4 Strategies to Prevent Bruising After Botox®

If you’re reading to say farewell to the fine lines and wrinkles that make you look older than you feel, Botox® injections are a smart way to smooth the years away. Botox gives you fantastic results with no downtime required.

This cosmetic injectable uses botulinum toxin to block signals from nerves, preventing the muscles you use to make certain facial expressions from contracting as deeply. As the medicine takes effect, wrinkles and lines soften, smoothing your skin.  

In addition to being effective, Botox injections are safe, with very few side effects. However, as with any injectable, it’s possible to experience mild bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. 

At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our experts want to help you prevent these after-effects from developing in the first place. That’s why we’ve created this useful guide, outlining four strategies to prevent bruising after Botox.  

1. Get Botox from experienced practitioners

Not only are your results from Botox injections dependent on technique but your risk of bruising increases when you seek treatment from less-than-skilled practitioners. For this reason, it's best to always schedule injections with a trained Botox provider, like the team at Integrative Primary Care. 

Our aesthetic providers know how to minimize tissue trauma by using precise techniques, such as injecting slowly and using the smallest needle possible. They also know how to identify and avoid larger blood vessels in the injection area, keeping your risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising to a minimum.  

2. Take precautions before to prevent post-injection bruising 

To prevent bruising after Botox, take some precautions before your appointment, including: 

• Stop taking any medications that act as mild blood thinners (anticoagulants) for 2 weeks before your treatment (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) Remember: Always talk to your Integrative Primary Care doctor before stopping any regular or prescribed medications!
  
  
• Avoid supplements and oils high in omega-3 fatty acids, as they slow platelets and increase your risk of bruising (e.g., vitamin E, St. John’s wort, turmeric, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, garlic)
  
  
• Eliminate alcohol completely for 24 hours before your treatment, as this vasodilator can open blood vessels and make it more likely you’ll bruise
  
  
• Consider taking arnica, an anti-inflammatory supplement, for 4-5 days before your treatment
  
  
• Right before your appointment, use a cold compress or ice pack to constrict your blood vessels, making injury and bruising less likely 

It’s also a good idea to come to your appointment well-hydrated. When your tissues have the water they need, they’re more resilient after injections, reducing your risk of bruising.   

3. Practice safe aftercare to stop bruises from forming

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you keep your face free from unsightly bruises after your Botox injections:

• Immediately after your session, apply gentle but firm pressure to seal any injured blood vessels and reduce bruising
  
  
• Pull out your cold packs again to slow the flood of blood to the injection sites and stop bruises from developing after your session
  
  
• Keep taking arnica supplements for another 4-5 days to keep bruising at bay
  
  
• Stay away from alcohol for another 24-48 hours after Botox sessions if you want to stay bruise-free

And don’t forget to keep sipping water to maintain hydration and help your skin and tissues bounce back bruise-free after Botox. 

4. Pay attention to posture and physical activity post-Botox

After your Botox session, paying attention to your posture and physical activity can go a long way in preventing bruising. 

As much as possible, try to stay upright for about 4 hours after your Botox appointment. Lying down too soon after your injections causes blood to flow to your face, making any leaking from blood vessels worse and increasing your risk of bruising. 

In addition, it’s best to avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after your appointment. Vigorous activities increase blood flow throughout your body, increasing the risk of bruising by putting more pressure on the tiny capillaries in your face. 

Ready to learn more about Botox and how it can help you take years off your face? Schedule an appointment online or over the phone with an aesthetic specialist at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas.