Although patients generally love the results of Botox, Dysport and injectable fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, etc.), they often times do not love the bruising associated with the treatment. Dr. Sam Jejurikar of Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute has some helpful tips to avoid bruising with your injectables.
- Avoid Aspirin and NSAIDs, which are potent blood thinners. Non-prescription blood thinners can promote significant bruising by interfering with the function of platelets, which are important cells in your blood that are required for clotting. Poor platelet function dramatically increases bruising. Stop all non-prescription blood thinners, such as aspirin and NSAIDs (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve, Advil, Midol, Excederin, Toradol, etc.) at least one week prior to treatment.
- Wine and alcohol also have the same effect on your platelets. Avoid drinking wine or alcohol for 48 hours before and after your Botox or injectable filler appointment.
- Herbal supplements, including Green tea, Vitamin E, St. John’s wort, garlic, gingko, red yeast extract and others can act like blood thinners, thereby promoting bruising. Because of relatively poor regulation of supplements on the market, Dr. Jejurikar recommends that patients stop taking all herbal supplements one week prior to to treatment.
- Icing can promote quick clotting and constriction of capillaries, thereby minimizing bruising. Dr. Jejurikar recommends icing for at least 10 minutes after your Botox or filler appointment.
- Exercise increases your heart rate and blood pressure, thereby increasing the blood flow to all capillaries in your body, including those recently traumatized by injectable treatment. Given that, Dr. Jejurikar advises you to avoid the gym for 24 hours after injectable treatment.
- Choose a qualified injector. Many places offer massively discounted rates for injectors who have minimal experience or poor qualifications. Make sure you trust the credentials of your injector!
If you’d like to learn more about treatment with Botox or injectable fillers, contact the office of Dr. Sam Jejurikar, board certified plastic surgeon, at 214-827-2814.