How Can I Prevent Bruising from Restylane or Juvederm?

To minimize bruising use Ocumend or another strong arnica montana containing product.  We like Ocumend patches, which are hydrogel patches containing a very high concentration of arnica.  They release higher concentrations directly where needed rather than a small amount throughout your entire body as oral versions do.  We also recommend icing the area and avoiding products that can "thin" your blood, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory meds, coumadin, vitamin E and fish oil capsules.

The amount of bruising is often related to the skill of the injector.  Make sure that the person injecting the Juvederm is a board certified plastic surgeon.  Nurse injectors just do not have enough skill, training, education, or expertise to inject fillers.  Aspirin, coumadin, vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, and other medications can cause bruising.

I appreciate your question. When it comes to minimizing side effects like bruising after dermal filler injections, there is no substitute for choosing an experienced, board-certified injector for your procedure. There are also steps you can take before and after treatment, such as avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. I recommend talking to your injector about additional steps you can take based on your specific situation. Rest assured that when bruising does occur, it is typically quite mild and temporary.

Avoid alcohol and high sodium foods and apply arnica gel before and after filler to prevent bruising.

Bruising can occur from any injection but there are steps you can take to help minimize the chances.  Applying ice or cold compress to the area immediately prior to injection and intermittently after injection may help.  Avoid products that can increase bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and Vitamin E a week prior to injection is also recommended.

What you do before your injections can be more important than what you do after.With more doctors using cannulas, bruising is less of an issue since you'll require fewer needle sticks. Also, the use of a vein detection device is also a great help.Blood thinners and "heart healthy" supplements can increase bruising. Always tell your dermatologist or surgeon if you are taking RX blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, etc.Post treatment icing when instructed by your physician can be helpful, but don't overdo it and don't put ice cubes directly on your skin. Too much cold too long can damage your skin. Many physicians use balloons filled with cold water.