Swelling after injectable treatments like Botox®
and dermal fillers may last a few hours or day, sometimes longer, depending on multiple factors; i.e. age of the patient, medication, skin sensitivity, diet and alcohol intake.
Sometime delayed swelling may occur after the initial injection due to the fact that hyaluronic acid fillers attract and hold water similar to a sponge.
Fortunately, swelling and bruising after non-surgical treatments usually resolve relatively quickly. After injectable treatments patients generally return to their normal activities and daily life straight away. However, the social calendar must be planned according to patient’s tendency to bruising and swelling. It is best to allow plenty of time for side effects to subside. If you have an important event coming up, schedule your appointment for 3-4 weeks prior to give you full recovery time and let the product reach its full effect. Also, some areas of the face like the mouth and eyes are more sensitive thus greater swelling and bruising should be expected to take longer to fully recover.
Concealer and foundation can be applied immediately after treatment, so if you can’t hide yourself away you can always hide the bruise away. Using a good concealer in the right shade can effectively hide even severe bruises.
Helpful tips
• Anything that is generally good for your health is also good for your skin and helps reduce swelling after injectable treatments.
• Maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids
• Consider taking certain herbal supplements such as arnica
• Use appropriate pre and post skincare regimes
• Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables
• Apply ice to treated area after the procedure
• Keep your head elevated to allow gravity to reduce swelling
• Consider taking antihistamine tablets if advisable
• Avoid processed foods or fast foods
• Avoid excess salt and species
• Blood thinning medication will increase the likelihood of bruising but is essential to carry on taking your medication for your diagnosed medical conditions
• Avoid smoking, smoke exposure and alcohol consumption
• Avoid exercise on the day of the treatment. Getting your heart pumping will also cause your blood to flow more quickly throughout your body, and this will increase both swelling and bruising in your face.
Finally: choose the right injector
Do your research and make sure you’re going to an accredited and very experienced Nurse or Doctor for your injectable treatments and also ensure that the treatments are performed in a clinical environment.
