Posted on 21 Nov 2018

Updated June 30, 2026

If you’re new to dermal fillers, you might not know what to expect. One thing is for sure– you can expect a young and radiant appearance to follow. But, depending on your particular skin and body type, you may experience slight bruising for the first few days. When your calendar is packed with plans, the last thing you want to think about is how to conceal signs of bruising. Fortunately, there are precautionary measures you can take to reduce the likelihood and intensity of post-treatment bruising.

7 Tips to Minimize Bruising After Fillers

Bruising is a normal result of fillers. You may not be able to avoid it completely, but you can reduce visible bruising and shorten how long it shows. Here are our top suggestions on how to prevent bruising after fillers.

Choose a Skilled Injector

If you’ve ever had a bad blood draw at the doctor’s office, you know what a difference it can make to work with someone who knows what they’re doing. Choose an expert injector who is properly credentialed and has experience using the particular injectable you have selected. They will know exactly where to inject the filler and how much solution to use– this is vital for minimizing post-treatment bruising.

nurse injector holding dermal filler syringe

Choose the Right Dermal Filler

Choosing the right filler becomes much easier when you choose a skilled injector, because they will be able to guide you in selecting the right injectable. At Neaman MediSpa, every patient meets with one of our specialists to discuss their facial concerns. Based on this consultation, they’ll recommend the best filler based on each individual’s needs. 

Dermal filler boxes

Avoid Certain Supplements and Medications

Medications that thin the blood or restrict the blood’s ability to properly clot can increase bruising. This includes NSAIDs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen and. Ideally, you should refrain from taking these two weeks prior to treatment. It may also help to avoid Vitamin E, fish oil, flaxseed oil, high-dose turmeric, and St. John’s Wort in the weeks leading up to your injections.

Always consult with your physician before you stop any prescribed medications or supplements. 

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can temporarily thin your blood and dilate blood vessels, increasing the risk of bruising and swelling. Skip alcohol for 24-48 hours before and after your treatment for optimal dermal filler recovery. 

Hold off on Intense Exercise

Getting your blood pumping with a good workout is generally good for your body, but that increased blood flow can make bruising more noticeable after dermal filler injections. Give your body time to heal and avoid vigorous workouts and high-intensity cardio for a couple of days after treatment. You’ll still be fine for normal life activities and light walks.

Stay Out of the Sun

Sun exposure isn’t going to cause bruising after you get dermal fillers, but it can worsen your swelling and make bruising appear more noticeable. In addition, limiting your sun exposure is an important habit for the health of your skin. Staying out of the sun and using sunscreen will help your fillers last longer so you can enjoy the full benefit of your treatment. 

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Understanding what to avoid after filler is only half the battle– you also need to consider what your body does need. High-protein and anti-inflammatory foods can help your body rebuild damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Eating a healthy diet, along with staying hydrated, is some of the best aftercare for lip filler and other dermal fillers. 

dermal filler for cheeks

Is My Bruising Normal or Concerning?

Some bruising and swelling after dermal fillers is normal since the needles that are used can occasionally disrupt small blood vessels. It’s especially common in delicate areas like your lips and under-eye area.

Normal bruising:

  1. starts to improve within a few days
  2. resolves on its own in a week or two 
  3. is accompanied by mild swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity

Concerning bruising:

  1. gets worse or doesn’t resolve
  2. causes severe pain
  3. is significantly discolored (white, grey, or dark purple patches)
  4. includes blistering
  5. causes changes in vision

Serious complications are rare, especially when you work with a skilled injector, but it’s important to seek help as soon as you notice anything concerning. If ongoing side effects have you wondering how long does filler bruising last?– don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d much rather answer a question than have you worry.

Neaman MediSpa Can Help!

Dermal fillers and Botox can help you feel more confident in your appearance. Neaman Medi Spa is here to walk you through effective filler aftercare and help you prevent any adverse reactions like bruising. If you’re looking for an expert injector to give you the results you desire, call Neaman MediSpa at 844-338-5445 and schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Keith Neaman

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at  | Learn More

Dr. Neaman is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in surgical body contouring. He prides himself on being on the cutting edge of plastic surgery. He takes an informative approach to each consultation, and through open dialogue and communication, he helps his patients decide on a treatment plan that meets their needs.


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