Fillers can heal relatively quickly if you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and are aware of your actions both before and after your appointment. While there is nothing you can do to fully prevent bruising and swelling from lip or face fillers, there are things you can do to limit the possible aftercare and rest time needed from a procedure. In order to prevent bruising and have the quickest recovery time possible, follow these tips and listen to your doctor.
Find an Expert
First and most importantly, make sure that you are going to an experienced injector. This is not something that you want to skimp out on, so make sure you are doing proper research and reviewing each person you are looking into heavily. Check their past work and reviews thoroughly and make sure you would be comfortable getting work done with them.
If you aren’t sure where to start, check your city’s injector hashtags on Instagram to see if there’s anyone in the area that matches what you would like done. Photo examples of work are the best way to see if they are capable of achieving your dream look prior to getting your procedure done.
Take Oral Arnica and Bromelain Supplements
Arnica is a flowering plant that is used to treat many ailments, such as bruising or swelling that will occur after the procedure. Taking Arnica pills for a few days both before and after your treatment can be a key factor in keeping symptoms mild. It is also available in a topical form that can be applied to the affected area. Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapples that has many uses, especially for pain and inflammation. Taking it in supplement or gel form can also aid in recovery.
Use Ice After Treatment
Ice will be your best friend to avoid unnecessary bruising from fillers. Even before your treatment, apply ice to the area you are getting filler to help numb the injection site and keep any pain from the needle to a minimum. Immediately after your procedure, begin applying ice. Icing for fifteen minutes each hour for the first twelve hours should set you off on the right foot to a speedy recovery.
Elevate the Area (aka don’t lay down)
Though you may be tempted to lay down, make sure to use extra pillows when you sleep to keep your blood from pooling and bruising. An elevated head will also help with swelling for the first few days, so don’t forget to add pillows before sleeping.
What to Avoid
While there are many things that you should be doing after your appointment, limiting bruising starts before your injection day. Be sure to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin. Skip out on your daily doses of Omega 3, turmeric, chia seeds, and Vitamin E for two weeks prior in order to keep recovery to a minimum. These supplements and medications act as blood thinners that can easily hinder any actions you take after your appointment. Make sure to be aware of what you are taking before you go in for your filler.
In order to see the results of your procedure quickly and easily, it’s important to know what steps to take to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. Taking supplements, using ice, elevating, and knowing what to avoid are just a few of the key parts to a successful filler experience and can keep you on the track to a quick recovery!