Any facial cosmetic surgery has the potential to cause bruising, and skin discoloration. Most of this facial or neck bruising is temporary and fades away in a few days or weeks. More extensive cosmetic procedures may take longer to recover.
Avoid Blood Thinners
We are sometimes unaware that normal medications or herbs may cause bruising. Stop all aspirin and aspirin-like products such as ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure. Avoid any herbal teas or medications which have blood thinning qualities such as ginko, St. John's wort, ginger, ginseng, garlic, kava, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Generally these medications or herbals may be resumed 2 weeks after your aesthetic procedure. Your plastic surgeon will let you know when it's ok to resume taking these products.
Elevate Your Head
Avoid lying prone or flat. Position your head on top of several pillows or sleep in a chair to help reduce bruising, swelling, and pooling of blood in the treated area. Allow gravity play a role in the healing process.
Ice
A cool compress or crushed ice help constrict the blood vessels and help reduce the spread of bruising. Never apply ice directly on the skin. Use a soft cloth to help distribute the cooling effects of the ice to the skin. Ice and cool compresses are especially important within the first 2 days after cosmetic surgery.
No Strenuous Activity
Any activity which elevates your blood pressure or heart rate may exacerbate and cause bruising, at worst even major bleeding. Strenuous activities to avoid include, but are not limited to running, exercise, weight lifting, pilates, aerobics, cycling, climbing, and sex. Yoga should be avoided too. Patients should even avoid straining on the toilet! Your plastic surgeon will inform you when you can resume normal activity, but generally 2 weeks after the surgery.
Arnica Montana
A homeopathic or alternative medicine approach to bruising, Arnica is available without prescription. Arnica helps alleviate dark, swollen bruises by apply a gel containing arnica every few hours over the affected area. Arnica has traditionally has been used for muscle aches, sprains, and bruises. Some may have a reaction to arnica. Discontinue use if the treated skin becomes red, itchy, or inflamed. Speak to your plastic surgeon before starting arnica, as it is not allowed at all for some cosmetic procedures.
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