Is bruising due to how the fillers are injected? Is there a right way & wrong way to administer the fillers? (Photo)

Question

I've had Restelayne & Dysport injections in the past with no bruising. Recently I went to someone else for Botox & Juvederm injections & I have bruises everywhere I was injected. Were the injections done incorrectly? It's been 4 days and the bruises look the same as they did 3 days ago. They didn't show up until the day after the injections.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

I use cannulas to inject fillers because there is research supporting that there is less bruising and edema with cannulas. That being said, the most important variable is the amount of injections done by the injector and the understanding of the facial anatomy. In our office only me and my partner inject. We are both surgeons and even though we could likely higher RN's or PA's which would make us more money, I prefer to do it myself. That is not saying that their aren't RN's or PA's out there who are better than me. It is merely because I have seen those layers during surgery and feel I will get closer to the results I am willing to accept with my own hands. Now with even that being said, there is an aspect of luck. All of us are injecting in deep tissues that we can not always see and there is variable vascular anatomy specific to each patient. So we can only maximize our hardware (using cannulas in my hands) and rely on our knowledge to offer the best care we can.  Patient variables are also something that we cannot control. If you had friends over the night before and had a few glasses of wine that can affect your blood clotting. If you take fish oil or other vitamins and supplements that can affect the blood clotting cascade those can all lead to a bit more bruising. For your bruises use a warm compress for 10 minutes every 20 minutes prior to bedtime for 2 hours. This will help it resolve more quickly.Hope this helps.Best of luck,DrC

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. Bruising is a risk anytime the skin is punctured by a needle. Bruises obtained after injectables with the traditional sharp technique are completely normal and should heal several days after your treatment. Risk of bruising can be minimized by avoiding blood thinners in the days approaching your procedure. In general, I ask my patients to discontinue blood thinning medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, fish oil, etc. In my practice, I also prefer using the microcannula technique for injecting filler, which is a blunt-tipped instrument that is used to distribute filler evenly beneath the skin with virtually no bruising. If your bruises do not resolve in the next few days, I recommend following up with your injector to share your concerns. Best of luck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Unfortunately bruising is a side effect of having any injections.  It is best to avoid and medicaitons/supplements that will thin your blood a week before treatment.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fillers can cause bruising and swelling and sometimes is related to technique and sometimes is related to the person themselves (recent drinking, blood thinners, vitamins etc).  I suggest you see an expert in the future. for treatment options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

There are many reasons for getting bruises on the face after injections, the most common is that the patient was taking a blood thinner in the diet or as a supplement, like vitamin E, omega 3, fish oil, aspirin, garlic, etc. Also more injections means, more chances of getting bruising. Using a needle has higher chances of bruising and many areas require the use of needle more than a cannula. Other factors can be high blood pressure on the patient. The injections can be successful, even if there is some bruising after them. It is important to realize that brusing can be a side effect from any injections in your body.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your photos and question.  Unfortunately, there is always a small risk of bruising with injections.  The duration of a bruise is also unpredictable.  You may want to try arnica, an over-the-counter product that has been known to help reduce post injection bruising.  Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately bruising is very unpredictable with any injectable treatment and does not indicate that your treatment was done incorrectly.  Ultimately you will need to allow your results time to mature over the next two weeks to see if they meet your expectations.  You can help speed resolution of your bruising using arnica montana gel and oral tablets, warm compresses to bring blood flow to the area, and eating dark, leafy greens in your diet.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Yamini, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear JoysuBased on your photos, the areas you have bruised are the most common areas on the face that are prone to bruising.  It is NOT necessarily a sign of a bad doctor or injector.  I have found the best way to minimize bruising is to hold gentle pressure withe a gauze for about 30 to 60 seconds after I have injected an area.  Bruising also depends a great deal on your inherent coagulation system.Best of Luck!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. There are techniques which can be used to diminish the likelihood of bruising; however, there is always a chance of getting a bruise. Taking any blood thinners within the week of treatment increase the risks of bruising.  Cold compresses and Arnica immediately following the injections might diminish swelling and bruising. I hope this helps.  Good luck,

Philip A. Alves, MD · Answer

Hi there.

Bruising after receiving injectable treatments are quite common and usually quite minor and self-limited.

There are many reasons for you to bruise including some medications, whether or not you took a painkiller recently, your recent alcohol intake, and just chance; the face is very very vascular and cutting through a small vessel is not uncommon.

I would recommend waiting 1-2 weeks or follow up with your injector if you have a concerned, the bruising is expanding, or there are any signs of infection (redness, excessive swelling, bad smelling discharge.

Is bruising due to how the fillers are injected? Is there a right way & wrong way to administer the fillers? (Photo)

Answers (16)

More Botox Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (16)

More Botox Questions

How long after Botox injections can side effects start?

Question about Botox. Does Botox spread from the site of injection?

Is it possible to get Botox without any lift to the eyebrows?

On average how much would a half and also a full syringe of filler for lips cost? Would like to ensure I'm not paying too much.

Weak chin. Fillers or Botox? (Photos)

Axillary Hyperhydrosis - Is Botox covered by Kaiser Permanente?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS