Will iron minimize bruising?

Question

I have low iron. Would taking an iron supplement a few days prior to filler help to minimize bruising? I always bruise when I get filler.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

That’s a very thoughtful question, and I completely understand your concern. Bruising after fillers can be frustrating, especially if it happens every time. Having low iron doesn’t directly cause more bruising, and taking iron supplements just a few days before your filler treatment, unfortunately, won’t make a noticeable difference in reducing bruising. Iron works more on red blood cell health and oxygen transport, rather than on blood vessel fragility or bruising risk.

What tends to help more is avoiding certain blood-thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E) for about a week before your procedure, if it’s safe for you to do so. Applying a cold compress immediately after treatment and using topical arnica or bromelain can also help reduce bruising and speed recovery.

Since you know you bruise easily, it’s good to let your injector know ahead of time so they can use techniques to minimize trauma, such as using a cannula in certain areas.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. There is some anecdotal evidence and theoretical basis to suggest that optimizing iron levels might help reduce the risk of bruising after receiving filler injections. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Adequate oxygenation of tissues can theoretically support faster healing and possibly reduce the severity of bruising. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you don't know why you have iron deficiency anemia, you may wish to visit a hematologist to determine the cause. Sometimes people have bleeding disorders they can lead to low iron levels and iron deficiency anemia. I hope this is helpful for you, and thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

To help minimize bruising from your filler treatment there are things to avoid and a few you can add.  Avoid blood thinning medications and supplements such as Vitamin E, fish oil, Omega 3, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc), and aspirin.  You can take arnica and bromelain both before and after to help minimize bruising.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, supplementing yourself with iron will not help with bruising after fillers. The best way to avoid bruising is to use a micro cannula when filler is being injected. Speak to your physician prior to the procedure to make sure that they have proper cannulas available ahead of the treatment. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman MD, organic plastic surgery

Will iron minimize bruising?

Answers (5)

More Dermal Fillers Questions

What can be one to minimize the appearance of smile lines and dark under eye bags? 27 y/o (photos)

Early 30s & saggy under eye - what are my best options?

Which procedure would be best for eliminating marionette lines long-term? (photos)

Under eyelid fat - what is the best way to get rid of this? (Photo)

Which procedure would minimize the appearance of indents near my nose? (photo)

Which procedure besides filler would minimize the appearance of prominent nasolabial folds? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS