Botox® is the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment in the United States, smoothing out wrinkles to help women and men look and feel younger and less stressed. Administered via injections, Botox treatment is quick, time-tested, and effective. The one potential drawback: It can cause some temporary bruising.
The team at ENT Specialists helps patients battle wrinkles and lines with custom Botox treatments for beautiful, natural-looking results. If the thought of bruising has made you hesitant to schedule Botox injections, these five tips can help.
Botox is a popular and common treatment, and that can cause many people to think the injections are no big deal. But Botox is still a medical treatment (one that yields very visible results), so selecting a provider with plenty of experience is essential.
Our team carefully reviews your treatment goals and your facial anatomy prior to your Botox treatment. This ensures optimal dosing and ideal placement of each injection to limit tissue trauma and decrease bruising risk.
Clotting plays an important role in healing and preventing bruising. When blood doesn’t clot rapidly, you can have more bleeding under your skin, and that means more bruising.
Some medications and supplements — including over-the-counter products and vitamins — actually increase bleeding by altering the way your blood clots. Prior to your visit, let your provider know about all medications and supplements you’re taking, so they can advise you about temporarily changing your dose or stopping medication prior to treatment.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it dilates or widens your blood vessels. That means you’re more prone to bleeding — and bruising. Even 1-2 drinks is enough to dilate your vessels and increase your risk of bruising.
The good news: This effect doesn’t last long. Typically, you can reduce your alcohol-related risk of bruising by avoiding alcohol for a day or two prior to your appointment.
Most of us know that ice can decrease swelling and bruising after an injury, like a fall. But it can help minimize these effects following Botox injections, too.
Ice constricts blood vessels for less bruising after your treatment. Ideally, apply an ice pack to the treatment site for a few moments prior to your treatment and occasionally for a few hours afterward. Be gentle and don’t apply pressure, which could cause Botox to migrate to other areas.
Our team has lots of experience in Botox treatments, and as a result, we’ve fine-tuned our aftercare instructions to help every patient enjoy beautiful results. Following these instructions is important for your recovery and for reducing bruising.
For instance, we typically recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and avoiding or limiting hot showers and steam facials while the area heals. Topical preparations that include the herb arnica may be helpful in preventing bruising — but always ask our team before trying these over-the-counter products.
If you’re still worried about bruising, you might want to schedule your treatments in advance of any special events to give the treatment area time to recover. Remember: It can take a week or two for Botox to reveal its results, so timing your treatment is a good idea anyway.
You can also cover bruising with makeup — but you should wait at least 24 hours after injections to apply foundation or other cover-up products. Applying them earlier could cause Botox to spread to other areas, making your results less effective.
Most importantly, remember that bruising following Botox is generally mild and always temporary. To learn more about Botox and how it can help you achieve your goals, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists today. We have offices in Murray, Toole, Draper, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
