Dr. Matthew Lynch and his team, we understand how you look on the outside impacts the way you feel inside. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping patients eliminate the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Our specialists are experts with injectable dermal fillers, which help do just that.
As with any injection, however, dermal fillers come with a risk of bruising. But we’ve got you covered. If you’re considering dermal fillers, check out our guide to help you stop bruising before it starts.
Some medicines, and supplements slow down platelets, the cells in your blood that help prevent bruising. Suppose these cells can’t quickly reach an injection site to start repairing broken capillaries or blood vessels because of these medications or supplements, your risk of bruising increases.
To optimize your results, at least two weeks before getting dermal fillers, you should stop taking medications that can thin your blood, like aspirin, NSAIDs, naproxen, and ibuprofen. You’ll also want to stop taking supplements that have the same effect, such as vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil or other oils high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Some prescription medications may also affect your platelets, so be sure to discuss all the medicines you take with Dr. Lynch.
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of bruising with dermal fillers; it’s best to stop drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after treatment. This is because alcohol is a vasodilator, increasing blood flow by relaxing and expanding your blood vessels.
This increased blood flow can significantly increase your chances of bruising or bleeding at your treatment sites. Even a single glass of wine or a shot of alcohol triggers the vasodilating effects, raising the risk of you turning black and blue.
The good news is that the effects of alcohol are short-lived, and you’ll be able to celebrate your smoothing skin with a glass of wine after 24 hours.
Taking Arnica pills or tablets for 4-5 days before and after your treatment can help ensure you don’t look black and blue. Arnica montana, usually referred to as Arnica, is a flowering plant used for hundreds of years to treat bruising and swelling. It’s available online and at most drugstores and homeopathic or natural medicine shops.
When you apply ice or cold packs to the site of injections, the cold temperatures trigger a response in your blood vessels — constriction. And when your blood vessels constrict, the flow of blood slows. As a result, the risk of bruising from injections is reduced since it’s harder for blood to pool.
Applying ice or cold packs just before treatment will numb your skin and have minor discomfort from the injections. You can use additional ice or cold packs to the injection sites to help keep bruising at bay when you get home. Just be sure you don’t put ice packs directly on your skin. Place a tea towel or cloth between your skin and the cold pack.
Exercise may be good for your heart, but the increased heart rate and blood flow that make it so great for your health aren’t great for bruising. Although you can return to normal activities immediately following dermal injections, it’s a good idea to skip your daily trip to the gym for two days after treatment.
By omitting any vigorous exercise for a few days, you give the blood vessels and capillaries damaged by the injections a chance to recover. This helps reduce your risk of bruising and speeds up your recovery.
At Matthew Lynch MD PA, the aesthetic experts offer personalized treatment with dermal fillers to help you look your best. If you want to say goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, schedule your appointment today and find the fresh, beautiful skin waiting to be uncovered!
