You’ve just gotten dermal fillers and you’re sitting in front of the mirror perplexed. “Why do I have a huge bruise on my face?” You question. Don’t panic—you’re not  alone!

According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, bruising after lip filler and any other injectables is entirely normal and can occur in up to 68% of patients.

The good news? These bruises are not permanent and there are many ways to hide them, speed up the healing process, and even prevent their occurrence.

This guide will explain how to cover bruises from filler injections, the best makeup to use if you have a bruise on your face, and what to do if a bruise from filler won’t go away. When you’re done reading, you will feel confident stepping out, regardless of what stage of healing you’re in.

Why Do Bruises Occur After Filler Injections?

Have you ever wondered why some people walk away from their lip injections with not a single bruise, while others look as if they have been in a boxing ring? The answer is in the blood vessels, how your body responds to bruising, and the technique of injection.

A bruise is formed when there is a break in small blood vessels (capillaries) just under the skin. Because filler injections are done with either a needle or a cannula, there is a chance of hitting one of these vessels, particularly in sensitive areas like the lips or under the eyes.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that approximately 50 percent of filler patients experience bruising, and some areas (such as lip injection bruises) are more likely to bruise than others because of the increased blood flow in that area.

What Increases Your Risk of Bruising?

It’s worth noting that some people are just more predisposed to bruising after lip filler, but these few key factors may make it worse:

● Injection site: Areas with more blood vessels such as the lips, under-eyes, and nasolabial folds are at high risk of bruising.

● Needles vs. Cannula: Needles are more likely to pierce a vessel than a cannula.

● Medications & Supplements: Thinner blood means more intense bruises. Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E, and some herbal teas can thin the blood.

● Alcohol & Caffeine: Drinking before or after your fillers? These increase blood flow, worsening bruising.

● Your Body’s Sensitivity: If you are prone to bruising in general, you are more likely to bruise with fillers.

How Long Do Bruises Last After Fillers?

Bruises related to discolor more within two days and disappear within 2 weeks. In rare cases, a bruise from filler won’t go away for two weeks or more.

Photos of Bruising After Fillers

Seeing bruises after fillers can be worrying, but it’s actually quite normal and there are things you can do to ease your worries. Below we’ll break down what bruising usually looks like at different levels of healing and also compare bruising at different injection sites

What Does Bruising Look Like After Fillers?

● Days 1 to 2: The bruise is red or purple (blood is fresh under the skin).

● Days 3 to 5: The bruise turns blue, green, or deep purple as your body begins to break down the blood.

● Days 6 to 7: The bruise changes to yellow or light brown and will disappear completely.

● Days 7 to 10: Most bruises have disappeared.

Bruises tend to be more common in certain parts of the body because of varying density of blood vessels.

Different degrees of bruising:

● Mild Bruising — Small, light purple spots that fade within a few days.

● Moderate Bruising —- Larger patches that change colors over a week.

● Severe Bruising —-Deep purple patches that spread wide and take 10+ days to fade.

Consult your provider if you bruise for more than two weeks or if the bruising gets worse rather than better.

Before and After Botox Bruising

Botox and filler injections are both injectable treatments, but they are different in how they work. Whereas lip injections generally do not bruise, Botox injected just beneath the skin leads to bruising.

Usually, bruising does not occur with Botox, but it may occur if:

● The practitioner hits a small blood vessel during injection

● You are taking blood thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, etc.)

● You have sensitive or bruise-prone skin

● You press or rub the injection site too early after treatment

How Does Botox Bruising Compare to Filler Bruising?

Before and After Botox Bruising – What to Expect

● Mild Botox Bruising— Small, pinpoint purple spots near injection sites.

● There is also moderate Botox Bruising: Slightly larger, more localized bruises that go away in 3-5 days.

● Botox Bruising (Severe, Rare): Dark bruises that last up to a week to heal.

Preventing Bruising Before Your Filler Appointment

Though bruising after lip filler or other injectables is quite common, there are some ways to reduce it before your appointment. A little preparation can make a big difference in whether you leave with or without bruises!

What to Avoid Pre-Treatment

Some medications, supplements, and lifestyle habits can put you at risk for bruising. Before getting fillers, here is what you should stop or limit:

1. Medications & Supplements

Stay away from them at least 5–7 days before your appointment:

● Blood Thinners – Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen (Aleve), NSAIDs.

● Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Ginger – Make the blood thinner and cause more bruising

● Alcohol Caffeine – These both increase blood flow to the area of the body, so you bruise more easily.

2. Dietary Changes That Help

What you eat matters! Eat foods rich in these nutrients 2-3 days before your appointment:

● Spinach, kale, and broccoli — are vitamin K-rich foods that help in the blood clotting process.

● Bromelain, an enzyme that reduces swelling, can be found in pineapple.

● Oranges, lemons, and berries are citrus fruits high in Vitamin C which helps in the fast healing of skin.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

● Drink plenty of water – This ensures your skin is hydrated and assists in faster bruise flushing.

● Sleep Well – Your body will heal better if it is well-rested!  

● Stay away from Strenuous Exercise – Engaging in strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to fillers may cause a rise in blood flow and swelling.

4. Choose the right injector

All injectors are not the same! Bruising can be influenced by the skill and technique of your provider.

1. Request the injector to use a microcannula Instead of a Needle – A blunt tip cannula glides along the tissue, lowering the risk of bruising.

2. Inquire About Infrared Vein Finders – Vein-mapping devices are sometimes used in clinics in order to avoid hitting blood vessels.

3. Choose an Experienced Injector – An experienced Injector will know how to deliver fillers with minimal trauma.

Immediate Aftercare: Reducing Bruising Right Away

Although you may have the best preparation, bruising after lip filler and other injectables can still occur. It is knowing what to do right after your appointment that will speed up your healing.

First 6 Hours: The Crucial Window

The most important time to avoid excessive bruising and swelling after your filler treatment is the first few hours.

1. Apply a Cold Compress – Use an ice pack 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off to reduce blood flow around the treated area and minimize bruising.

2. Do Not Lie Flat – Instead of lying down, sleep with your head propped up on pillows to diminish swelling.

3. Do not touch or rub the treated area.

First 24 Hours: What to Avoid

● No Makeup – It is best to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to cover a bruise on your face as it may irritate or cause an infection.

● Movement – Intense movement increases blood circulation and may cause bruising to get worse.

● No Alcohol or Spicy Foods – Because they can cause blood vessels to dilate, making swelling and bruising worse.

Day 2-3: Speeding Up Recovery

Your bruises will probably turn blue or purple at this stage, but this is normal!

● Switch to warm compress

● Consider Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Gently tapping around the area speeds up the body’s ability to flush trapped blood.

● Eat Citrus Fruits or Take Supplement – To repair damaged capillaries, increase your Vitamin C intake by eating citrus fruits or taking a supplement.

Day 4-7: Fading Bruises & Covering Them Up

Bruises would now be yellow or light brown as they heal. If you still have discoloration, then you can use makeup to conceal them

How to Cover Bruises from Filler Injections with Makeup

In some cases, even if you do everything right with your aftercare, a bruise from filler won’t go away as quickly as you want it to. Makeup to cover up your bruises on your face truly works wonders! Below is a step-by-step method of how to conceal bruises like a pro.

1. Prepping Your Skin for Makeup

Flawless coverage is only possible on a clean skin surface:

● Cleanse & Hydrate – Gently cleanse and moisturize to avoid dry patches.

● Use a Primer – A great primer (such as Milk Hydro Grip) ensures the makeup stays in place for the whole day.

2. Color Correcting: The Secret to Hiding Bruises

To hide the bruise, apply a color-correcting concealer before applying the concealer:

● Green Corrector → Neutralizes redness (Red/Purple Bruises)

● Lavender Corrector → Yellow/Green Bruises (brightens dull skin)

Apply the corrector with a small brush or your fingertip. No rubbing. Gently press (don’t swipe) the concealer into your skin using a damp beauty sponge. Leave it to dry for 30 seconds before applying the foundation.

Setting Your Makeup for All-Day Wear

● Translucent Setting Powder – Keeps coverage in without making the area appear too cakey. A great option is to use an oil balm.

● All Nighter by Urban Decay is a great setting spray to buy to keep it pretty much in place all night long.

Professional Treatments to Reduce Bruising Faster

If bruising from lip filler or under eye injections is taking too long to fade, there are medical treatments available to help speed up the healing process.

1. Laser Therapy (Pulsed Dye Laser – PDL)

● How it Works: The targeted light energy breaks down the blood under the skin.

● Best On: Stubborn bruises that are not fading as quickly as they should be.

● Results: Most people will see an improvement between 24-48 hours after treatment.

2. LED Red Light Therapy

● What it Does: Stimulates skin regeneration and speeds up cell turnover.

●  Best For: This is best for mild to moderate bruising.

● At-Home Option: The Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is a device that can be used daily.

3. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

● How it works: The patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to improve circulation and healing.

● Best For: Severe or long-lasting bruises that won’t go away.

● Results: With multiple sessions it can reduce healing time by up to 50%.

4. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

● How It Works: The light pressure massage helps your body dispose of the trapped blood faster.

● Best used for: Lip injection bruises as lips have high blood vessel concentration.

● Results: If done correctly can improve swelling and bruising in 2 to 3 days.

How Long Do Filler Bruises Last? (Healing Timeline)

Still asking, “How long do bruises from fillers last?”The answer depends on where you got the injection and how your body heals.

 If a bruise from filler won’t go away for close to 14 days, then see your injector or dermatologist!

Preventing Bruising During Future Filler Appointments

If you want to walk out of your next filler appointment with little to no bruising. The trick is to pick the right injector and prep the body first. Here is how you should set yourself up for a smooth and bruise-free experience.

1. Choose a Skilled Injector

● Search for an injector who injects with microcannulas, not needles (less trauma, less bruising!).

● Inquire as to whether they make use of vein mapping tools in order to prevent hitting blood vessels.

● Investigate their experience and the reviews—the proper technique makes all the difference!

2. Follow Pre-Treatment Guidelines

● Do not take blood thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil) within 5 to 7 days prior to treatment.

● 48 hours before the treatment, limit alcohol and caffeine as both increase the risk of bruising.

● To strengthen capillaries, eat Vitamin K-rich foods (spinach, kale, broccoli).

● Remember to stay hydrated and get enough sleep because a well-rested body heals faster!

3. Time Your Filler Appointments Wisely

● Plan not to get fillers right before a big event as you need around a week to heal!

● Don’t get fillers right before a vacation—sun and travel increase the extent of bruising.

● If you know you bruise easily, add additional recovery time after under-eye or lip fillers.

4. Maintain Healthy Skin for Faster Healing

● Have a Vitamin C boost – it helps keep blood vessels strong and skin recovering.

● Use a daily moisturizer with Arnica to calm and strengthen skin.

● Avoid sun damage, UV exposure slows down bruise healing.

By doing the following steps you will dramatically decrease your risk of bruising and have smoother, and faster healing after your next filler appointment.

Conclusion: Final Tips for Quick Bruise Healing

It is normal to bruise after fillers, and you can heal quicker and disguise it if you take the right steps.

Avoiding blood thinners, alcohol, and caffeine ahead of time minimizes bruising, and cold compresses, Arnica gel and Vitamin C help accelerate recovery. If a bruise from filler won’t go away, laser therapy, LED light therapy, and other such treatments can be performed.

Selecting an injector who has experience in microcannulas will decrease the possibility of bruising in future facials.

Minimize Bruising with the Right Injection Technique

Do you want less bruising after lip filler? The secret is to use the correct tools! Cannula for Fillers by Diaminy Aesthetics is meant to minimize trauma, reduce bruising, and guarantee an easier injection.

This high-quality microcannula glides through tissue without damaging blood vessels and therefore makes your filler experience more comfortable with faster recovery than traditional needles.