ever occurs after your injectable treatments as it is extremely normal. Follow the suggested tips to help limit and control bruising after treatment and as always, if it ever seems out of the ordinary, seek a professional for help.
