Newbies Guide to Dermal Fillers - 5 Tips to Prevent Bruising

The promise of dermal fillers that help plump up your skin and smooth out wrinkles is enticing for anyone frustrated with the untimely arrival of aging skin. While the outcome can help you look and feel your best, it’s also important to note that even after a minimally invasive procedure, like dermal fillers, some individuals may experience some temporary swelling and bruising. 

At Sterling Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Mark Mathieson  

has put together a newbies guide to dermal fillers with five tips to prevent bruising, so you can make the most out of your dermal filler treatments. 

1. Tell us about any medications you currently take

To avoid bruising from a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to tell us about any medications you’re currently taking. Even herbal supplements may increase your chances of bruising after dermal fillers. Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications or supplements that may have an adverse effect include: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, like aspirin and Advil® (ibuprofen)
• Coumadin®, Eliquis®, Pradaxa®, and Lovenox®
• Flaxseed and fish oils
• Omega-3 supplements
•  

St. John’s wort may also thin your blood and increase your chances of bruising after receiving dermal fillers, so it’s important to let us know about anything you regularly take. Dr. Mathieson advises you regarding how best to proceed so you can still fight back against the signs of aging while not looking like you’ve been in a battle. 

2. Some natural supplements help minimize bruising

While some medications and supplements can increase your risk of bruising after receiving dermal fillers, others may help minimize the effects of the tiny needles. Arnica montana is a homeopathic supplement that comes in various forms, including oral pellets, topical gels, ointments, and creams. 

We may recommend taking Arnica montana orally in the days leading up to your procedure and continuing with tablets or topical therapies afterward. Based on your individual needs, Dr. Mathieson will provide detailed information about vitamins and supplements, along with how to take them before and after your dermal filler appointment.

3. Avoid alcohol the night before and day of treatment

You don’t have to give up alcohol permanently, but if you’ve scheduled dermal filler injections, be sure to avoid consuming any alcohol the night before and the day of your treatment. Alcohol increases blood flow throughout your entire body by temporarily relaxing and expanding your blood vessels. This increased blood flow can significantly boost the potential for bruising or bleeding at the site where we inject dermal fillers beneath your skin. 

4. Keep your head upright 

Lying flat on your back after receiving dermal fillers can increase your chances of swelling and bruising. To minimize bruising and swelling, we recommend keeping your head raised higher than your heart for the first 2-3 days after receiving dermal fillers.

And be sure to apply ice to the site of your injections. Not only will elevation and ice keep swelling down, but ice also makes your blood vessels constrict to help minimize any bleeding. After the third day, you can switch from applying ice to heat to increase blood flow and flush damaged cells from the treated areas.

5. Engage in low-impact exercise and activities

In most cases, dermal fillers don’t require any downtime. However, while you heal, be sure to avoid vigorous activities that increase your heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure. Strenuous exercises and physical exertion can be hard on blood vessels that may have been damaged during your dermal filler treatment. Take a break from the gym for a few days and choose gentler workouts, such as walking, yoga, or swimming. 

Are you ready to make dermal fillers part of your anti-aging routine? We’re happy to answer all your questions. Call our office at 941-208-6696 or make an appointment online for a consultation.