Bruising and Vascular occlusion are both potential side effects of cosmetic injectable procedures like lip filler, however they have different causes and outcomes.

Bruising is a relatively common side effect of most cosmetic injectable procedures. Bruising is caused by damage to the blood vessels which causes leakage into surrounding tissue. Bruising after dermal filler procedures is a common, though temporary side effect and will naturally resolve on its own.

If you are concerned about the appearance of bruising, you can apply an ice pack and our arnica lip balm or arnica cream to the area to speed up your recovery time. Our aftercare range is available for free same day shipping!

A vascular occlusion is a serious complication and is discussed in more detail below:

What is a vascular occlusion?

A Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious complication of dermal filler injections. Vascular occlusion is different to bruising from dermal filler and occurs when blood is unable to pass through a blood vessel. This can occur if dermal filler is injected into a blood vessel or from compression of a vessel from surrounding filler.

It is important to know the signs of vascular occlusion and seek assistance from your injector immediately as though rare the most serious complication of vascular occlusion is blindness.
 
What are the signs of a vascular occlusion ?

Generally, a vascular occlusion will occur whilst your practioner is injecting (another reason it is essential to see an experienced nurse injector or doctor) or within a few hours after treatment.

The immediate signs of an occlusion include intense pain in the area, dusky skin, bruising and skin blanching. Bruising is cause by blood leaking into the skin, dusky skin caused by an occlusion will not blanch. Bruising in the lip area can be managed by applying an arnica lip balm.
 
Where does it occur?

Latest data indicates that 50% of vascular occlusions occur in the Glabella area (skin on your forehead above your nose) this is because the blood vessels are smaller in this are and have limited connecting circulation. The nasal area is another high risk zone for vascular occlusion including the nasal tip and the nasolabial fold, again due to the minimal collateral blood flow in that area. Vascular occlusions can also occur to the lip area. Though rare it is a very important consideration when deciding whether to have a Non surgical rhinoplasty procedure.
 
How can the risk of vascular occlusion be reduced?

Our most important tip is ensuring you select a trained and experienced cosmetic nurse injector or Doctor to perform your cosmetic injectables procedures, this ensures they have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy to actively avoid blood vessels and arteries and use techniques to reduce the risk of a vascular occlusion occurring.
Some techniques used to avoid occlusion include using the “cannula” technique vs needle due to the blunt end, resulting in a reduced chance of penetrating blood vessels, and aspirating for blood prior to injecting. Our most common dermal filler in Australia contains Hyaluronic acid which can be dissolved with Hyaluronidase.
 
What is the treatment for a vascular occlusion?
 
Unlike bruising caused by dermal filler or antiwrinkle injections, ice is not recommended. It is essential to increase blood flow and circulation to the area, whereas the application of an ice pack has the opposite effect. A vascular occlusion is considered an emergency, your cosmetic injector will apply a warm compress immediately, aim to dissolve the filler with Hyaluronidase and firmly massage the area.

If you think you may have a vascular occlusion it is essential that you call your clinic immediately for treatment. 

If you are looking for faster recovery from bruising after your cosmetic procedure, try our range of aftercare