How to Prevent Bruising from Fillers?

Besides avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, etc. for 1-2 weeks prior to a filler treatment I recommend Cearna Ocumend hydrogel pads immediately after filler treatments.  These deliver a very high, concentrated dose of Arnica Montana directly to the areas where it is needed.  In my experience it reduces bruising significantly, especially in those people who tend to bruise frequently.

Thank you for the question. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the swelling and bruising.  
Before the treatment, it is advised that you avoid medications and substances that increase the risk of bruising.  The patient may be asked not to take aspirin or NSAIDs for at least 7 days, unless discontinuation of these poses a significant risk.  Herbal medications (such as St John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, garlic, ginseng, fish oil) that predispose to bleeding and bruising should be withheld.  Preoperative ingestion of some homeopathic medications such as arnica may reduce bruising, although further investigations are needed to confirm this.
It is also imperitive that you choose an experienced injector who uses a technique to minimize bruising.  This is an operator dependent procedure and so you need to be in safe hands.
After the procedure I also advise my patients to ice the area for up to 10 minutes every hour.  Reusable ice packs can be used or a bag of frozen peas can be used to mold over the area.  A short course of steroid can also accelerate the healing process.  Anectotally, Arnica forte can be used to prevent bruising, but no definitive evidence exists to suggest that is always successful. 
If you would like to learn more about injectable fillers I recommend an in person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training.

The method of injection is a major contributor to bruising. Medications and lifestyle choices can also contribute. You should choose an experienced injector, as well as avoid taking medications and supplements that promote bleeding (thin the blood), such as aspirin, St John’s Wort and Vitamin E. Start taking Arnica a week or two before your treatment, and continue taking it afterwards. Avoid vigorous physical activity and hot baths on the day of your treatment, as well as a day or two afterward. You should also avoid smoking.

Highly recommend Arnica gel or capsules for a week BEFORE treatment and for a week AFTER treatment. It really helps minimize bruising and helps heal bruising afterwards.

Bruising can be minimized by avoiding Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or Advil for three days prior to your treatment. 

Every effort should be done to minimizing swelling and bruising after filler injection or any surgical procedure,this could be done at 3 levels:1. Before the procedure: Avoid blood thinners ,whether drugs or food. e.g aspirin, advil, motrin, coumadin etc.2. During injection: Using ice, and using non traumatic needle in sensitive areas.3. Post-procedure: Use arnica and ice. Steroids are controversial and may have a role in more invasive surgical procedures.Hope that helps!

Ultimately there are many things you can do to prevent bruising, but there is no guarantee that it will work for sure.
1. Avoiding any medications that thin the blood e.g. Aspirin, Aleve and other non-steroidals, many types of over the counter herbal medicines thin the blood, etc.
2. After your procedure place ice packs immediately for at least a couple of hours. If your surgeon hits a small blood vessel during the procedure, placing immediate pressure for 5-10 minutes will also help reduce bruising.
3. Taking Arnica a couple of days prior and after helps. Studies have shown a trend towards helping, but not statistically significant, although I would tell you I have all of my patients do it beforehand because it does seem to help.
Hope that helps.

Avoid any substances which might thin the blood and cause excess bleeding. These would include aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Advil, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E.
Eating pineapple before your treatment. No not really. The Bromelain found in pineapple inhibits clot formation and bruising. The problem is the bromelain is found in the stem and not the fruit. However, it does come in a supplement form so you could pick some up in your health food store.
Make sure you use ice packs both before and after your injections. These constrict the blood vessels and diminish swelling and bruising. Even if you feel these are unnecessary, they are not a bad idea.
Some physicians recommend arnica montana, Leopard's Bane. This is an old folk remedy for bruising. However, a study by Bauman et al, in Dermatologic Surgery 2002 failed to show that this was any better than placebo in preventing or treating bruising.
On the other hand a recent study by Cohen did show Vitamin K oxide gel ( Auriderm) did decrease bruising AFTER the procedure.
Hope this helps.