Understanding the Recovery Process

Planning Treatment

Plan time in your schedule in case you bruise. Some patients may notice bruising 3-4 days after treatment that may last 7-10 days, occasionally longer.  Planning treatment about 1 month prior to an important event is helpful to ensure that any swelling and/or bruising is resolved. For more information, visit our Treatment Timeline page.

Microcannula Technique

Our associates at Mabrie Facial Institute use an advanced microcannula to minimize bruising and other tissue trauma during facial filler injections. Treatment with the cannula requires only one small poke with a needle, allowing the cannula to reach multiple areas of the face with less risk of damaging blood vessels.

Cold & Warm Compress

After your procedure, we’ll send you home with an ice pack. Use the cold compress for the first few hours after treatment to decrease swelling and bruising.  Be careful not to over-ice!  Too much cold can be irritating to the skin, so use cold compresses in moderation.  The morning after treatment, switch to warm compresses to help increase blood flow that will assist in the healing process.

Avoid Blood Thinners

2 weeks before your treatment, please refrain from using: Motrin, Aspirin, St. John’s Wort, and Fish Oil.  These substances can increase your risk of bruising.

Arnica Montana

This natural homeopathic remedy has been used since the 1500’s. Though not scientifically proven, many rave about its ability to reduce pain, swelling and bruise discoloration. For optimum benefit of this product, start taking immediately after treatment.

Makeup After Treatment

Wait 1 hour after treatment to apply make-up, concealer, moisturizer, and SPF.  This will minimize the risk of infection.  We suggest passing the time in our Lux Lounge before reapplication.  Light bruising may be camouflaged by complexion colored foundation alone, however, darker bruises may require the neutralizing method first, followed by foundation. Below is a list of some popular concealer brands, as well as tips for application.

Product: Ultra HD Underpainting Color Correcting Palette

Brand: Make Up For Ever

Retailer: Sephora, Amazon

Product: Concealer Twins

Brand: Physician’s Formula

Retailer: Target, CVS, Walgreens, Ulta Beauty

Product: Correct & Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette

Brand: Stila

Retailer: Sephora, Ulta Beauty

A: Neutralize: Neutralizing colors appear opposite each other on the Color Wheel. Use the Color Wheel to determine which concealer color will neutralize the color of your bruise. For example – to cover blue bruises, you would start by neutralizing the color of your bruise with orange makeup concealer. For red blemishes, you would neutralize the blemish color with green makeup concealer.

B: Apply: Use light fingertips to apply the concealer in blending motions, being sure to camouflage the entire bruise. Allow the concealer to set.

C: Finish: If desired, you may then apply a layer of foundation that best matches your skin complexion (be careful not to rub in the concealer while applying).

Most patients experience a significant amount of swelling the morning after their procedure. It’s the natural way your face reacts to treatment. The swelling will go down in a short amount of time (usually within 24 to 48 hours after treatment). Here are some tips to help with recovery.

• Avoid lying face down
• Elevate head while sleeping (45°)
• Apply cold compress for comfort
• No strenuous exercise

• Gently massage areas or bumps
• Wash face
• Wear makeup after 1 hour
• Apply warm compress for comfort/swelling
• Use Arnica gel or tablets

• Severe pain
• Skin redness and swelling persists longer than 5 days
• Severe color changes