Botox and Bruises
As trained professionals, the injectors at The Preserve Med Spa carefully review each patient’s medical history and analyze his or her anatomy prior to performing any treatment of Botox. We take every precaution possible to prevent bruising or any other unwanted side-effects for our patients, no matter how small. However, due to the nature of the procedure, it is always a possibility. So here is an excerpt from our list of pre-treatment instructions that can help prevent any unnecessary bruising:
Avoid OTC medications like asprin, Motrin, ibuprofen and Aleve as well as herbal supplements like garlic, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wart and omega-3 capsules for seven days prior to your appointment. These are blood thinners which could cause you to be more susceptible to bruising.
Avoid topical products such as retinols, glycolic acids, and other “anti-aging” products for three days prior to your appointment. Also, avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing or hair removal creams on the area to be treated. These can thin your skin and cause it to be more fragile.
Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before AND after your treatment.
You may apply ice or a cold gel pack to the area (but avoid applying any pressure) to help reduce swelling and potential bruising.
Here is also a list of home remedies that may help to prevent bruising (or at least minimize their appearance and speed up the healing time).
Arnica-an herb widely used for pain, inflammation and bruising. It comes in many forms: tables, gels, lotions and creams. Just make sure the product you choose has atleast 20% arnica in it.
Bromelain-this enzyme found in pineapples is also anti-inflammatory and may help reduce bruising when applied to the skin.
Vitamin K-vital to the body to help the blood clot (when necessary). Topical vitamin K is generally safe for most people to use, especially for those taking blood thinners or other medications. A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that people who applied a vitamin K gel after having a cosmetic procedure had less bruising (than those who used a placebo.) Revision SkinCare has a soothing complex called, Vitamin K Serum that can be applied both pre- and post-treatment to help with bruising. Bonus – it also has arnica montana extract in it!
A healthy diet rich in certain foods may also help minimize bruising:
Pineapple. Eating fresh pineapple gives the body a natural dose of (again) bromelain, which may help the bruise heal faster.
Apples, dark-colored Berries, Cherries and Leafy Greens. These foods contain high amounts of the flavonoid antioxidant, quercetin, which will help with inflammation and strengthen blood-vessels.
Oranges, tangerines and lemons. These fruits also contain flavonoid – and one study even linked citrus fruits to significantly improving bruising in seniors.
Strawberries, blueberries, kale, spinach, and lettuce (Spinach salad anyone?) are all foods high in vitamin K.
Fish, poultry, tofu, and lean meat. Lean proteins provide can help strengthen capillaries.
Crab, lobster, pumpkin seeds and legumes. Naturally rich in zinc, these are helps improve the body’s ability to heal.
So, whether you are new to Botox or are just prone to bruising, try these helpful tips to ensure the best possible outcome from your next injection. Schedule your next appointment at info@preservemedspa.com .
Credits to https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320090.php
