Tina S. Alster, MD

Based on FDA clinical trials involving 2,700 patients undergoing filler injections, 67% of patients bruise from dermal filler injections. While 45% of these patients said that their bruising was mild or tolerable, 26% reported that their bruising was severe enough to affect their daily activities.

To reduce the odds of bruising, avoid anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen; herbal supplements- especially garlic, ginseng and gingko biloba (the Gs); and alcohol for two weeks prior to your appointment.

In most cases, your recovery is more dependent on your own tendency to bruise than on your injector’s skill. On average, nearly 70% of patients experience bruising from dermal fillers (according to the Juvéderm and Restylane instructions for use). While most patients reported that their bruising subsided within a couple of days to a week, 22% had bruising that more than a week. Since these FDA studies were conducted by the top injectors in the country, it’s a reminder that no matter how excellent your injector is, bruising can still occur.

To reduce bruising, many practitioners recommend the use of topical arnica, bromelain or high-dose Vitamin K. For future procedures, avoid ingestion of aspirin and ibuprofen; alcohol; green tea, and herbal supplements~ particularly the G’s (garlic, ginseng and gingko biloba) for 2 weeks preceding your injections and  limit heavy exercise for 48 hours after injections.

No matter how skilled your physician is, it is very difficult to avoid bruising when having fillers injected. In fact, most patients see bruising after dermal filler procedures—on average, 67% of patients bruise (based on 22 clinical studies with  > 2,700 patients). These FDA studies were completed by some of the most experienced injectors in the world, which further demonstrates that bruising is common among even the most skilled practitioners.

For two weeks before your appointment, try to avoid anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants (aspirin and ibuprofen) and high-dose herbal supplements (especially garlic, ginseng and gingko biloba).

I also recommend the use of arnica-infused patches (Cearna Ocumend) in order to reduce the incidence, severity, and bruising associated with filler injections.

Panniculitis (fat inflammation) can occur after Vanquish RF treatment. It will eventually resolve on its own. Avoid manipulation of the area and further treatment until it does. For the discomfort, take ibuprofen and apply cool compresses. Follow-up with your physician if the nodule/lump or pain persists.