BRUISING PREVENTION
Avoid Consuming Alcohol
Alcohol is a vasodilator which means it causes blood vessels to widen and relax, whilst also increasing blood circulation throughout the body.
Alcohol can also increase the time it takes blood to clot, meaning you bleed for longer.
Minimising alcohol consumption for a minimum of 24 hours before and after your treatment can reduce the likelihood of bleeding or bruising during and after your treatment.
Avoid Certain Medications
Many prescription and non-prescription medicines interfere with the way platelets work and may reduce your blood's ability to clot, which can exacerbate any bruising or bleeding.
It is advised to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications (including Aspirin, Disprin, Neurofen, Ibuprofen, Advil, Voltaren) for any minor ailments for a few days pre and post a treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Paracetamol may be taken.
Blood thinning medications will increase your risk of bruising with a treatment.
If you know you are taking blood thinning medications, please refer to the other advice on reducing the risk of bruising.
**Please Do not stop taking any medications that are prescribed to you.**
If pain relief is is required after a treatment, Paracetamol is the preferred option.
However the majority of treatments should not require pain relief after a treatment (unless advised otherwise for a specific treatment).
If paracetamol is not enough to ease any discomfort, or if the pain from a treatment is outside the expected parameters set by your injector for that particular treatment, it is important to contact your injector.
Avoid Certain Supplements
Certain supplements (including Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and St. John’s Wort) have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising.
Where possible, it is advised to stop taking them a few days prior to a treatment, to help reduce the risk of bruising.
**Please Do not stop taking any medications that are prescribed to you**
Avoid coming to your appointment directly from a big workout
Strenuous exercise causes your heart rate and blood pressure to increase and this can remain elevated for up to 2 hours post-workout.
This can increase your risk of bruising.
Exercise can also cause flushing of the face, sweating and dehydration, all of which can increase your chance of bruising.
Allow adequate time to cool down between your workouts and your injectable appointment.
Avoid caffeine prior to a treatment
Caffeine is a stimulant that, in large quantities, can trigger your blood pressure to rise and also dilates blood vessels.
Avoiding large amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, that 4th coffee, pre-workout) the day or your injectable appointment can help to reduce the risk of bruising.
REDUCE BRUISE HEALING TIME
Anti-Bruising Supplements and Products
These products and supplements may help to speed up the body’s natural healing process, help alleviate pain, and reduce swelling.
Supplements have varied evidence to support them and whilst we can't guarantee they will completely eradicate any chance of bruising, some industry professionals swear by them!
Supplements can be purchased from most leading pharmacies and health food stores.
**If you are taking any other medications or have any health conditions, it is recommended to check with your health care provider or chemist if they are safe for you to use**
Hirudoid cream/gel
Hirudoid cream is used to improve the appearance of bruises and reduce inflammation.
It works by dissolving blood clots and encouraging the blood supply to the skin.
Applying the cream directly to bruised areas post treatment can aid in reducing the severity of bruising and lessen the longevity of a bruise.
Arnica
Arnica is a herb that has been use in homeopathic medicine for centuries.
Studies suggest that arnica can assist with bruising prevention and reducing the duration of a bruise.
Arnica is available in gels, lotions, creams, sprays and tablet form.
If you are particularly concerned about bruising, arnica supplements or sublingual tablets can be taken 5 – 7 days prior to your appointment.
Arnica can be applied topically to the treated area post treatment to reduce the severity of a bruise.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bromelain is found in fresh pineapple and in supplement form.
If you are particularly concerned about bruising, you can try eating fresh pineapple prior to a treatment, at least half a pineapple to gain an effect.
Alternatively bromelain supplements can be taken 5 – 7 days prior to your appointment.
Vitamin K supplements/creams
Vitamin K deficiency is known to cause easy bruising.
Supplementing with Vitamin K before a treatment increases blood clotting, helping to decrease bleeding and bruising.
Vitamin K cream can also be applied topically to the treated area post treatment to reduce the severity of a bruise.
Other options for bruising
Vibration
Vibration helps to increase the blood flow and improves circulation in the skin to help a bruise break down faster, once it has formed.
Small vibrating devices such as facial massager/wands, vibrating cleansing device or even the back of an electric toothbrush can be gently applied to the treated area to aid in reducing the severity of bruising and lessen the longevity of a bruise.
Make sure the device is clean and apply pressure gently.
**This is NOT recommended in the first 48 hours after a treatment.**
Massage
Massage after a treatment is NOT recommended, particularly in the 48 hours after a treatment, unless specifically advised by your injector.
In the longer term, massage can help to improve the circulation to the area and potentially break down bruising faster.
Please contact your injector prior, to confirm if it is advised in the case of the specific treatment you received.
LED light therapy
LED light therapy is a technology originally developed by NASA to assist astronauts with wound healing in space.
It uses Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs to shine specifically calibrated wavelengths of light onto the skin to boost the wound healing response.
It can also be used to address various other skin concerns, which has made it a popular treatment in skin clinics with many home devices now available.
If you own at home LED light therapy device, this can be used post treatment to aid in reducing the severity of bruising and lessen the longevity of a bruise.
Please follow the instructions for your specific device.
Ensure that your device is clean and to not apply too much pressure if using a mask.