5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Bruising after Fillers

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Bruising after Fillers

Fillers are a simple, effective solution to minimizing fine lines around the face and jaw. A “lunchtime treatment,” fillers have minimal recovery time and are an affordable option for many patients who aren’t ready to commit to surgical facial rejuvenation. One risk associated with injectable fillers is temporary bruising or swelling around the injection site. What can patients do to minimize the risk of bruising after fillers?

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Bruising after Fillers

  1. filler injectionStop taking blood thinners. Medications and supplements that thin the blood will increase your risk of bruising. Stop taking aspirin, excedrin, ibuprofen, ginseng, St. John’s wort, omega 3 fatty acids/fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and other blood thinners for 1-2 weeks before treatment. If you’re taking a blood thinner for a medical reason, talk to your doctor before stopping.
  2. Avoid alcohol for 1-2 days. Drinking alcohol will increase your likelihood of bruising, so avoid happy hour for a few days before treatment.
  3. Skip the gym. Yes, you have an excuse not to workout! After injection the damaged capillaries will need to heal, which takes longer if they’re stressed due to increased heart rate. Walking is fine, but put off yoga, weights, and running until 24-48 hours after treatment to help avoid bruising.
  4. Ice the area. A cold pack will desensitize the area and reduce swelling. It will also relieve any lingering discomfort from the treatment.
  5. Choose a qualified injector. Fillers may seem like a simple procedure, but beware of the  bargain basement injectables you might find at spas, clinics, or Botox parties. Injectables are a medical procedure with associated risks, and your injector should always have the proper documentation and training, as well as performing the procedure in a safe and sterile environment.

Want more tips on how to get the most out of injectable fillers? Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner.

6 Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

6 Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

When summer arrives, your skin goes on display. Wardrobes shift from skin-protecting sweaters and pants to shorts, skirts, and swimsuits. But it’s important to remember that loving your skin goes beyond self-confidence. It means protecting your skin from the summer sun. Keep your skin glowing and healthy with Dr. Brantner’s summer skincare tips.

6 Summer Skincare Tips

  1. woman with beautiful skinExfoliate. When dead skin builds up, it can clog your pores, dry out your skin, and dull your overall appearance. Regular exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin, revealing the fresher, healthier skin underneath. Work exfoliation into your daily skincare routine. For a professional treatment, try microdermabrasion to rejuvenate your skin.
  2. Drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the summer, especially on overcast days when the heat is less apparent. Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors. Not only is it good for your body, drinking water helps your skin stay healthy, too.
  3. Moisturize. Your skin gets thirsty, too! Moisturizing is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin fresh and slow signs of aging. Moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
  4. Lather up. Forgoing sunscreen can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase your risk of developing melanoma. Skip the peeling sunburn, dry skin, wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer by applying sunscreen every morning and reapplying regularly.
  5. Cool the burn. If you do get sunburnt, don’t suffer in silence. Applying soothing aloe can soothe inflammation and reduce peeling, which is good news for your skin.
  6. Schedule annual checkups. Schedule a yearly appointment with your dermatologist to catch potential melanomas early. If your doctor finds a risky spot, he or she will refer you to a qualified plastic surgeon.

Does your skin need a little TLC? A nonsurgical procedure can help rejuvenate skin with mild sun damage or fine lines. Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to learn more about facial rejuvenation in Johnson City.