Getting facial fillers can provide amazing results, helping to plump lips, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. However, bruising is a common side effect. The discoloration can last for several days up to a couple weeks. While the bruising will fade on its own, many want to conceal it for work, social engagements, or simply personal preference. Choosing the right concealer is key to effectively covering up bruising from filler injections.
Causes of Bruising After Fillers
When a needle is inserted into the delicate facial tissues, minor bleeding under the skin often occurs. This trapped blood causes the purplish, blue, or reddish discoloration of a bruise. The following factors can contribute to increased bruising:
- Blood thinning medications or supplements
- Excessive alcohol consumption before treatment
- Age, as older skin is thinner and more fragile
- Use of aspirin, NSAIDs, or certain herbal supplements before injections
- Genetic predisposition
- Experienced injector versus one still building skill
- Treatment areas and depth of injection
While bruising cannot be completely avoided, proper preparation and aftercare can help reduce the risk and severity.
Location Matters
Certain areas of the face are more prone to bruising from fillers:
- Under Eye Area: The skin here is very thin. Treatments like tear trough filler often cause bruising.
- Cheeks: Bruising is common with midface volumizing treatments.
- Lips: Filler injections to plump and enhance the lips results in bruises for many patients.
- Jawline: Bruising can occur with chin and jaw shaping injections.
Knowing the likelihood of bruising based on location can set expectations. While unpleasant, remember that it is temporary.
Choosing the Best Concealer for Bruises
Only a concealer formulated specifically for effective bruise coverage will properly hide discoloration from filler injections. Consider the following factors when choosing a concealer:
Color Correcting Pigments
Look for a concealer containing color correcting pigments in green, yellow, peach, or purple. These hues counteract the red and blue tones in a bruise to neutralize discoloration.
Buildable Coverage
Concealers with full coverage that can be layered and built up will provide the opacity needed to obscure bruising.
Long Wearing
Choose a waterproof, smudge-proof concealer that will stay put all day without needing frequent touch ups.
Easy to Blend
The edges of a bruise often fade into the natural skin tone, so a formula that seamlessly blends is essential for the most natural look.
Skin Tone Matching Shades
For the best results, choose a concealer in the exact skin tone shade or slightly lighter to brighten the area.
How to Apply Concealer Over Bruises From Fillers
Follow these tips when using concealer to camouflage bruising after getting fillers:
- Start with a color corrector in a shade targeting your bruise tone – green for redness, purple to offset yellow.
- Use a damp sponge and dab the concealer over the discolored area.
- Layer the concealer for fuller coverage, allowing each layer to dry first.
- Feather and blend the edges so they fade seamlessly into your natural skin.
- Set with powder to ensure longevity and prevent creasing.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the area as much as possible.
With skill and the right products, bruises can be hidden for a flawless, post-injection complexion.
Top Concealer Picks for Hiding Bruises
Based on effectiveness, shades, coverage, and ease of use, here are the top 5 concealers recommended by experts:
| Brand | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dermablend | Quick Fix Body Concealer | Sweat and transfer resistant, customizable coverage |
| Make Up For Ever | Full Cover Concealer | Waterproof, up to 24hr wear |
| Cle de Peau | Concealer | Skin conditioning formula, range of tones |
| Estee Lauder | Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer | Crease and sweat resistant, 15hr wear |
| LA Girl | HD Pro Concealer | Color corrector and concealer shades, budget friendly |
How Long Does Bruising Last After Fillers?
The duration of bruising depends on multiple factors:
- Extent of the bruising – More significant discoloration tends to last longer.
- Individual healing ability – Some recover from bruising quicker than others.
- Location on the face – Thicker skinned areas like the cheeks heal faster than thinner regions.
- Age – Bruising generally lasts longer and is more noticeable in older patients.
- Aftercare – Avoiding blood thinning products can help bruises resolve faster.
On average, patients can expect bruising from facial fillers to last:
| Bruising Duration |
|---|
| 2-5 days |
| 5-10 days |
| 10-14 days |
Bruises older than 2 weeks are rare but can happen. Call your injector if you still have noticeable discoloration beyond 14 days.
Aftercare Tips to Speed Healing of Bruises
While the bruising ultimately has to run its course, the following aftercare can help it resolve more quickly:
- Cold compress – Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to minimize swelling.
- Arnica – Take oral homeopathic tablets or use arnica gel to reduce bruising.
- Bromelain – This enzyme found in pineapple may decrease bruising.
- Vitamin K – Oral or topical creams with vitamin K can improve bruising.
- Avoid sun – Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of bruises.
- Gentle cleanser – Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser while healing.
- Avoid blood thinners – Don’t take NSAIDs, aspirin, alcohol, etc, for several days.
With time and proper aftercare, bruises will fade and you can enjoy your refreshed, filler enhanced complexion.
When to Call Your Doctor
While bruising is normal, call your cosmetic provider right away if you experience:
- Bruising that gets increasingly worse after 2 days
- Bruises that do not start to improve after a week
- Hard, painful, swollen lumps under the skin
- Cold sores, blisters, or other signs of infection
- Persistent redness, warmth, and tenderness
- Tingling, numbness, or altered facial expressions
Significant or worsening bruising can indicate a complication like vascular occlusion. Prompt evaluation and treatment is needed. Other concerning symptoms like infection or filler migration should also receive medical care right away.
Covering Bruises for a Natural Look
For optimal, natural looking results when concealing bruises, follow these expert tips:
- Exfoliate first to remove flaky skin and allow better adherence.
- Use a color corrector before applying concealer.
- Stipple and dab the concealer instead of rubbing it in.
- Feather out the edges with a damp sponge.
- Set with a powder that matches your skin tone.
- Blend down onto the neck so there is no visible line.
- Use the same products on the rest of your face for an even complexion.
- Avoid thick, heavy formulations that crease.
With practice, the right products, and techniques, bruises can be concealed for a flawless post-filler look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply makeup right after fillers?
It’s best to avoid makeup for 24 hours after getting dermal fillers. This allows time for the risk of bleeding, swelling, and tenderness to decrease before applying cosmetics. Follow your provider’s specific guidance on when you can resume wearing makeup.
Do creams help bruising after fillers?
Yes, certain creams can aid healing after injections. Products containing vitamin K, arnica, bromelain, and antioxidants may reduce bruising duration. Icing and over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol can also help.
Why do I still have bruising 2 weeks after fillers?
In most cases, bruising should resolve within 10-14 days. Bruising lasting longer than 2 weeks is uncommon. Potential reasons include a large hematoma, blood thinner use, or personal healing factors. Contact your provider if bruises remain beyond 2 weeks.
How can I sleep on my side after cheek fillers?
Sleep on your back using extra pillows for several nights after midface filler injections. Positioning a soft travel pillow under your cheek can make side sleeping more comfortable when you are ready to resume it.
Can I go in the sun after getting lip fillers?
Avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours after lip injections to prevent worsening bruising or swelling. Wear a wide brim hat and sunscreen afterwards until all signs of bruising have resolved.
Conclusion
Bruising is a common but temporary side effect from facial fillers. Choosing products formulated for maximum coverage and practicing proper application techniques can effectively conceal these bruises. While the discoloration cannot be prevented completely, avoiding blood thinners and icing before and after injections helps reduce bruising risk and severity. With appropriate aftercare, most bruising resolves within 2 weeks. Call your cosmetic provider promptly about any worsening or concerning symptoms. With time and skillful concealing, the beautiful enhancements from fillers can be enjoyed without bruised skin.
