We’ve recently received a number of questions about bruising from Botox treatment. Specifically, “How likely am I to bruise after receiving Botox?” and “How to prevent bruising after Botox?”

Bruising at and near the injection sites after Botox, filler treatments, and cosmetic procedures is extremely common and no cause for alarm. The risk of bruising also varies significantly from person to person. The same patient can even react differently each time. I’ve personally both bruised and not bruised after receiving Botox for fine lines — from the exact same injector!

The good news is almost all bruising is minimal. It should clear up in a few days and can usually be easily masked with concealer. Plus, there are a number of ways to reduce the chances you’ll bruise, as well as minimize the duration of bruising should it occur.

Botox Bruising Prevention:

1. ) Avoid Blood Thinning Medications

Botox bruising (and bruising in general) is often made worse when a patient is on medications or supplements that cause blood thinning, like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Because of this, you should avoid taking such medications at least 24 hours before your procedure if possible. However, there are also of course doctor-prescribed medications that one needs to take daily that may thin the blood (like certain steroids and antidepressants). Keep taking these daily if this is the case.

If you are on prescription blood thinners, we advise contacting your Botox or filler provider before your appointment, as they may recommend lowering your dosage in the days leading up to treatment.

2.) Take Arnica Montana

Arnica montana is a fantastic supplement for bruising prevention. We recommend taking Arnica seven days before your Botox session and for at least several days after. Arnica can be found in almost any drug store.

3.) Use Ice packs

It can be tempting to go on with your day as usual, but icing the treated area with a small ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for several hours post-procedure can do wonders for preventing bruises.

4.) Avoid Alcohol the Day Before, Of, and After Treatment

Alcohol thins the blood — which means it makes it more likely that you’ll experience Botox bruising. Avoiding alcohol the day before, the day of, and the day after Botox can definitely help reduce the likelihood bruising will occur.

5.) Avoid Rigorous Exercise 24 Hours

Hitting the gym after Botox will definitely increase your chances of bruising, as it pumps blood to the micro-injured treatment sites. We recommend avoiding the gym the day of treatment and even the following day if you’re prone to bruising.

Again, Botox bruising clears up within 2-3 days for the vast majority of patients and is generally considered a minor post-procedure side effect. But if it bothers you, consider any or all of the above tips — and don’t hesitate to call or text us with questions!