Filler injections are one of the most in-demand cosmetic procedures these days. They are a quick and effective way to refine your features. People also seek out filler to smoothen wrinkles and add volume to their faces.
However, sometimes people experience after fillers. Be it lip filler bruising, tear trough filler bruising, or cheek filler bruising, these unwanted marks can be frustrating.
In this article, we provide a complete rundown on the definition of filler bruising and other things to know like how long it lasts and how to prevent it.
What Do Fillers Do?
Filler injections, dermal fillers, whatever label you choose, are gel-like substances used for facial treatments. Providers inject them underneath the skin to add mass, smoothen wrinkles, and shape the contours of the face. Fillers can also boost lip plumpness, alleviate under-eye hollows, and soften facial lines.
The result is a refreshed, more youthful appearance. This may be as subtle or dramatic as you wish, depending on the amount used and area of application.
Fillers have gained wide acceptance in the aesthetics market due to their non-invasive nature and instant results. Additionally, filler injections serve a variety of purposes. People use them to achieve certain lip looks, fill out tear troughs, or plump up their cheeks. Dermal fillers have a reputation as quick fixes with very little downtime.
Dermal fillers can also be used for advanced aesthetic treatments such as contouring the jawline, reshaping of the nose without surgery, and hand rejuvenation. These are rather more precise applications, where more sensitive regions will be filled in. Thus, there is always a chance of filler bruising or swelling.
Different Types of Fillers
The occurrence of filler bruising is also determined by the type of filler employed. The more common fillers include the following:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers:These are the most commonly used fillers because hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin. Thus they provide the most natural appearance.
Most hyaluronic acid fillers can be easily broken down with an injection of hyaluronidase, which is a filler dissolving enzyme.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers:This type of filler is much thicker and used for adding volume to really deep skin surfaces in areas like the cheeks.
Cheek filler bruising is expected with these. This is because the injections have to go deeper into the dermis, and may graze nearby blood vessels increasing bruising.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers:These injections are semi-permanent and mainly focus on stimulating production of collagen. It contains lower risk of causing any bruising. However, it is more difficult to remove. Also, multiple treatments are usually required to get satisfactory results.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers:PMMA fillers are permanent fillers that are specifically used to treat creases and other deep-set wrinkles.
Though long-lasting outcomes are guaranteed, the downside of this is that the user will have to be very careful regarding any side effects, including filler bruising, due to the fact that they cannot be reversed.
All types of fillers have their pros and cons, however, filler bruising is an occurrence that can result from the injection of any type of filler where proper care is not practiced.
The Procedure for Injecting Fillers
Generally, being injected with fillers is a rather simple procedure, completed within 30 minutes or so, depending on the area being treated. Below is a breakdown of the procedure:
- The practitioner will first sanitize the skin area for the injection.
- If needed, a numbing cream will be applied to the skin as a means of reducing pain.
- Then a fine needle or cannula will be used for the application of the filler to the desired regions.
A blunt-tipped cannula can be used rather than a sharp needle. This is to reduce filler bruising complications as this cannula is less likely to damage the blood vessels in that area. This is more commonly used in under-eye and jawline enhancement because of thinner skin and many blood vessels.
How to Prepare for Your Filler Injection
Prevention is always better than cure, and there are a few ways to prepare for your treatment and reduce the risk of filler bruising.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, as well as alcohol, about a week before your appointment.
- Avoid smoking for about a week before your appointment.
- Avoid facial treatments, scrubs, or any intense skincare routines a few days before your appointment.
- Eat well and be sure to stay hydrated as the procedure draws nearer.
Aftercare Tips for the Filler Injections
Post-procedure, there are a few key aftercare steps that you can take to help your chances of avoiding bruising after lip filler or in any other area.
- Apply a cold compress to ice the treated surface in order to help control swelling and also prevent bruising.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure because exercise increases blood circulation to that area, causing the swelling and bruising to worsen.
- While sleeping, do your best to keep your head in an elevated position.
- Avoid exposing your face to harsh sun rays for about 48 hours after.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, take aspirin, or take any other drugs that may thin your blood 24-48 hours after your treatment surgery.
These guidelines will help lower your filler bruising chances and also help deliver the maximum impact of your treatment.
How Safe Are Fillers?
Most filler injections are deemed safe, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Nonetheless, every cosmetic therapy has its respective dangers.
It is common to see filler bruising, swelling and mild pain following the procedure, although those do not usually last for long. Infections or allergies are some of the rare adverse effects that can happen.
Furthermore, in certain circumstances, fillers can lead to even more severe complications like vascular occlusion. This is when a blood vessel gets obstructed due to the filler material, reducing the flow of blood and damaging tissues.
This is why it is important to receive treatment from an injector who has adequate experience and proper knowledge of anatomy and can deal with any risks arising.
Reasons Why Bruising May Occur Following Filler Injections
Bruising after filler injections involves blood seeping out under the skin after the needle or cannula has hit a blood vessel. Certain factors may increase the chances of lip filler bruising or cheek filler bruising for some people. Such reasons include:
- Thin Skin:Bruising is usually more common where the skin is thin such as in the case of lips and under the eyes. The skin in such regions is also somewhat translucent which makes the bruises more visible.
- Blood Thinners:If you have taken blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen or any fish oils, the chances of getting a bruise from the treatment procedure is increased. Blood thinners slow down clotting, so the blood flows more when there are bruises.
- Non-Professional Injectors:Poor training and lack of skill in the injection methods on the part of the practitioner is a risk of severe damage to the blood vessels.
- Sensitive Skin:For some people, their skin could be more sensitive, and this could be due to genetics.
- Filler Thickness:Fillers that are applied in the cheek or jaw usually need to be administered at a deeper level thereby increasing the risk of bruising.
- Age:Most people experience an increase in chances of bruising after fillers due to aging because the skin becomes thinner with age.
How Long Does Filler Bruising Last?
One of the most common questions that people have is “how long does bruising after lip filler last?” Generally, healing duration for bruises depends on the person, type of filler, and the treatment area.
Usually, bruising starts immediately at the injection site , which is much more common in treatment areas where there is a high risk for vascular trauma. This will likely reach its highest point at around 48 hours post injection.
For the most part, bruising from fillers should resolve in 4 to 7 days, although in some instances it may last up to two weeks. Lip filler bruising tends to resolve faster, while tear trough filler bruising can take a little longer, given the delicate nature of the under-eye area.
If it doesn’t resolve in a week or two, or it seems to get worse, make sure to call your provider to check if there are any issues.
In any case, the good news is that bruising usually fades without any treatment over the course of time. Most times, one doesn't even require medical attention. Though, if you are in a hurry to heal, you can follow some of the remedies which are mentioned below.
How to Get Rid of Bruising from Fillers
If you do happen to have filler bruising, there are a few effective remedies that will aid in the faster recovery of the bruises:
- Arnica Gel or Tablets:Arnica is often used as a herbal treatment for pain, as well as bruises, swelling, and inflammation. It can either be used externally or internally for faster healing.
- Cold Compresses:Applying ice to the affected area at intervals for 24–48 hours after the treatment reduces both bruising and swelling.
- Bromelain:Bromelain is an enzyme that is naturally occurring in pineapple and helps with swelling and bruising. They can either be ingested or used as a drug.
- Vitamin K Cream:It is known that vitamin K cream applied on bruised parts will aid in healing too.
- Hydration:Taking a lot of water aids in healing, and the removal of all the toxins that cause inflammation and bruises, from the body.
- Light Massage:Some specialists may suggest performing light massage around the bruised zone in order to facilitate blood flow. However, this should only be done if your injector approves.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Despite filler bruising being a widely acknowledged common side effect, at some times the complications might require seeking medical attention:
- Extreme Swelling:Painful bruising coupled with swelling that increases in size may be a sign of an allergy or another complication.
- Persistent or Darker Bruises:If the bruises develop a darker hue or fail to get better after two weeks then they are certainly not just any normal bruises.
- Discoloration:Blotchy and discolored skin surrounding the injection site may mean a cut off blood supply to the area and will need medicine immediately even though it is not that common.
- Distressing Pain or Discomfort:A little soreness at the injection site is normal but if the pain is unbearable, it could indicate an infection or another filler complication and should be addressed as an emergency.
Benefits of Fillers Despite the Risk of Bruising
No doubt, filler bruising and other side effects can be frustrating. However, these injections are still a highly-rated cosmetic option for many people. Below are some reasons why people continue to use fillers:
- One does not have to worry about cosmetic surgery since fillers are quite practical and show results with short downtime.
- Fillers can be tailored towards a particular look according to what a person wants.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers, in particular, can be dissolved, and are therefore appropriate for people who like to change their appearance a lot.
- Fillers can create more attractive and youthful looks which can re-establish lost confidence for lots of people.
Final Thoughts
If you want to improve your physical attractiveness and ensure that you preserve your most youthful features, fillers provide an excellent method for it. However, filler bruising is a common occurrence with dermal fillers.
Nonetheless, the risk can be reduced by simply preparing well for the facial filler; and also following instructions during the healing period to ensure nothing triggers complications with the filler treatment.
Always seek treatment from a qualified practitioner and be mindful of your body’s natural healing process for the best results.
You should also ensure that you use the best quality materials for your filler treatment to avoid risks of complications. You can find such high quality materials at Diaminy Aesthetics. So let us take care of your cosmetic journey.
