Any type of surgery produces some amount of bruising in the treated area and is part of the healing process. Facial procedures like facelift or rhinoplasty typically produce more swelling because there is a greater blood supply to the face. Men are also more likely to bruise because they have thicker skin and facial hair.
Bruising after plastic surgery may appear various shades of purple, brown, red and yellow. It is safe to conceal bruising with make-up, as long as the product isn’t applied to the surgical incision lines. Bruising will generally subside after about seven days.
Although bruising is a normal part of the healing process, there are efforts you can take to reduce bruising after facelift, liposuction, breast enhancement, Botox or facial filler injections or another cosmetic procedure. Here are several recommendations from Dr. Ronald Schuster:
Pre-Operative Precautions
Certain medications can raise the risk of bruising and excessive bleeding, because they thin the blood and delay normal clotting. Avoid aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen) for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine to take before surgery. Specific blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin and Plavix will produce dramatic bleeding after surgery and should be stopped well before surgery. Make sure that you tell Dr. Schuster if you take one of these medications.
It’s also important to refrain from using products containing vitamin E, such as fish oil, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba and other herbal preparations.
Dr. Schuster will provide a comprehensive list of medications, vitamins and supplements to avoid taking before surgery. If you have any questions about this list, contact our office.
Post-Operative Tips
There are several homeopathic medications that may reduce serious bruising: Bromelain (an enzyme found in the stem of pineapples), papaya extract and Arnica Montana (an herbal remedy also known as “mountain tobacco”). Dr. Schuster can tell you more about these medications during your consultation, recommend whether they might be helpful for you and suggest the correct dosage.
After surgery, wear your compression garment (if provided) and apply ice packs to the treated area as directed. Also, magnet therapy might be of benefit to some patients.
Limit your activity level and avoid anything strenuous, including bending and lifting. Do not return to work or exercise early. Wait until Dr. Schuster advises that it is safe to resume normal activities. Pushing your body too hard, too soon could raise the risk of post-operative complications.
Learn More
If you’d like more information about reducing the risk of bruising after plastic surgery, please contact Dr. Ronald Schuster, a cosmetic surgeon in Baltimore. Call 410-902-9800 or send us an email today.
