During Treatment
- Applying numbing cream about 20-30 minutes before injections will help prevent bruising and make you more comfortable during treatment. Anesthetic creams help by constricting blood vessels slightly making bruising less likely.
- The doctor’s technique does matter. Some doctors and nurses can be too rough in their injection technique. A gentle touch helps to prevent bruising.
- Ask your doctor for an ice bag to apply at the end of treatment.
- If the doctor sees a spot start to bleed during the injection, they can apply pressure immediately and then ice for a few minutes to help prevent bruising. You should not have to worry about this if you go to a good doctor.
- Most doctors can tell you right after treatment if they think you are likely to have much bruising just from experience.
After Treatment
Some common side effects may occur, such as swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness and itching at the injection site. The severity and duration of your filler or Botox side effects will depend on the treatment aggressiveness and your individual healing process. However this normally can last for one to two weeks after the treatment.
- It can take from 1-7 days for the results of cosmetic treatments to fully settle in. Most minor problems will resolve in time by just being patient.
- It takes Botox and Dysport 3-7 days to fully take effect.
- It is best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
- Do not exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment. Do not do any inversions in yoga or do hot yoga. Follow all instructions your doctor gives you.
- No excessive sun or heat until all swelling and redness have resolved.
- Avoid squeezing or massaging the treated areas for several hours after treatment as this could slightly change the results.
- Frequent use of sunscreen is important. The sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor of SPF 30 or more. Remember to wear a hat when outdoors.
- Do not take aspirin, Excedrin, ibuprofen, Aleve or Advil for 2 days after treatment. It is okay to take Tylenol.
- If you have swelling, apply a cold compresses to the treated area for 5-10 minutes every hour.
- Every so often, a treatment can trigger an acne flare. This usually resolves naturally within 1-14 days after treatment. You can always call your doctor if you need medication.
If you do get a bruise or redness you can always cover it up with makeup.
