I had Botox a week ago and the bruise is still very red. How long does this type of bruise take to go away? (photos)

Question

I have had Botox before and never had a bruise until now. One time my forehead felt numb, but that went away after a week or two. I do seem to bruise easily, but this bruise scares me. I iced it for the first night like they told me to do. I have been using Arnica (topical) twice a day. I am using a lot of make-up to cover it up, but it doesn't seem like this bruise is going away any time soon. Is this normal? The lady was a retired nurse and said she has been doing injections since last summer.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you likely had a vein that was hit and caused significant bruising that now has stained the skin.  i would consider VBEAM treatments or this may leave pigmentation that may take months to go away.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and your photos. I agree with the other experts -- this looks like some bruising in the dermis. This type of bruising can leave a "stain" from the pigmented parts of the blood. It can be treated with certain lasers that are specific to the wavelength of light absorbed by these pigments. A larger concern is exactly where this bruise occurred. Injections of Botox for Crow's feet should be done a little further away from the corner of the eye and the needle should always be pointed laterally (toward the ear). This helps to protect the eye and the muscles that move the eye, and allows injections into slightly thicker tissue. Best of luck moving forward.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

My guess is there was some bleeding directly into the dermis.This is slightly different than when someone bleeds underneath the skin.I would definitely follow up with your retired nurse.Perhaps the doctor who oversees her treatments can help you out.Generally, time make things better, and there are few alternatives that make any difference.I think in another week or so your bruise will most likely be gone.There are several techniques we use in our office to minimize the chance of bruising.One is mapping out all blood vessels prior to any injections. Secondly, we use the highest quality and smallest gauge needles made. We change needles frequently, often doing no more than three or four injections per needle. Very sharp small needles get dull very easily.We also apply a topical anesthetic that contains a drug call phenylephrine.This causes a local vasoconstriction, temporarily shutting down the blood supply to the skin.No one can promise to never bruise anyone, but many attempts can be made to minimize the risk.Icing prior to procedure is also an excellent idea not only to decrease discomfort but to minimize the chance of bruising.I suggest you follow up with your provider so they can see how you're doing.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

That's a little different than a traditional bruise. It is actually more of a bleed that occurred under and through the skin layers. It's called a hemosiderin stain. It can take several weeks or even a few months for that to resolve entirely, but it will. If you have questions, follow up with the doctor who oversees your injector."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I had Botox a week ago and the bruise is still very red. How long does this type of bruise take to go away? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bad bruise after Botox

Answer: Bad bruise after Botox

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I had Botox a week ago and the bruise is still very red. How long does this type of bruise take to go away? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bad bruise after Botox

Answer: Bad bruise after Botox

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.