After taking a closer look in the mirror, you may notice some wrinkles and fine lines developing on your face. While this is a completely natural part of aging, you might want to maintain a youthful appearance for a bit longer. If that’s the case, BOTOX® injections may be exactly what you’re looking for! The procedure itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive. However, some patients experience bruising at the injection sites. Read on to learn five ways to minimize bruising after BOTOX® treatment, allowing you to enjoy the results without any unwanted discoloration.
Stop Taking Certain Supplements
If you take any over-the-counter herbal or vitamin supplements that affect clotting time, they can lead to bruising after BOTOX® injections. These typically include fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids, high-dose Vitamin E, garlic, and turmeric. It’s strongly recommended that you stop taking these two weeks before your treatment – but don’t forget to consult with your medical provider before doing so!
Avoid Certain Medications
There are certain blood-thinning drugs that may cause bruising after BOTOX®, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, non-vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants, heparin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t stop taking prescription medication without consulting your doctor. If at all possible, you may be advised to discontinue using the medication one week before your treatment.
Don’t Consume Alcohol Before and After Your Treatment
Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of bruising. It is best to avoid alcoholic beverages and limit your consumption for a few days before and after your BOTOX® treatment. Instead, you should opt for hydrating beverages like water or herbal tea as they promote better circulation, which can greatly benefit you in the healing process.
Use Cold Compresses
Immediately after receiving BOTOX® injections, apply a cold compress to the treated areas. Cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of bruising. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin cloth and gently place it on the injection sites for 10-15 minutes at a time. Avoid direct contact between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
Avoid Exercising
Engaging in rigorous exercise or activities that increase blood flow immediately after BOTOX® treatment can exacerbate bruising. You should avoid intense physical activity for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Any excessive movement or strain can disrupt the healing process and lead to more significant bruising. Take this time to rest and allow your body to recover!
About the Practice
At Lift Facial Aesthetics, we want to help take years off your appearance. From BOTOX® injections to JUVÉDERM® dermal fillers, we have effective solutions to rewind the clock to a more youthful you. Best of all, our team will ensure beautiful and natural-looking results! If you’d like to learn more about minimizing bruising after BOTOX®, visit our website or call (352) 433-0888.