How to Reduce Bruising After Aesthetic Injections: Dr. Nina’s Expert Advice

How to Reduce Bruising After Aesthetic Injections|rtwskin.co.uk


Bruising is one of the most common concerns following aesthetic treatments like Botox, Skin boosters and Dermal fillers. While it is a natural and temporary reaction to the injection process, with the right approach, it can be minimised significantly. As a seasoned aesthetic professional, I use advanced techniques and tools to ensure my patients experience the best results with as little downtime as possible.

In this blog, I’ll share Dr. Nina’s personal advice for reducing bruising before, during, and after treatment, including my approach to using ultra-fine needles, cannulas for certain procedures, and gentle, slow injection techniques. These methods allow for safe, effective treatments with minimal trauma to the skin and underlying tissues.

Why Bruising Happens After Aesthetic Injections

Bruising occurs when small blood vessels are disrupted during an injection, allowing blood to pool under the skin. Certain areas, such as the eyes, neck, or forehead, are more prone to bruising because of thinner skin and higher concentrations of capillaries. However, strategic techniques and proper tools can reduce the risk dramatically.

Dr. Nina’s Tips to Minimise Bruising Before Treatment

Preparation is key to reducing the likelihood of bruising. Here’s what I recommend to my patients before their procedure:

  1. Avoid Blood Thinners:

To minimise bruising, avoid taking medications and supplements with blood-thinning effects, such as:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Fish oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Ginkgo biloba

It’s best to stop these 7-10 days before your appointment, but always consult with your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed medications.

  1. Skip Alcohol and Caffeine:

Alcohol and caffeine can dilate blood vessels and increase the likelihood of bruising. Avoid both for 24-48 hours before your treatment.

  1. Take Arnica Supplements:

I often recommend taking Arnica a few days before your procedure. Arnica is a natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce bruising.

  1. Hydration and Diet:

Staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants can strengthen your capillaries, helping to prevent bruising.

Dr. Nina’s Special Injection Techniques for Reducing Bruising

The technique used during injections plays a major role in reducing bruising. Over the years, I’ve developed a method that prioritises safety, precision, and gentleness for optimal results:

  1. For Botox in the Neck, Nefertiti Neck treatment (Platysma Bands):

When treating the neck area, such as the platysma bands, I use a very slow and gentle technique. I carefully lift the skin slightly and inject Botox intradermally or just below the skin’s surface. This helps avoid blood vessels and minimises bruising.

  1. Strategic Superficial Injections for Delicate Areas (e.g., Crow’s Feet):

For Botox around the eyes, such as forCrow’s feet, I place injections very superficially in the skin. By injecting intradermally and avoiding deeper layers where blood vessels are more prominent, I minimise the risk of bruising while ensuring excellent results.

  1. Dermal Fillers with a Cannula:

For Dermal filler treatments, especially in areas like the cheeks, tear troughs, or jawline, I use a cannula instead of a needle whenever possible.

  • A cannula has a blunt, rounded tip, which means it gently pushes through the tissue rather than cutting it, causing less trauma to blood vessels.
  • This technique is safer, less aggressive, and greatly reduces the chances of bruising compared to traditional needles.
  1. Ultra-Fine Needles for Areas Requiring Precision:

When using needles, I always choose ultra-fine, invisible needles that cause minimal trauma to the skin and blood vessels.

  1. Slow, Gentle Injection Technique:

Whether using a needle or cannula, I inject very slowly and gently, allowing the tissue to adapt and reducing the risk of bleeding or bruising.

 

Calming the Patient: The Importance of Reassurance

Another key part of my approach is making sure my patients feel calm and confident during their procedure. Most patients coming in for aesthetic treatments feel worried—whether it’s about the pain, the results, or the fear of looking unnatural or artificial. These worries can increase stress and raise blood flow, which in turn can increase the likelihood of bruising.

To address this, I take the time to reassure my patients about my extensive experience and my gentle, effective techniques. I answer all their questions, explain the process thoroughly, and discuss how the results will be tailored to their unique features to achieve a natural appearance. Once the patient feels relaxed and reassured, their stress levels drop significantly, which not only improves their experience but also contributes to faster recovery and less bruising after the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care: Dr. Nina’s Advice for a Smooth Recovery

What you do after your procedure is just as important as the treatment itself. Follow these aftercare tips to reduce bruising and speed up recovery:

  1. Apply Ice Packs:

Use a clean cloth-wrapped ice pack on the treated area for 10-15 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours. Ice helps constrict blood vessels and reduces swelling and bruising.

  1. Use Arnica Gel:

I always recommend applying Arnica gel directly to the treated areas post-injection. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce bruising and promote faster healing.

  1. Stay Upright:

Avoid lying flat for at least 4-6 hours after your treatment. This helps reduce blood flow to the treated areas, minimising the chance of bruising.

  1. Avoid Exercise and Heat Exposure:

Refrain from vigorous exercise, saunas, or hot baths for 24-48 hours post-treatment. These activities increase blood flow, which can worsen bruising.

  1. Gentle Skincare Routine:

Avoid using harsh exfoliants, retinol, or active skincare products for a few days after treatment to prevent irritation and allow the skin to heal.

Supplements and Natural Remedies to Support Healing

In addition to preparation and aftercare, these natural remedies can aid in reducing bruising:

  1. Bromelain: Found in pineapple, bromelain is an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and bruising.
  1. Vitamin K: Apply Vitamin K cream to the treated area or eat Vitamin K-rich foods like spinach, kale, and broccoli to support capillary health.
  1. Zinc and Vitamin C: Both are essential for tissue repair and skin healing. Consider adding zinc supplements and Vitamin C-rich foods to your routine.

Why Choosing the Right Injector Matters

Your choice of injector is crucial for achieving excellent results with minimal bruising. At rtwskin clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent I prioritise safety, precision, and patient comfort through:

  • Expert Knowledge of Anatomy: My deep understanding of facial anatomy allows me to strategically avoid blood vessels and place injections safely.
  • Gentle, Precise Techniques: Whether I’m injecting Botox, dermal fillers, or performing other treatments, I use advanced techniques like slow, superficial injections or cannulas to minimise trauma.
  • Tailored Treatments: Every face is unique, and I customise each treatment to suit your needs and goals, ensuring natural, beautiful results with minimal downtime.

Final Thoughts: Dr. Nina’s Approach to Safe, Effective Aesthetic Treatments

Bruising is a common side effect of aesthetic injections, but it can be minimised with the right preparation, advanced techniques, and proper aftercare. At my clinic, I combine expertise with care, using tools like invisible needles and cannulas and employing a gentle, slow injection technique for optimal results with minimal bruising.

If you’re considering Botox, Profhilo, Polynucleotides or Dermal fillers, whether for Crow’s feet, Platysma bands, or volume restoration, I’ll ensure your treatment is as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.

Ready to book your consultation? Contact us today to learn more about my approach and how we can achieve your aesthetic goals together.