Many people want to explore having facial cosmetic injections, but are worried about the pain and bruising that may be involved. At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery we take these concerns very seriously and want to make sure our patients have a wonderful experience in addition to having wonderful results. We have curated the best tools available to minimize pain on injections and minimize bruising.

Pain control options

Numbing cream: We use a practice formulated numbing cream that we took over 10 years to develop that our patients rave about.
Smallest needles: We use smaller needles (32g) than the industry standard so that injections are barely perceptible.
Micro-Cannulas for injection: Often our injectors use cannulas which also require less needle sticks and therefore a more comfortable injection.
Pronox: We have the Pronox system available for our patients that want some mild sedation during their procedure. This is a patient-controlled device that allows you to breathe in a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen to allow for reduction of anxiety and discomfort.
NueVibe Buzzer: This device is used by your injector to vibrate the skin near the injection site. By doing this, your nerves that sense pain get distracted and you do not feel the needle injection as much. It is a great option for patients that do not want to spend time numbing for Botox but want some relief.

Bruise Free Injections

Smallest needles: We use smaller needles (32g) than the industry standard so that injections are barely perceptible.
Micro-Cannulas for injection: Often our injectors use cannulas which also require less needle sticks and therefore a more comfortable injection with less likelihood to cause bruising.
Ice packs: We have ice packs available for our patients before and after injections to minimize the risk of bruising.
Alastin INhance Post- Injection Serum: a take home serum that helps accelerate recovery from bruising, and also enhances the appearance of skin quality. All done with a cooling applicator to provide a soothing post-injection effect.

Tips to reduce the risk of bruising

Before Injection

  • Avoid blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Fish Oils.
  • Avoid alcohol for two days before injection.
  • Start arnica montana and bromelain if you have a history of easy bruising.

After Injection

  • Avoid any exercise that requires inversions (i.e. gymnastics, yoga).
  • Use ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Do not massage the treated area.
  • Start Arnica montana and bromelain if you have a history of easy bruising.

Dr. Balikian offers Strong numbing cream, Nuevibe, and Pronox.

Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Artistry. Excellence. Compassion

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.

Read More
  • ABFPRS logo
  • ABOHNS logo
  • ACS logo
  • Castle Connolly logo
  • 10 Best Plastic Surgeon
  • Columbia University logo
  • Best of 2023 - Ranch & Coast
  • Global Accreditation Authority
  • National Academy of Plastic Surgeon's 2024 Top 10 list!

Contact Our Office

If you have any questions about blepharoplasty, contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Richard Balikian today. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience providing excellent cosmetic services in Temecula Valley and San Diego, Dr. Balikian will gladly guide you through the entire surgical process and address any questions or concerns that you may have along the way.

Schedule a Consult

My surgery was fast and easy, recovery was also good.

starstarstarstarstar

My surgery was fast and easy, recovery was also good. Doctor explained everything to me the before and after. Was very pleased and will definitely come back in the future. [Single best thing is…] I had a blepharoplasty to remove fat from my lower eyes that always made me look like I was tired. Everything was smooth the day of the surgery. My recovery time was very minimal. I had no pain. Everything went just as the doctor [said] things would go.