Everyone hates bruises!

Simple things you can do to prevent bruising

by Liz Janowski, CEO

Bruises are an unfortunate side effect to injectable procedures like Botox®/Dysport® and filler injections. Often times, it’s difficult to predict who will bruise and when. We tell patients that if you tend to bruise easily in your daily life – like when you bump into something – you will have a greater likelihood of bruising post-procedure. However, there are a few things you can do to possibly prevent potential bruises – and to help them resolve more quickly.

Before your visit

Avoid fish oil supplements, alcohol, and blood thinning medications (such as tylenol – unless it is medically necessary) for two-three days prior to a procedure. All of these thin your blood – making you more likely to bruise.

There is some evidence that taking a non-sedating anti-histamine, such as Claritin, 20-30 minutes prior to your procedure can help minimize the body’s inflammatory response. When you inject the skin, histamine is released – causing swelling. Blocking this histamine *may* help prevent bruises.

During your procedure

Work with an expert physician injector! Dr. Janowski has been injecting Botox®/Dysport® and fillers daily since 2004 – and is known for his gentle techniques. He also uses micro-cannulas for filler injections when possible. Micro-cannulas are blunt tipped needles – and they allow for a more gentle and more precise placement of filler – and only one needle poke as the entry point for the cannula. While cannulas cannot be used every where, every time – Dr. Janowski does prefer them for certain areas – and they can make a procedure less “traumatic” for the tissues.

After your visit

We recommend icing (we will give you ice) for the first 15 minutes post-procedure. We will also give you one of our trademark little anti-bruising kits – which contain arnica cream, arnica tablets and bromelian tablets. Arnica is a homeopathic supplement that you can also take orally which can lessen the time you bruise or prevent a bruise all together. We have our patients smooth it on immediately post-procedure and then again for the next few days. We also have them take a few arnica tablets under the tongue. We also give you Bromelian tablets – which are derived from the pineapple plant – and can reduce inflammation. The use of all these items is optional – but we provide them to our wonderful patients because we want you to have your absolute best results.

Even with every precaution and the best of care, you may bruise post-procedure. The more you have done at one time, the higher your chances of bruising. People with thin skin, a history of bruising easily, or who are on blood-thinners are especially likely to bruise.

We always recommend planning your procedures so that you aren’t bruised before a big event or social occasion.

We wish no one ever bruised – but we do our best to help you lessen your chances – and to help you resolve it as quickly as possible!

Schedule a consultation with Sonata Aesthetics today. Serving Broomfield, Denver, Westminster, Boulder, Arvada, and surrounding areas.

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