Should I Stop Taking NSAIDs Before Restylane Injections?

Bruising is a definite side effect of restylane injections, especially under the eyes, where the skin is thin and has lots of vessels.  

To minimize bruising, it is best to avoid NSAIDs and aspirin for a whole week prior to the procedure.  Alcohol, green tea, ginseng, garlic, fish oil also contribute to easy bruising, so try to avoid those, if possible.  Arnica (an herbal supplement) can also help to minimize bruising.  Finally, applying ice after the procedure and avoiding exercise for a day can help.  Makeup can help to camoflauge any bruising.

It is good practice to stop the non steroidal antiinflammatory agents for two days prior to injectables, especially the hyaluronic acids such as Restylane and Juvederm, prior to use as they can cause bruising themselves. Aspirin should be stopped for ten days before the procedure, but some patients need to take it for important reasons and they may continue, but they may experience more bruising.

While there are many things that can make a treatment with fillers into a bruising experience (literally), the technique of the person who is injecting and the appropriate decision as to where to inject is the most important.
We see many patients where this area tends to be overdone in the end result, so make sure you are going to an expert and insist that the physician be the one who is injecting. This is not something for a novice or you'll regret it. Good luck.