Bruising is one of the most common side effects of aesthetic treatments, but with the right precautions, it can often be minimised or even prevented. Whether you are undergoing Botox, dermal filler injections, or polynucleotides, understanding how to reduce the risk of bruising can make a significant difference to your post-procedure experience.
In this guide, we will explore the best strategies to prevent bruising and ensure a smooth recovery, so you can enjoy optimal results from your treatment after your visit with us in Soho.
Understanding Why Bruising Happens
Bruising occurs when tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, are damaged. This results in blood leaking into the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic discoloration. Treatments which involve injections, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and polynucleotides, can sometimes puncture small blood vessels leading to bruising.
At Biológica Aesthetics, we make every effort to prevent bruising by:
- Carefully inspecting your skin in good lighting to identify and stay away from any visible vessels.
- We choose techniques and equipment that will cause the least trauma.
- We maintain a cool temperature within our treatment rooms to stop your blood vessels dilating in the heat.
- As expert medical practitioners, we know the location and depth of facial veins and arteries to avoid puncturing these larger structures.
However, despite taking all these precautionary measures, bruising is still a risk during aesthetic procedures. The face is made up of a vast network of blood vessels, so it unsurprising that studies have found the rate of bruising post-procedure to be 19-24%.
Although bruising is usually harmless, it can be inconvenient, particularly if you want to keep the fact you’ve had an aesthetic treatment on the down low, or if you have any social or professional commitments soon after your treatment. The good news is that there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Pre-Treatment Tips to Minimise Bruising
1. Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements
Blood thinners increase the risk of bruising by preventing normal blood clotting. To reduce this risk, avoid the following for two weeks before your procedure:
- Omega-3 supplements (fish oil, flaxseed oil)
- High dose vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginger supplements
- St John’s Wort
Refrain from using the following for one week pre-procedure:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
- Corticosteroid creams
Stay clear of the following for 24 hours prior to treatment:
- Alcohol drinks
If you are taking any prescribed medication that thins your blood such as clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin, or dabigatran/apixaban/rivaroxaban, it is extremely important that you check with us, or your doctor, before discontinuing them. These drugs are often prescribed in patients with atrial fibrillation, thromboembolic disease, mechanical heart valves, or at high risk of heart attack or stroke, and so should not be discontinued for cosmetic procedures.
In some instances, if you are on these medications, we can still proceed with your aesthetic treatments. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis following a comprehensive review of your medical history and in close collaboration with your specialist medical team. We will counsel you on the increased risks of the procedure prior to obtaining your written consent.
2. Take Arnica and Bromelain
Arnica montana is a natural remedy known to reduce bruising and inflammation. There are reports in the literature that taking Arnica tablets, or gel, before your procedure can help to minimise discolouration afterwards. Similarly, Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may assist in reducing bruising.
3. Take Nuchido
Nuchido is our new favourite supplement in clinic. NAD is a molecule found in every cell throughout the body however, our levels decline as we age. NAD is involved in converting the food we eat into energy for cellular repair and function. Nuchido boosts NAD levels in the body to promote a speedier recovery post procedure.
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in vitamin C and K can strengthen blood vessels, reducing the risk of bruising. Include:
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, strawberries)
- Bell peppers and tomatoes
5. Communicate with Your Aesthetic Practitioner
During your consultation, it is important for you to be open and honest with us about any medical problems you may have as they may increase your risk of bleeding. We promise we aren’t being nosy and understand that relaying this information can be a sensitive subject for some people. It just enables us to weigh up the benefits and risks of treating you and together determine whether it is safe for you to go ahead with the aesthetic procedure.
If you have been bruised by a procedure before, please tell us! This means we can take extra precautions and care when injecting in the same area again.
Post-Treatment Strategies to Reduce Bruising
1. Apply Ice
Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of blood leaking into surrounding tissues. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes every hour for the few hours’ post-procedure.
Take care after dermal filer treatments, as the injected hyaluronic acid gel contains lidocaine, which will numb your skin. This means you may not feel an ice burn developing if you place the icepack directly on the skin or leave it on for too long.
2. Keep Your Head Elevated
For facial treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, and polynucleotides, trying to keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, can help prevent excess swelling and bruising.
3. Avoid Strenuous Activity
Exercise increases blo,od flow, which can worsen bruising. Avoid intense workouts, yoga (especially inverted poses), and heavy lifting for 24–48 hours after your procedure.
4. Dodge extremes of heat
Try to avoid extremes of heat for at least one week post procedure. So don’t jump straight into the sauna or steam room, run a scalding hot bath, or hop on the next plane to the Caribbean.
5. Skip Alcohol and Caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can dilate blood vessels, increasing the risk of bruising. It’s best to avoid these beverages for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
6. Avoid blood thinning painkillers
It’s also important to avoid blood thinning painkillers, like aspirin and NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen or naproxen), after your treatment too. It is normal to get a headache after your Botox treatment, or some mild tenderness at the injection site post polynucleotide or dermal filler treatment. In these instances, the best pain killer to take is paracetamol.
Additional Skincare Tips for Faster Healing
If you’ve had an aesthetic procedure, taking extra care of your skin post-treatment can help prevent further irritation and speed up recovery.
1.Avoid the area
To avoid infection, try not to touch the treated area until the next day. If you do get any bruises, you can cover them up with make up the following day.
2. Avoid harsh skincare ingredients
Skip retinoids, exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), and strong active ingredients for at least 3–5 days post-treatment to allow the skin barrier to heal properly.
3. Apply a gentle healing moisturiser
Look for skincare products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which support the skin’s healing process without irritation. We love the GF20 Growth Factor Cream by Dermaroma, which you can pick up in clinic from us. This magic cream is packed with potent growth factors to accelerate skin recovery, soothe inflammation, and enhance skin regeneration and repair.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays following aesthetic treatments. Always apply SPF 50 sunscreen and wear a hat when outdoors to prevent further damage.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Mild bruising is normal, but if you experience any of the following, contact your practitioner:
- Severe pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection
- Lumps or nodules that don’t resolve within a few days
- Unusual discoloration (such as white or blotchy skin around the treated area)
Final Thoughts
Preventing bruising after injectable aesthetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and polynucleotides, is possible with the right precautions. Following these expert-backed tips before you visit us in Soho will ensure a smoother, quicker recovery with minimal downtime.
By preparing properly, taking care post-treatment, and using advanced skincare, you can enjoy flawless, long-lasting results from your aesthetic procedure.
If you have any concerns, always consult a qualified professional to tailor your aftercare plan to your specific needs.