Allow for bruising

Careful technique can minimize bruising, of course.  Also Juvederm may be a better choice for patients who experience bruising and swelling with Restylane.  As hyaluronic acid fillers have become longer lasting and thicker, the complications from injections have increased.

In all patients who need to be "camera ready", we recommend 48 hours-72 hours of down time, "just in case".

Also, for a patient's first injection, we often recommend Prevelle, which does not last as long but has much lower comlication rates.  Very sensitive patients who are sensitive even to Prevelle should probably not have Restylane injections.

For swelling that is already present, ice, elevation, reduction in activities, perhaps arnica cream, perhaps motrin, and perhaps even a Medrol dosepack for very large swelling are all things you should discuss with your doctor.  For very severe prolonged cases, hyaluronidase injections to dissolve the Restylane can be considered.

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There are two things to do if you experience bruising with facial fillers or other injectables:

1.  Speed up the rate of recovery from bruising by employing the following  treatments: 

• Arnica tablets: BruiseKare; Sinecch, Homeopathic arnica montana
• Arnica ointment: BruiseStick ointment
• Massage

2.  Prevent future bruising by speaking to your physician prior to performing your next treatment about the above-mentioned pre-procedural treatments:

• Arnica tablets: BruiseKare, Sinecch, Homeopathic Arnica montana
• Arnica ointment: BruiseStick ointment
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, or any other blood thinners
• Use ice after the injection
• Massage early
• Hold pressure immediately after the injection

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Dear Black and Blue,

Keep doing what you are doing.  Unfortunately you were not given the proper information.  There is always a possibility of bruising and swelling and you should have been informed so you would have been prepared for the outcome. The bruising and swelling should subside over the next few days.

You are doing everything you can at this point.  I would recommend not taking any alcohol drinks or aspirin nor advil for at least 5 days before your next injection session.   Don't blame the restylane or the physician for the bruising.  It happens regardless to the best of us physicians from time to time. 

It doesn't mean that it will happen next time so don't give up on fillers for your lips unless you want to go to the permanent (but reversible) implants that look and feel very natural.  They run about $1500-2000 per lip but saves you alot of money and painful injections in the long run.

A good makeup is either CoverMark or Dermablend.

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