5 Tips for Preventing Post-Injectable Bruising
When you decide to undergo any procedures that involve injections, like Botox or dermal fillers, some of the possible side effects are redness, swelling, or bruising. These minimally invasive treatments are designed to make you look younger and more refreshed, and are extremely popular. While some side effects may be inevitable, there are definitely ways to prevent post-injectable bruising.
Your first step is to come in and see us at the state-of-the-art Bayview General Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Richard Blanchar, MD, determines what you are trying to accomplish and which of our services is right for you. He describes the procedure in detail, and makes sure you know everything to expect.
Procedures that involve injectables
Two of the most common cosmetic procedures that involve injections are Botox and dermal fillers.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is used to paralyze the muscles underneath your crow’s feet, lines, and wrinkles. Yes, it’s a poison, but when used correctly it can accomplish some amazing things, including helping people with migraines, squinting eyes, and a variety of muscle disorders. Small amounts are injected into the areas of concern.
Dermal fillers can also be used to eliminate creases, wrinkles, and lines, but they can also help with making scars less noticeable, plumping lips, and filling in contours or areas that need to be built up. While there are many different types of dermal fillers, we use hyaluronic acid, which creates volume and fullness and is found naturally in the body, and calcium hydroxylapatite, which is found in your bones. These substances can aid in eliminating or reducing frown lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles and are also great for acne scars and filling in thin lips.
Prevent post-injectable bruising
The first thing, of course, is to make sure you go to an expert who knows what he’s doing, and that they’re using the proper equipment. When you have your treatments done at Bayview General Medicine, you know you’re in the best hands, so this concern can be eliminated. There’s no guarantee that you won’t experience side effects, but let’s discuss some specific tips to prevent bruising.
1. Avoid blood thinners, certain medications, and supplements
This should be done a week prior to your treatment. The list includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, and certain vitamins. Blood thinners and certain medicines for cardiovascular conditions can cause more bleeding, so make sure you tell Dr. Blanchar everything you take.
2. Avoid alcohol
Avoid drinking for 24-48 hours prior to your procedure. Alcohol can increase bruising because it has antiplatelet effects. So just do without it for a few days.
3. Proper positioning during and after procedure
Dr. Blanchar always makes sure you are in the proper position during the treatment, but when you are resting or sleeping at home, you’ll need to adjust yourself and make sure your head is elevated. He provides you with specific instructions for what to do at home.
4. Topical or ingested supplements
Both arnica (an herb that has been used for hundreds of years) and bromelain (a pineapple enzyme) can be ingested as a dietary supplement, or used as a topical ointment. Eating pineapple might be a good and healthy way to go, too. And vitamin K is also known to reduce bruising. You can start taking these before your treatment, but discuss it with Dr. Blanchar.
5. The right tools
Dr. Blanchar uses the most technologically advanced tools and procedures, including the AccuVein with every injection, which helps locate and avoid veins. By illuminating your veins, bruising and healing time are minimized, and the injections are far more accurate and effective.
Let’s help you look and feel rejuvenated and without the bruising. Call us for an appointment, or use the handy “Request Appointment” button.