Q: What Can I do Before Botox/Filler to Decrease Bruising?
A: Anytime a needle is introduced into the skin there is an increased risk of bruising. A bruise forms when the blood vessel becomes injured during an injection. There are some steps that you can take to help minimize bruising prior to treatment:
1) Let your provider know about any medications that you take that can thin your blood such as anticoagulant prescription medications (Coumadin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Lovenox) and any over the counter supplements such as Omega 3 Fish oil, aspirin and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve, Advil). Stopping Omega 3 fish or flax oil 1-2 weeks before and any aspirin or Ibuprofen at least 1 week before is ideal.
- Other over the counter medications that can increase risk of bruising to hold for 1 week prior to treatment
- St. John’s Wart
- Vitamin E
- Ginko Biloba
- Ginseng
2) Avoid alcohol for 48 hours both before and after the procedure.
3) The homeopathic supplement Arnica Montana helps to reduce bruising, swelling and pain and stimulates healing. Arnica Montana comes in sublingual tablets which dissolve under the tongue. To help minimize bruising, start taking 2 tablets 3 times per day one day prior to injections and if bruising occurs continue this dosing for 3 more days.