Meta title: Bruising After Cosmetic Treatment: Why It Happens & How to Prevent It

Meta description: Nurse Steph explains why bruising after cosmetic treatment happens, who’s more prone to it, and what actually helps, from arnica to icing as you go.

URL slug: /bruising-after-cosmetic-treatment/

Bruising After Cosmetic Treatment: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

Bruising after cosmetic treatment is a big topic, and honestly, it deserves to be. Bruising and swelling go together, and any treatment you have, even with devices, can cause bruising. It’s just one of those things.

Why do I bruise after cosmetic treatment?

You bruise because the face is incredibly vascular. It’s got a whole map of arteries and veins all over it, and when we’re treating, they’re very difficult to dodge. So yes, experience does help. The device you use is also important, and knowing essentially where those vessels are can help as well, particularly if you’re treating around the mouth. Some of those big vessels are quite superficial there, so they can be quite easy to hit.

Am I more likely to bruise than someone else?

Yes, some people are just more prone to bruising, and it usually comes down to what’s in your system beforehand. Are you on non-steroidal anti-inflammatories? Have you been on aspirin or Disprin? Have you been drinking wine in the last 48 hours? Are you on magnesium? All of these can make you more susceptible to bruising and swelling. So it’s not just one factor, and it’s worth thinking about in the days before your appointment.

How do I know if my bruising is normal?

Bruising is a normal and expected complication of any minimally invasive treatment, so don’t be alarmed if you do bruise. It doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong. It’s just part of working around a face full of vessels. If you’re ever unsure, particularly if swelling is severe or getting worse rather than better, that’s when it’s worth checking in with your practitioner.

Can I prevent bruising before my treatment?

Yes, there’s quite a lot you can do to prepare beforehand. Avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, aspirin, alcohol, and magnesium in the days before your appointment all make a difference. Some people also try arnica ahead of time. So there are things you can do to prevent it, it’s just about preparing properly before you come in.

What helps bruising and swelling after treatment?

Icing as you go during treatment is one of the simplest and most practical things we do to help manage bruising and swelling. Beyond that, some clients choose to use arnica afterward, although the evidence for its effectiveness on bruising is limited. Preventative measures like these are great, but bruising can still happen even when you’ve done everything right, because it’s simply a common complication of many minimally invasive treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bruising after cosmetic treatment mean something went wrong? 

No. Bruising is a recognised and expected complication of minimally invasive treatments, not a sign of error.

How long does bruising usually last? 

This varies from person to person and wasn’t specified in this session. Your practitioner can give you a guide based on your specific treatment.

Can I take pain relief if I bruise? 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can actually increase your chances of bruising, so it’s worth discussing pain relief options with your practitioner beforehand.

Does alcohol really affect bruising? 

Yes. Drinking wine or other alcohol in the 48 hours before treatment can make you more prone to bruising and swelling.

Is arnica worth using? 

Some people use arnica before and after treatment as part of their routine, though it isn’t proven to reduce bruising. If you’re considering it, it’s worth mentioning to your practitioner.

Does the practitioner’s experience make a difference? 

It can. Experience helps a practitioner anticipate where vessels sit, particularly in more superficial areas like around the mouth, which can reduce the likelihood of bruising.

Bruising is one of those things we can prepare for but can’t always avoid entirely, and that’s okay. If you’d like to chat through your treatment options and how to prepare beforehand, get in touch with the team at absolutecosmetic.com.au.

This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results and risks vary. Please consult with one of our qualified practitioners to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.