Botox is a fantastic option that helps you turn back the clock, reducing fine lines and wrinkles to give you smoother, youthful skin. This minimally invasive treatment takes just a few minutes and results last from three to six months. Best of all, Botox requires little to no downtime, and you can enjoy rejuvenated skin.\

One side effect of Botox is mild bruising after injections. Here’s everything you need to know about bruising after Botox, and how you can reduce or prevent bruising. 
## Why do Some People Bruise After Botox?
Botox comes with few to no side effects, but some people experience redness, swelling, or bruising after a Botox appointment. This actually has nothing to do with the botulinum toxin in Botox. Here’s how it works.

Your face is full of thousands of very tiny blood vessels, some very near the surface of the skin. These are called superficial blood vessels. When you get Botox or another cosmetic injection, the tiny needles used to inject Botox may puncture one or more of these small blood vessels, causing bruising on the skin. 

Some people bruise easier than others. It depends on the strength of your skin and your blood vessels. If your skin is more fragile, bruising is more likely. Some areas may also bruise more than others. For example, there are more superficial blood vessels around the eyes, so if you’re getting Botox around the eyes, you may have a higher risk of bruising than if you’re getting Botox on your forehead.
## Preventing Botox Bruising
Working with a skilled injector is the best way to reduce your risk of side effects and enjoy the best results. There are also a few steps you can take before and after Botox to minimize bruising. 

Before Botox you can:
Avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin. This can increase the risk of rupturing a blood cell and bruising. However, if you’re on blood thinners prescribed by your doctor, continue taking your medication as usual.
Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before your Botox appointment. Alcohol has blood-thinning properties and can increase your risk of bruising.

After Botox you can:
Avoid touching or rubbing your face to prevent further swelling or bruising.
Keep your head upright for 4 hours and avoid bending or laying down. Bending can increase blood flow to the face and increase your risk of bruising.
Skip the strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours to prevent increased blood flow to the face.
Use ice for a few minutes to constrict blood vessels and prevent bruising. Icing can reduce the risk of bruising, but it can also make it harder for Botox to settle into the target muscles, so ice sparingly.
## How to Get Rid of Bruising
If you do bruise after Botox, the bruising will clear up on its own within a few days. If you’re prone to bruising, ask your injector about creams and ointments to reduce bruising. Creams containing arnica, bromelain, or quercetin can help heal bruises quickly. 

Ready to learn more about Botox? Book your next at-home Botox appointment with one of our skilled injectors and get your best results.

large_iStock-1158284748.jpg