Bruising from Botox is rare, though it can happen. Here’s how to help reduce or prevent it…
Botox is a highly effective youth-enhancing treatment. Botox injections improve the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and more. It’s the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment to keep you looking healthy, rested, and youthful.
However, on rare occasion, Botox treatments can have some minor side effects. Bruising after Botox is one of those side effects. Fortunately, bruising from Botox goes away within a few days following treatment. Still, many of us prefer to reduce the bruising as much as possible or prevent it altogether.
How to prevent bruising from Botox
First, if you take any prescribed medications or medications recommended by a doctor, talk to your doctor before you make a choice to stop taking them for any reason. You can also talk to the DermaTouch RN practitioners about your medications and how they might interact with any treatments you receive.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, here are five ways to help reduce or prevent bruising after Botox.
Ask about blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs
Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements increase the risk of bleeding and bruising following injectable treatments like Botox. Many medications, over-the-counter blood thinners and supplements to generally avoid before and after a Botox treatment include:
- Aspirin
- Heparin
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Turmeric
- Plavix
Some medications and supplements will need to be stopped up to a week before treatment and should be avoided for a couple of days following treatment, as well. Again, speak with your doctor or a DermaTouch RN practitioner about your medications in advance of your treatment.
Use ice following treatment
Ice can help reduce any lingering discomfort that can sometimes occur following an injectable treatment, as well as help to reduce swelling and bruising. Hold a bag of frozen vegetables or ice wrapped in a washcloth or an ice pack on the treatment area.
Avoid alcohol up to 48 hours before and after
Drinking alcohol can thin the blood, so it’s best to skip the happy hour cocktail or glass of wine with dinner for up to 2 days before and after your Botox treatment.
Elevate your head
Sleeping on an extra pillow at night can support circulation and expedite healing, which might help prevent bruising and swelling after Botox.
Use natural treatments
Natural treatments, like arnica and eating pineapple, can help reduce swelling and bruising from Botox.
Arnica is a homeopathic supplement available in tablet and gel form. Taking arnica by mouth for a week leading up to your treatment and a couple days following treatment can help reduce discomfort, bruising and swelling. You can also apply arnica gel immediately following treatment for the same reasons.
Pineapple contains vitamin C and bromelain that can both support healing and reduce inflammation when eaten following Botox injections.
Additional precautions to take for Botox injections
There are a few additional precautions to consider to help reduce the risk of Botox treatment side effects and support healing:
Avoid COVID vaccinations two weeks prior and following a Botox treatment. Since vaccines cause an immune response in your body, they can increase the risk of unwanted side effects, which are rare.
Avoid dental work two weeks prior and following a Botox treatment. Dental work can also trigger an immune response in the body, increasing the risk of adverse side effects, though rare.
Don’t wear makeup for 24 hours following treatment. Immediately applying make-up following a Botox treatment can increase the risk of infection at the injection site.
If you have a cold sore or rash in the area being injected, reschedule your appointment. An injectable treatment could make the issue worse and increase the risk of side effects.
If you are sick, reschedule your appointment. Aside from keeping everyone safe from getting sick, depending on the issue, a treatment could exasperate the issue or cause adverse side effects if you’re sick.
Answer questions honestly. It’s important to be honest with the clinic where you’re having your treatment regarding any of the above considerations or with any other questions you might be asked. The goal is to ensure you have the best experience and outcome possible, which requires transparency.
Bruising from Botox subsides within 1 to 2 weeks
If you do happen to experience bruising following your treatment, it will typically subside within 1 to 2 weeks. To ensure you see results and to allow for any side effects to subside, it’s best to avoid scheduling your Botox treatment within a month of a big event, like a wedding.
The above considerations also hold true for dermal filler injectable treatments. For additional pre- and post-treatment considerations and instructions, visit the DermaTouch RN Pre/Post Care page.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Botox cosmetic service, be sure to speak with your Professional Injector or Botox Practitioner.
DermaTouch RN’s team of professional injectors have provided 1000s of Botox injections as the number one provider of Botox in the Texas region. To schedule your Botox treatment, call or book your appointment online.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
