5 Tricks to Avoid Bruising after an Injectable Treatment
- Avoid blood-thinning medication. Many patients do not realize these common over-the-counter medications increase their chance of bruising: Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve, Advil, and NSAID-containing products (Midol, Excedrin, cold medicine). These should be stopped 2 weeks before your treatment, and 2 days after. “But what if I get a headache?” Tylenol is absolutely fine to take as a pain reliever. **If you take these medications for a medical condition, do not stop, as controlling the medical condition is likely more important than controlling a bruise!
- Plan a girl’s night out…2 days before your injectable treatment, and a day after. Alcohol has antiplatelet effects, making it easier to bruise; therefore, avoiding alcohol before injectable treatments will decrease your risk of bruising.
- Stop vitamins A, E, K…and any herb starting with a G. Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, and Glucosamine all have blood-thinning properties, and therefore-you guessed it- can cause bruising. Also, avoid fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and high doses of Green Tea.
- Pick up some fresh pineapple from the grocery store. Fresh pineapple contains bromelain enzyme excellent for bruising and inflammation. If the actual fruit has too much sugar or acid for your system, you can find tablets of Bromelain to take instead of pineapple. Eat ½ cup of pineapple or take the supplements at least 1 week before the injection.
- Timing…if you have a big event coming up, plan your treatment at least 2 weeks prior. This allows time for swelling and any bruising to subside. You can also find inexpensive “green tone” concealer to place on any bruise to cancel out the red/purple tone, followed by your “brown flesh tone” base, and remember, to place on any bruise, and lipstick is a beautiful concealer for any bruise on the lip!
