Eight Tips to Manage Bruising after Plastic Surgery
Swelling and bruising after plastic surgery are generally inevitable, but there are some ways to make it more manageable during the weeks following your procedure. If you’re considering one of our many facial or body contouring procedures at our Frisco, TX clinic, Dr. Ken Smart will set up a private consultation with you to review the procedure with you in detail, as well as provide instructions on how to minimize your risk for complications. Below are eight tips for comfortably managing your recovery to help make the overall process more enjoyable.
Ice, Ice Baby
Applying ice packs in 20- to 30-minute intervals for the first few days after your procedure can significantly minimize bruising in the following weeks. It can also reduce redness and swelling. When the cold compress is applied over the area, blood vessels will contract and stop the bleeding in the underlying layers of the skin. It’s important to place a towel in between your skin and the ice pack to prevent damage to the skin.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and other tobacco products slow the body’s ability to heal by narrowing blood vessels and preventing proper oxygen flow. When this occurs, it can lead to excessive and prolonged bruising, as well as place you at risk for infection.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water (at least eight cups a day) can boost your immune system, rid your body of harmful toxins known for causing inflammation and infection, and aid you in recovering faster after surgery. Staying hydrated can also increase your energy levels.
Hold Your Head Up High
When lying down, keeping the area elevated can reduce swelling and prevent underlying bleeding from pooling and settling around the incision.
Don’t Over Do It
Limiting your activity and resting as much as possible will aid your body in recovery. Patients who try and do too much too soon are more likely to experience prolonged bruising and other complications, such as infection.
Watch Your Meds
Taking medications, such as anti-inflammatories, and over-the-counter supplements, such as arnica montana or bromelain, can reduce swelling and bruising after surgery.
Consume Healthy Foods
A bruise is a pooling of blood under the skin that develops as a result of a blood vessel getting sheared during surgery. Since a bruise can occur from a simple injection, it is typically unavoidable during surgery. However, consuming foods high in Vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, cabbage, and brussel sprouts can make blood thicker and less likely to escape from blood vessels after surgery.
Under Pressure
Immediately after surgery, the doctor will apply pressure to the area to help stop the bleeding. This is generally accomplished with a compression garment or bandages. Keeping these in place for the first few days will prevent the blood from spreading further, thus minimizing the size of your bruise, while also reducing inflammation.
Listen to Your Doctor
In addition to all the other tips, above else, follow your doctor’s orders. After surgery, you will be given post-op instructions to assist you in your recovery. Following these diligently will aid you in your recovery and minimize the severity of your bruising.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about the body contouring procedures Dr. Smart provides, contact us online. As a board certified surgeon, Dr. Smart uses the latest techniques to deliver desirable results.