We all want to look better. For many of us, that means looking younger. Plastic surgery is becoming more and more and even more popular. In 2014, more than 1.8 million treatments with hyaluronic acid were performed. These include Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Perlane and Restylane. These treatments are considered to be the equivalent of a non-surgical facelift.

Some patients report swelling and bruising after the procedures are performed. There are ways to lessen that risk and reduce any negative (but temporary) problems that people experience after receiving these injections. Here are some things you can do to make your experience with these injections better.

1. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for at least a week before the procedures. These medications include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), Aspirin. You should also look for these medications in other formulations like Midol, cold medicine and others. Check the ingredient list of the over the counter medications you take. These compound have an impact on your platelets, which are responsible for clotting (the stoppage of bleeding). Bruises are nothing more than blood under the skin. If you take these drugs, your body will have a harder time stopping any bleeding that occurs after your injections, you will have more bruising. You can use Tylenol, which is not an NSAID.
2. Do not drink alcohol the night before and the night of your injections. Alcohol does the very same thing to your platelets as NSAIDs. If you drink alcohol the right before or the night you have your non-surgical facelift, you will have more bruising. You will have a better experience with your injections if you abstain.
3. Do not workout for one to two days after your treatments. The injections will damage some capillaries, this is normal and not permanent, but you will want to do what you can to help them repair themselves. Your capillaries need to have a lower blood flow and more robust platelets to repair themselves. Exercise will increase the blood flow and that leads to more bruising. Keep your heart rate to something under 100 beats per minute. Cardio workouts need to be avoided. You should also avoid hot yoga.
4. Do not take supplements for one week before your have your treatment. Many supplements are blood thinners, though mild, and will raise the likelihood that you will suffer from bruising after these treatments. You should absolutely avoid Greet Tea, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Gingseng and others. Also the results herbal supplements can have are unpredictable and should be avoided before any medical or dental procedure.
5. Use an ice pack. If you have ever injured a joint, you probably used ice to prevent swelling. You should use an ice pack before and after your non-surgical facelift. Doing this will constrict the blood vessels in the area making it less likely to bleed and reducing the chances you will suffer from bruising. It will also help prevent pain.
6. Ask for numbing cream. This is more than just to prevent pain. If this is applied between 20 and 30 minutes before your procedure. This also will constrict your blood vessels. Ask the office where you are having this done if they can apply numbing cream before the procedure.
7. Protect your skin from the sun. We all should do this all the time but for the first few days after your procedure, your skin will be very sensitive. Wear a hat when you go outside and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Do this until any redness and swelling have disappeared.

From Botox injections to visits to the local the laser skin resurfacing center, people are doing more than ever to keep their skin looking young. People who get Botox injections tend to be between the age of 40 and 59 years. In 2012, there were 1.1 million chemical peels performed.

As more and more of us want to turn back the hands of time, more and more ways to do that are being found. New treatments work better, are less painful and last longer than the ones that came before them. Not too long ago, surgery was the only option. Now it is possible to have what is effectively a non-surgical facelift.