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How long does bruising last after QWO?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 21, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Bruising after QWO is common, affecting up to 84% of women, and usually lasts up to 2 to 4 weeks. The first treatment of QWO usually causes the most significant bruising but subsequent treatments tend to cause less bruising. You can minimize bruising by:

  • Avoiding anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for two weeks before your procedure. But ask your doctor first if you are prescribed anti-inflammatories on prescription or if you take other medications such as blood thinners or prednisone. Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's permission
  • Avoiding supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding for two weeks before the procedure, such as alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, cinnamon, clove, CoQ10, chamomile, creatine, echinacea, ephedra, fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, glucosamine, glutamine, goldenseal, L-carnosine, licorice, milk thistle, resveratrol, turmeric, St. John’s wort & vitamin E
  • Using topical or oral arnica or antioxidants after your procedure.

Why does QWO cause bruising?

Adipose tissue also contains blood vessels and small blood vessels may leak following a QWO injection because their support is affected by QWO. This is what causes the appearance of bruising.
At recommended dosages, QWO does not damage arteries, nerves, or large veins because these contain type 4 collagen.

Bruising not going away after QWO?

Bruising after QWO can take up to 4 weeks to resolve but can be minimized by:

  • Wearing compression garments (such as bike shorts or Spanx) for 2 to 4 days after treatment
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise or physical activity for 48 hours after treatment
  • Avoiding medications and supplements that may increase the chance of bruising for 48 hours following treatment
  • Using skin products or oral supplements that contain arnica, bromelain, or antioxidants that help bruises resolve faster.
References
  • The Pearl Dermatology. QWO. https://thepearldermatology.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/QWO-Pre-and-Post-Procedure.pdf

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