1) Will I Bruise?

2) What should I do BEFORE/AFTER Injections?

1) Will I bruise?

To all the vascularly webbed faces out there seeking beautification with Botox and dermal fillers:

You may bruise. (See photo)

Even with the use of microcannulas, gentle + thoughtful injection techniques, the use of our vascular revealing X-ray gizmo, Accuvein, you still may bruise (or you may not).

To reduce your chances of bruising, avoid the following medications and ingredients that inhibit platelet function (reduces ability to clot) for about a week before injections:

  • Aspirin
  • NSAID’s (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve)
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Omegas, Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Codfish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, big sushi dinners
  • Vitamin E
  • Gingko Biloba
  • Ginsing
  • Garlic
  • Glucosamine
  • Champagne and all other alcoholic beverages at least 2 days before injections 

By the way beauties, not only is excessive imbibing unattractive at any time, but also, consistent over-indulgence of cocktails can permanently wreck your looks (and a long list of other things – physical and relational).

2) What should I do before/after my filler and Botox injections?

Before your appointment:

  • Be sure there is enough just-in-case healing time before a big event. 
  • Be sure any dental work is scheduled at least two weeks pre or post injections – especially lip injections because of swelling, skin stretching and bacteria/infection.
  • Cancel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Why take the risk? We won’t – not ever.
  • Let us know if you have a history of cold sores (so common btw). We can prescribe a little somethin-somethin to prevent them from manifesting on your pretty face.

After your beautifying injections:

  • Ice packs to reduce swelling; however, DO NOT APPLY PRESSURE.

TIP:  Frozen peas in a Ziploc will gently adjust to whatever form against which it is pressed.

  • Elevating your head with an extra pillow when you sleep also helps reduce swelling.
  • Keep your head above your heart for about 4 hours after injections of Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport. Actually, just to be safe, wait until the next morning before strapping onto your inversion table.
  • No strenuous exercise for 24 hours; includes swimming, Zumba, moving heavy furniture, advanced/extreme yoga poses (King Pigeon, Peacock, Crane, Upward Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose, poses dedicated to Sage Koundinya, touching your toes, etc.).
  • DO make exaggerated facial expressions after Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport injections to get this magic potion worked into the injected muscles.
  • DO NOT call the next day to tell us your Botox isn’t working. It takes at least a week, sometimes two, to “kick in.”
  • DO NOT panic if there appears to be asymmetry after filler injections. We all swell differently from side to side. It usually takes about two weeks for filler to fully “integrate” or settle. 

Sleep styles (back sleepers are ideal when it comes to fillers. I am the least “ideal” – yep, stomach sleeper here), facial movement (talking, eating, kissing, etc.), headgear (goggles, hats, biker helmets, sports helmets, etc.) affect how fillers settle.

  • Stay hydrated. Our bodies and fillers LOVE hydration (fillers actually will last longer too).
  • Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment for any possible needed tweeks.
  • ALWAYS CALL US WITH ANY CONCERNS! No concern is too big or small. It is always best to be safe.