Botox is a $2.8 billion industry.

Yes, you read that right.

And it’s probably because it helps everything from sweaty armpits to TMJ issues, as well as prevents wrinkles. In fact, Time Magazine dubbed it the “drug that treats everything.”

Whether you’re getting it to help turn back the hands of time, or to mitigate migraines, you’re susceptible to bruising after Botox.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the ways you can help beat the bruising and look as “camera ready” as possible, in as short of an amount of time as possible.

Read on for our top tips and tricks to keep on top of bruising!

Avoid the Gym

Avoid the gym for 24-48 hours after you get your Botox injection. If you absolutely must exercise, brisk walking is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t increase to a jog.

Your capillaries get damaged after an injection of filler, and to heal, they need as little blood flow as possible. Too much can cause unwanted swelling and bruising. Therefore, keep your exercise slow and steady, and preferably not at all.

If you’ve had Botox in an area beside your face, your doctor might give you alternate exercise instructions to avoid bruising or displacement. This may mean resting for a longer interval.

Do Not Touch the Area

Don’t massage, squeeze or touch the area where the Botox was injected.

As Botox is a filler, touching it can alter where the Botox sits in your face or body. Although you may have the urge to put your fingers to the area, try and refrain.

Prevent Bruising After Botox with Old Fashioned Ice

A good doctor will ice the area before he or she injects you. You should also take the cold pack home and ice the area afterward. Icing constricts your blood vessels. This makes bruising much less likely.

Stay Off Blood Thinners

Many people take blood thinners to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. While they don’t actually thin your blood, they work by preventing blood clots. They work well, in that they do their job, but sometimes it can get in the way of other things.

For example, in order to heal after a surgery or injection, you need your blood to clot. Therefore, you’ll likely be asked to stay off of them for a week or so before you have your Botox treatment.

Blood thinners may also include NSAIDs, or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. These are any regular over the counter painkillers you might pop if you have a headache or a toothache. Make sure to stay off of them for at least a week before your appointment to avoid nasty bruises.

Don’t Drink Alcohol

Drinking alcohol for 24 hours before you have a Botox treatment can make you more at risk of bruising. If you must drink, drink two days before you have your treatment and then call it quits.

Prop Up the Area

Keeping the area elevated can also help keep bruising to a minimum. If you have Botox in your face, use an extra pillow or two to keep your head above your heart.

Discontinue Supplements That Can Thin Your Blood

Just like NSAIDs can make it difficult for your blood to clot, there are some supplements that do as well. That’s why you’ll need to tell your doctor everything you take, including supplements, before you schedule your appointment for treatment.

Red clover, green tea, vitamin E, fish oil, omega-3, ginkgo biloba, krill oil, ginger, garlic, flaxseed oil, and dong quai can all make it much more difficult for the area to heal and can create bruising.

While these supplements are known to cause issues, the list is not exhaustive. After letting your doctor know all of the supplements you’re on, he or she will tell you which to discontinue before your Botox session.

Like with blood thinners, you should discontinue use for seven days prior to the treatment.

Eat Pineapples

Pineapples can help reduce the effects of bruising for the first two days after you have the Botox. Fill up on pineapple the day of your treatment and for a couple of days after to get the full effects.

Go to a Certified Injection Clinic

Currently, there are no guidelines surrounding who can inject Botox into your face. That means that sometimes people get them done at parties at friends’ houses or at their dentist’s office.

You should ideally get Botox from a qualified plastic surgeon, or at his or her clinic. Although it may be more expensive, you can be sure you’re getting the real thing and the person injecting you knows what they’re doing.

Avoid any clinic or spa that will give you a super low price for Botox. This could mean they’re using counterfeit materials, which can ruin your face and make the problem you were treating even worse.

Talk to Your Doctor or Injection Technician

Bruising after Botox does happen to some people, but most doctors or qualified technicians can also provide you with anti-bruising supplements or creams. He or she will also likely tell you to stay out of the sun for a few days if you’ve had the Botox on your face.

A seasoned professional will know all of the tips and tricks to keep bruising at bay. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the clinic.

Interested in getting Botox in the San Diego area? If so, request a free consultation to talk about how Rejeuvine can help you.