At Racquel Aesthetics, injectable treatments are approached with intention, precision, and a deep respect for facial anatomy. Every patient experience is designed to reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and results, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care.
Our team of injectors are extensively trained and continually evolving their skillset to stay at the forefront of evidence-based aesthetic medicine. Treating with Botox and dermal filler requires far more than technical ability. It demands a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, facial vasculature, dosing, balance, and individual goals. This level of expertise allows us to create natural, refined results while prioritizing patient safety above all else.
Injectables are not a one-size-fits-all treatment and are far from simple. Each face presents unique considerations and challenges, which is why our approach is highly personalized. We focus on thoughtful planning, conservative dosing, and full facial balancing to enhance harmony.
We also believe in setting realistic expectations and educating patients on the healing process after injectables. Even with advanced techniques and careful planning, bruising is very common, normal, and to be expected. The face is highly vascular and minor bruising is sometimes an unavoidable part of treatment. While many bruises are small and resolve quickly, larger bruises can occasionally occur and may take up to a week or slightly longer to fully heal. This is a normal part of the body’s healing process and not a cause for concern.
Since bruising is a possibility, we always recommend scheduling injectable appointments at least two weeks before any major event, trip, or special occasion. Planning ahead allows your skin adequate time to heal so you can feel confident and comfortable.
At Racquel Aesthetics, we take proactive steps to minimize bruising whenever possible. Including the AccuVein finder and the Mindray Ultrasound. Using these technologies allows us to map out the blood vessels in your face to avoid them while performing your injections. These tools enhance precision and safety but do not eliminate the possibility of bruising entirely. Check out this blog on the benefits of using the Mindray Ultrasound machine. In addition, we are dedicated to offering supportive post-care options to help you recover quickly and comfortably.
Why bruising happens
Bruising occurs when a tiny blood vessel under the skin is disrupted during treatment. Our faces are incredibly vascular. We love to show our patients an image of a vascular map of a face for a great visual. See below a great visual that shows just how vascular the face is.
There are many small blood vessels close to the surface. When one of those vessels is nicked, a bruise can form. Some people bruise more easily than others. This can be due to various things such as genetics, medications, supplements, hydration levels, or even the timing of their cycle. This does not reflect the skill of your injector or the quality of your treatment.
At RA, our injector team is highly trained and deeply experienced, and while we always use advanced techniques to minimize bruising, we also prepare our patients for the reality that it can happen and that’s okay. The most important thing is knowing what is normal and how to properly support your skin before and after treatment.
What you can to pre-treatment
Being properly informed and planning ahead allows us to support you with the best possible experience and results. To help minimize the risk of bruising, we recommend a few simple things to do in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Be mindful of blood-thinning medications. Common blood thinners include NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, naproxen, aspirin), fish oil and certain supplements. Tylenol is okay to take as it does not increase the risk of bruising.
I want to note it is completely safe to still receive injectables if you are prescribed a blood thinner or have taken any of the above. We simply want you to be aware that these medications can increase the likelihood of bruising. Always check with your healthcare provider before stopping any medications.
Lastly, avoid heavy exercise and alcohol 24-48 hours prior to treatment. These can increase blood flow and increase the changes of bruising.
What we do at RA to help bruises heal faster
We are grateful for the technology available to us that helps us avoid bruising as much as we can. However, we do take bruising seriously, not because it’s dangerous, but because we want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way. Here are a few of the options we offer and recommend:
Arnica gel
We apply arnica immediately after treatment and often recommend continued use at home. Arnica helps decrease inflammation and can significantly shorten the lifespan of a bruise.
Ice packs
Something we provide you with post-treatment is an RA ice pack. They are reusable and can be put back in the freeze. Not to mention they are cute lips! We recommend using the ice packs 10 minutes on and 10 minutes 10 for the first 24 hours.
Bromelain supplements
Bromelain is a natural enzyme that helps the body break down bruising more efficiently. We provide you with Bromelain natural tablets to take home to help reduce inflammation.
Laser treatment for bruising
One of the biggest benefits of being treated at RA is access to advanced technology. We offer our BBL laser that is specifically designed to help clear bruises as a $50 add on to your appointment. This can dramatically speed up healing and get you back to feeling like yourself sooner.
What you can do at home
Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for the first 48 hours. Stay hydrated. Sleep with your head elevated. If you are on blood thinners, check with your health provider if you can avoid taking it for 48 hours after treatment.
At RA, education is just as important as results. We believe confident patients are well informed patients. Our injector team is extensively trained, detail-oriented, and committed to providing safe, beautiful outcomes while supporting you before, during, and after treatment. We take pride in being here for you every step of the way! Our goal is for you to walk into your appointment knowing you are in the best hands. We will equip you with the tools and guidance needed to reduce the risk of bruising.
If you ever have a question or just need reassurance, we are always here for you. Call or text us at 314-200-2334 (Kirkwood Location) or 636-742-1122 (Chesterfield Location), email us hello@racquelaesthetics.com or connect with us on Instagram!
XO,
Racquel
