BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments around for smoothing fine facial lines and wrinkles, and for good reasons. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and provides natural-looking results that can leave you feeling refreshed and confident. While most patients enjoy a smooth recovery, some may experience minor bruising at their injection sites. Luckily, with a little preparation and proper aftercare, it’s quite easy to reduce or even prevent this mild side effect. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does BOTOX Sometimes Cause Bruising?
Bruising after BOTOX is typically caused by tiny blood vessels beneath the skin being disrupted during the injection process. This is perfectly normal for any injection and usually fades quickly; however, taking certain preventive measures can help to minimize your risk. These include:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (with your doctor’s approval). Aspirin, ibuprofen, and even supplements like vitamin E and flaxseed oil can all increase the likelihood of bruising.
- Limit alcohol intake for at least 24 hours before (and after) treatment, as alcohol thins the blood and can make bruising more likely.
Tips for Preventing Bruising After Treatment
After your injections, if you find yourself dealing with bruising, you can use these tips to limit your discomfort:
- Apply ice or cold packs to the affected areas after treatment; this can constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of blood to the injection sites—not to mention, it can numb any associated discomfort.
- Keep your head elevated for the first few hours and avoid lying flat on your back or bending over. This can increase blood flow to the injection sites.
- Skip strenuous exercise and physical activity for at least 24 hours, as working out or being active can increase circulation and blood flow, worsening bruising.
- Consider taking Arnica, which is a safe, popular supplement that’s been used for centuries and is known for helping with bruising and swelling.
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid rubbing, massaging, or putting pressure on the treated areas for at least a day or two.
The bottom line is that BOTOX is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your appearance with minimal downtime. By following a few simple steps before and after your treatment, you can help ensure the best experience possible with minimal or no bruising at all!
About the Practice
Our team here at Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala has served the needs of patients in the area for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including cosmetic solutions like BOTOX performed by our very own board-certified ARNP and Master Injector, Elizabeth Estes Weldon. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (352) 622-3236.