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Dermal fillers can be extremely effective in restoring volume lost from the face over time. It can also be useful for plumping the lips, minimizing under eye hollows, smile lines and nasolabial folds. There are those who might be hesitant to go through with this cosmetic procedure due to the potential for side effects including swelling or bruising.
“My patients work or are very active socially,”says Dr. Miriam Hanson, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic expert in Austin, Texas. “Who can afford to see clients with a bruise on their face? Or rearrange their social schedule just because there’s chance that might get some swelling?”
Like any other type injection, whether it’s Botox or a vaccine booster, there is always a chance that you can experience bruising after the procedure. Patients taking blood thinners or certain dietary supplements, may have an increased risk of bruising with injectables. Still, this response varies with each patient, and there’s no guarantee that everyone will experience bruising.
“Patients always ask if there’s anything they can do to minimize their chance of swelling and bruising after Juvederm or Restylane,” notes Dr. Hanson. “They ask about over-the-counter products, supplements, pre- and post procedure care that can help avoid these outcomes.” Dr. Hanson admits that a lot of minimizing bruising and swelling with fillers is technique, but there are a few other ‘natural’ approaches!
You would be shocked what the enzymes in a plant can offer in the form of healing.
“Arnica is derived from a yellow flower that contains a few active agents,” explains Dr. Hanson. These agents including sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, compounds suggested to decrease inflammation. The essential oil thymol contained in Arnica fights infection, and carotenoid acts as an antioxidant. Arnica, taken orally, has been reported to increase circulation and assist in boosting white blood cell activity. It has been suggested that this can help to combat the inflammation and bruising that can take place after surgery or other procedures that pierce the skin.
Bromelain is an agent naturally found in pineapples and has long been used to treat indigestion and inflammation. “Although not fully tested, there studies that have shown that Bromelain can offer assistance with swelling in the body,” Dr. Hanson shares. Just as with Arnica, these often come in capsule form and are found in grocery stores or natural food and health stores.
Although the potential of side effects for these procedures is quite minor, they can also be managed by icing the area. “Ice alleviates discomfort by numbing the skin. The cold also causes constriction of blood vessels, slowing circulation allowing blood to clot before a significant fluid build up, bruising or a hematoma can develop. Ice therefore helps with bleeding, swelling and inflammation in the skin.
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Thinking about dermal fillers but want to minimize discomfort and potential side effects? Contact us today and talk to the specialists at Sanova Dermatology to address all of your skin care needs!