Treatment of injection-induced ecchymoses with light/laser-assisted technology

An increasing number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as filler or botulinum toxin injections, are performed annually. These procedures are associated with a high risk of post-procedure bruising or ecchymosis. Ecchymoses arise following hemorrhage and extravasation of red blood cells into the subcutaneous tissue, leading to local skin discoloration. Although ecchymoses generally resolve within 14 days, their appearance is cosmetically bothersome, and they may be painful and cause major distress to patients. Recent clinical evidence suggests that light/laser technology with pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light (IPL) can dramatically alleviate and minimize bruising when delivered within 24-72 hr of the injection. This article, will review reports of treatment of ecchymosis by lasers and IPL.