How to reduce the risk of bruising with dermal fillers

It is possible to receive a bruise from any injection technique, but especially with Dermal Filler treatments. This is because Dermal Fillers are injected quite deep below the skin’s surface and small blood vessels can be inadvertently punctured. Certain things however can reduce the risk of bruising associated with Dermal Filler injections.

(1)   Pre Treatment Advice:

Various factors can increase the risk of bruising and avoiding these before treatment is desirable. Certain medications and supplements increase the risk of bruising and ceasing these 10 days prior to dermal filler injections can make a significant difference to the risk of bruising. It is important to realise that medications that have been prescribed should not be ceased without discussion with a medical practitioner. For patients at higher risk of bruising other specific measures may be advised.

(2)   Medical Facility:

Treatment in an accredited medical clinic setting with dedicated facilities for the injection of dermal fillers is important. Proper visualisation of the skin to identify superficial blood vessels is critical. This is not only through optimal lighting but also the use of enhanced visualisation, such as with polarised light and magnification and where necessary the use of specialised equipment such as the Accuvein, which uses near infrared light to locate veins below the skins surface.

(3)   Experienced Injector:

Whilst even with the best technique bruising can occur, it is certainly much less likely with an experienced injector who is aware of the location of major blood vessels, skilled in the use of finer gauge needles and cannulas and has the correct injection technique.

(4)   Post Treatment Management:

The appropriate use of Ice, topical applications such as Arnica, supplements such as Bromelain if indicated, and specific aftercare advice, as to what to do and not do especially in the first 24 hours, is also important to reduce the risk of bruising and if bruising does occur minimise the severity.