Bruising is a potential risk associated with any treatment involving a needle.
Bruising is a perfectly normal response to the skin being punctured by a needle.
Bruising can last from a few days to several weeks. Healing time varies depending on the individual, skin laxity, location and size of the bruise.
Bruises are TEMPORARY and will disappear over time without affecting your treatment outcome.
Whilst there is no guaranteed technique or method to prevent bruising after treatment, there are some steps that may help reduce the likelihood, severity and healing time of a bruise.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it causes blood vessels to widen and increases blood circulation throughout the body.
Alcohol may also increase the time it takes blood to clot, meaning you may bleed for longer.
Minimising alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before and after treatment may help reduce the likelihood of bleeding and bruising.
Caffeine is a stimulant that, in large quantities, may increase blood pressure and dilate blood vessels.
Avoiding excessive caffeine consumption prior to treatment may help reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
This includes large amounts of coffee, energy drinks and pre-workout supplements on the day of your appointment.
Strenuous exercise increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can remain elevated for up to 2 hours following a workout.
This may increase your risk of bruising.
Exercise can also cause facial flushing, sweating and dehydration, all of which may contribute to bruising.
Allow adequate time to cool down between your workout and your appointment.
Many prescription and non-prescription medications can interfere with the way platelets function and may reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which can increase bruising or bleeding.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Where possible, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for minor ailments for a few days before and after treatment. This includes Aspirin, Disprin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Advil and Voltaren.
Paracetamol may be taken if pain relief is required.
Blood Thinning Medications
Blood thinning medications may increase the likelihood of bruising following treatment.
If you know you are taking blood thinning medications, please refer to the additional advice regarding reducing the risk of bruising.
**Please do not stop taking any medications that are prescribed to you.**
If Paracetamol is not sufficient to ease any discomfort, or if pain from a treatment is outside the expected parameters discussed by your practitioner, it is important to
Whilst bruising is a normal and expected risk of treatment, significant or unexpected pain is not.
Supplements
Certain supplements, including Omega 3/Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng and St John’s Wort, may have blood thinning effects and increase the risk of bruising.
Where possible, it is recommended to stop taking these supplements a few days prior to treatment to help reduce the risk of bruising.
**Please do not stop taking any medications that are prescribed to you.**
Anti-Bruising Products and Supplements
These products and supplements may help support the body’s natural healing process, reduce swelling and improve the appearance of bruising.
Evidence supporting these products varies and results differ between individuals. Whilst we cannot guarantee they will prevent or eliminate bruising, many practitioners and patients find them helpful.
These products are generally available from pharmacies and health food stores.
If you are taking any medications or have any health conditions, it is recommended that you check with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider before use.
Hirudoid cream is commonly used to improve the appearance of bruising and reduce inflammation.
Many patients find it helpful in reducing the severity and duration of bruising when applied to bruised areas following treatment.
Arnica is a herb that has been used in homeopathic medicine for centuries.
Some studies suggest Arnica may assist with bruising and healing time, although evidence remains mixed.
Arnica is available in gels, lotions, creams, sprays and tablet form.
If you are particularly concerned about bruising, Arnica supplements or sublingual tablets may be taken 5–7 days prior to your appointment.
Arnica may also be applied topically to bruised areas following treatment to help reduce the severity and duration of bruising.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Some studies suggest Bromelain may assist with bruising and healing time, although evidence remains mixed.
Bromelain is available in both fresh pineapple and supplement form.
If using fresh pineapple, a significant quantity may be required to achieve a meaningful effect. In practical terms, this may equate to approximately half a fresh pineapple.
Alternatively, Bromelain supplements may be taken for 5–7 days prior to treatment if you are particularly concerned about bruising.
Vitamin K plays an important role in normal blood clotting, and deficiency may contribute to easy bruising.
Some patients choose to use Vitamin K supplements or topical Vitamin K products in an effort to reduce bruising, although evidence remains mixed.
Vitamin K cream may be applied topically to bruised areas following treatment to help improve the appearance of bruising.
The above products and supplements are provided as general information only.
Evidence supporting these products varies and results may differ between individuals. Whilst some patients and practitioners find them helpful, no product or supplement can guarantee the prevention or elimination of bruising.
If you are taking any medications, have any health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are unsure whether a product is suitable for you, please seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider prior to use.
LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to support the body’s natural healing response.
Research into LED technology was undertaken by NASA for applications including wound healing and plant growth in space.
LED light therapy is now widely used in medical, allied health and cosmetic settings and may assist with healing, inflammation and recovery.
If you own an at-home LED device, it may be used following treatment to help reduce the severity and duration of bruising.
Please follow the instructions provided for your specific device and ensure the device is clean prior to use.
If using an LED mask, avoid applying excessive pressure to the treatment area.
Your practitioner may also have LED light therapy available within the clinic, which may be an option if you are concerned about bruising following treatment.
Vibration may help improve circulation within the skin and assist the body in breaking down bruising once it has formed.
Small vibrating devices such as facial massage tools, cleansing devices or even the back of an electric toothbrush may be gently applied to bruised areas to help reduce the severity and duration of bruising.
Ensure the device is clean and apply only gentle pressure.
**This is NOT recommended within the first 48 hours following treatment.**
Massage following treatment is generally NOT recommended, particularly within the first 48 hours, unless specifically advised by your practitioner.
Once bruising has developed and the initial treatment period has passed, gentle massage may help improve circulation and assist the body in breaking down bruising more quickly.
As recommendations vary between treatments, please contact your practitioner
if you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for the treatment you have received.
Our head injector Amanda showing you some handy hints using products you most likely have in your makeup bag!
Here is a great example of using the colour wheel to effectively conceal bruising.
Whilst bruising is a common and expected side effect of many cosmetic treatments, severe pain, increasing swelling, signs of infection or bruising that has not significantly improved after two weeks should be discussed with your practitioner.
If you have any concerns about your recovery,

Our treatment information pages contain general educational information, preparation advice, aftercare and frequently asked questions relating to each treatment category.
Please visit the available treatments page.
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only.
Treatment recommendations vary between individuals and are based on factors such as your facial anatomy, medical history, previous treatments, treatment goals and clinical assessment.
All medical treatments involve risks, limitations and potential side effects, and not all treatments are suitable for every patient.
Always follow the advice and treatment-specific instructions provided by your practitioner.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment, please contact your practitioner directly.
A detailed discussion regarding suitability, risks, benefits, limitations, expected outcomes, costs and aftercare will occur during your consultation prior to treatment.
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Amanda will be away in August!
Amanda’s last day in clinic is Wednesday 29 July, and she will return on Wednesday 2 September.
Please book your appointment in advance to avoid missing out.
Eliza is on Maternity Leave 🤍
Eliza is currently on maternity leave and is expected to return in mid-October.
We wish Eliza and her family all the very best during this special time.