Jessica Hutcheson shares tips on how to reduce bruising and swelling from Botox.
Whether it is your first time with Botox injections, or you’ve been having injections to reduce wrinkles for years, choosing a skilled and experienced medical injector is key to getting the results you want – and most importantly avoiding any complications or unwanted side effects. Botox is a trademark of a botulinum toxin product, this toxin is a prescription only medicine (POM) and should be administered by a prescribing medical professional.
It is important to consider all risks before approaching facial aesthetics of any kind. One common effect is the risk of bruising and swelling. Jessica Hutchinson, the founder of Sandbanks Clinic, answers your questions on steps you can take before and after the procedure to help reduce bruising and swelling.
What supplements can I take to reduce bruising and swelling from Botox?
Arnica is a tried and tested natural supplement that can help reduce unwanted bruising. We recommend taking tablets 2 days before, at a 30c dose and 2-3 days afterwards.
Eating foods that are rich in bromelain can also help prevent bruising. Bromelain can be found in the stem of a pineapple, with 4 slices of pineapple having the same effect as 1 day of healing. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties from an enzyme called bromelain, which helps dissolve blood clots and helps to fade bruising.
We recommend avoiding ibuprofen or aspirin or naproxen 2 weeks before the procedure, as these act as mild blood thinners and can increase bruising and swelling.
Common supplements to avoid before treatment include vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil (and other oils high in omega-3 fatty acids).
Can I exercise after Botox?
Avoid exercising afterwards or any activities that heat your body up as this pumps blood to the surface and increases swelling and bruising. This includes avoiding hot showers, exercise and saunas for 24 hours. Not only does it increase unwanted side effects, but it can also reduce the efficiency of your treatment as medical toxins need to sit in the areas that are being injected, and this could cause the product to move to different locations, resulting in unwanted results.
How soon can I drink alcohol after Botox?
We always recommend avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment, as it has a blood-thinning effect.
Stay hydrated – 8 glasses as day one week before if the cells are dehydrated the botox doesn’t perform as well in dehydrated skin that the botox can’t get into the cells to take effect. Ensure your skin is plump and hydrated before.
What facial treatments can I have after Botox?
Avoid any facials for 7-10 days and pause any retinol products for 2 days before and after treatment.
While it can be tempting to massage the area to reduce swelling, it is important to avoid rubbing or massaging your face, as this could move the product into unwanted locations, causing undesired results. This includes using facial tools such as gua sha and skincare devices such as Clarisonic or Foreo Luna.
How can my injector prevent bruising and swelling from Botox?
Firstly, always choose a highly trained medical professional in a sterile setting, preferably CQC accredited and registered as a Save Face practitioner. Look at their accreditations and injecting experience, regardless of how many times you may have had anti-wrinkle injections in the past. Ask to see other work carried out on patients, as all injecting styles are different.
To prevent bruising, ask your injector to numb the area with ice, this will minimise swelling, bruising and pain. It shrinks the veins and then decreases the chances of bruising.
Needles vary in size, we recommend smaller and narrower needles, which can reduce any trauma to the skin and bruising that can occur.