Quick Answer
Okay, so you got fillers and now you look like you went a few rounds in a boxing ring. Don't panic. It's almost always normal. Swelling and bruising happen when the needle nicks tiny blood vessels. Here's the quick version: Ice is your best friend. Get a soft cold compress on there for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Pop some Arnica tablets, maybe some Bromelain from pineapple extract. And sleep with your head propped up on a couple pillows. It'll mostly clear up in a few days to a week. If it gets worse, looks weird, or hurts like hell, you call your injector. Immediately.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
First, take a deep breath and a picture in good lighting. Use photos to track your progress day by day.
Step 2
Look at the area. Is it just blue/purple/yellowish bruising and some general puffiness? That's normal.
Step 3
Gently touch the area. If it's just tender, that's fine. If it's rock hard, very hot, or the pain is getting worse, that's a red flag.
Step 4
Be honest with yourself about your pre-care. Did you avoid all the blood thinners on the list you were given? If not, you're likely seeing the consequences.
Step 5
Critically, look for signs of vascular occlusion. Is the skin around the bruise turning pale, white, or into a dusky, web-like pattern? If so, call your injector's emergency line or go to the ER immediately.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Cold Compress | $0 - $10 | N/A | On/off for 24-48 hrs |
Arnica & Bromelain Supplements | $15 - $40 | N/A | 5-7 days |
Follow-up Consultation | N/A | $0 - $75 | 15-30 mins |
Hyaluronidase (Filler Dissolver) | N/A | $200 - $800+ | 30-60 mins |
When to Call a Professional Med Spa
- If the bruising or swelling is getting significantly worse after day 3, instead of better.
- If the pain is severe or increasing each day instead of decreasing.
- If you see any signs of infection, like spreading redness, the skin feeling hot to the touch, pus, or if you develop a fever.
- If the skin color changes to pale, white, mottled, or a dusky, net-like purple pattern (this could be a vascular occlusion, which is a medical emergency).
- If you feel an extremely firm, painful, or irregular lump that doesn't soften after a couple of weeks.
- If you experience signs of a systemic allergic reaction, like hives all over, severe itching, or shortness of breath—go to the ER.
Prevention Tips
- Follow the 'No' List: For one week prior, stop all blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and certain herbal supplements (with doctor's approval).
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours before and after your appointment. It thins the blood and increases swelling.
- Be an open book with your injector. Tell them about every single medication and supplement you take.
- Choose your injector wisely based on experience and their complication protocols, not just on price.
- Start taking oral Arnica Montana and/or Bromelain a day or two before your appointment and continue for a few days after.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two pillows for the first couple of nights to help gravity drain fluid.
- Keep cool. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and direct sun for 48 hours post-treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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