Injectable treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and other aesthetic procedures often come with an unwanted side effect: bruising. While bruises can be frustrating, they’re typically minor, manageable, and short-lived. Still, many people want to minimise their visibility, especially if they have a big event coming up. If you follow me on SubStack you will have received my guide to covering bruises along with an exclusive video blog directly to your inbox, (so sign up now if you didn’t!). In case you missed it, here’s a comprehensive guide on why these bruises happen, how to minimize them, and foolproof tips to make them disappear—at least temporarily.
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Why Bruises Happen After Injectables
While bruising isn’t always avoidable, you can take steps before your appointment to minimise your risk. Before your injectable treatment, it’s important to avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), fish oil, vitamin E, gingko biloba, and alcohol for several days, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Incorporating vitamin K-rich foods like spinach, kale, and celery into your diet may help strengthen capillaries and promote quicker healing. Additionally, preparing your skin with powdered digestible Arnicas or topical Vitamin K cream several days in advance can reduce the severity of post-treatment bruising. Bromelain also stops inflammation, so this is a good supplement to prevent swelling post-treatment. Choosing an experienced practitioner is also key, as expert injectors use gentle, precise techniques or blunt-tipped cannulas, which cause less trauma to blood vessels. Finally, scheduling your treatment strategically and avoiding appointments right before important events can help you manage the healing process without added stress.
Around the mouth area (upper and lower lips) is prone to bruising, so don’t be alarmed or distressed if you do have some bruising after your treatment, it’s totally normal.
My Treatment
The treatment I had done was Restylane Skin Boosters, which hydrates and increases collagen and elastin in the area, increases cell renewal, and will gently soften lines around the lips. The treatment lasts 7-9 months and costs £900/1000 depending on how much product is required.
Immediate Aftercare to Minimise Bruising
Proper aftercare helps speed up healing and keep bruising to a minimum:
- Ice the area: Apply ice packs or cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour after your procedure to constrict blood vessels and reduce leakage.
- Switch to warm compresses after initial hours: This can help the body reabsorb the pooled blood more quickly.
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications for 24 hours.
- Continue with topical creams and supplements: Arnica powders, Alastin Skin Nectar, and Bromelain supplements can soothe inflammation and aid recovery.
How to Cover Injectable Bruises: Makeup Techniques
If you develop a bruise, don’t worry, makeup can work wonders. Here’s your step-by-step camouflaging routine. Again, you can check out my full video guide on my SubStack here.
Apply Concealer
Choose a hypoallergenic formula designed for sensitive skin. Pat a thin layer over the bruise and blend the edges gently.
Layer Foundation
Dab a foundation that matches your skin tone on top of the concealer to blend the area seamlessly with the rest of your face.
Set With Powder
Apply a translucent powder to lock in coverage and minimise shine.
Draw Attention Elsewhere
Consider using highlighting and accent techniques to bring attention to other features, think a bold lip or statement eyeliner.
Mist for Lasting Coverage
Hydrating mist or setting spray adds moisture and sets makeup for long-lasting wear.
My Bruise Covering Kit
- SARAH CHAPMAN SKINESIS | Skin Insurance Tinted SPF30
- HUDA BEAUTY | Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
- CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ | Concealer Stick SPF 25
- ERBORIAN | CC Eye Cream
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