How to speed healing of bruises after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

I just had Liposuction and a full Tummy Tuck done a week ago. I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far. However, I have extensive bruising from my hips to my knees, both sides of my stomach area, and the pubic area. How long before these bruises heal, and how can I speed up the healing process?

How to speed healing of bruises after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
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10 answers to “How to speed healing of bruises...”

A: Bruising and swelling after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Bruising and swelling are common after liposuction and abdominoplasty. Techniques to minimize these normal processes include the application of topical creams containing standardized Arnica such as BruiseStick or Omega Intensive Complex. Above all, minimize strenuous activity and continue to massage the areas... more

A: Follow post-operative instructions

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Bruising time and severity varies from individual to individual. The best thing that can be done is to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions for a faster recovery. Using a compression garment for two weeks 24 hours a day and as tolerated thereafter, except for showering, will help with... more

A: Pineapple extract may help for post-op bruising

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

We have had success with two products: 1. Sineech, an arnica product; and 2. Bromelien, a pineapple extract product derived from the stems of the pineapple. It is recommended to take Bromelien 500 to 750 mg twice a day between meals. Other helpful tips include gentle massage of the area and getting physically... more

A: Be patient, bruising may take 4 weeks to fade

Scott E. Kasden, MD

The bruising is likely mainly due to the lipo and not the tummy tuck. It may take 3 or even four weeks for all of the bruising to fade. Hang in there. You really can't speed up healing, but you can impede it.  You have had a major operation and your body needs time to mend.  Be sure to keep hydrated,... more

A: It gets better just stay out of the sun.

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Brusing can be made worse when lipo and a tummy tuck are performed at the same time. It should get better with time though. Some patients have tried Arnica Montana, an herb, and believe it may hasten the resolution of the bruising. Just give it some time, you are looking pretty good and you are early in... more

A: Just relax it will get better

Steven Wallach, MD

After tummy tucks and liposuciton it is very common to have bruising and swelling.  The bruising usually goes away in a few weeks along with the majority of the swelling. Most of the products available for swelling and bruising don't work too well. I would just relax and let time take its toll and allow... more

A: Continue to rest, think positive and eat a balanced diet.

Charles Perry, MD

The best way to recover is to do exactly what your doctor recommends.  Nutritional supplements are a good way to prepare for the surgery and can help in the healing process.  We suggest Vitamedica's surgical recovery program.  Being patient in the first three weeks can be hard however your body... more

A: I love your result

Robert M. Freund, MD

Your plastic surgeon did a great job - Smooth contour and great shape to the belly button. I like a vertical oriented belly button like you have. I do not like the inverted smile belly button shape that some doctors provide. If you look at any swimsuit model, their belly button looks like yours. As for... more

A: Most of the bruising resolves by 2 weeks

Shahram Salemy, MD

In most cases, the bruising is much improved by 2 weeks, and the swelling by anywhere from 2-4 weeks.  I find that simple things like walking at gentle massage really do help, but time is the best treatment.  You look like you are healing relatively normally for 1 week after surgery;  be patient... more

A: You have a great result

David Shafer, MD

First of all, you have a great result!  Your bruising and swelling look normal for one week after surgery.  You will be surprised, but the swelling and bruising will resolve over the next week or so.  I usually have my patients go for medical massage starting 10 days after surgery to help with... more

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Comments

vv3037
4 posts
24 Nov 2008

Thank you for all your comments and advise. I am 2 weeks post op today and the bruising is a whole lot less than before. I am healing at a good rate and yes I am very pleased with my belly button. I talked extensively about the belly button with my surgeon. I do have some hard spots but, my husband and I have been doing light massage to break it up. I did go to Dominican Republic so I don't see my surgeon on a regular basis. I am being followed by my gynecologist though and he too is pleased with my result. I am very pleased as I said before my expectations were not to hi especially being 42 years old, so thanks again you all gave great advise. I have started light walking now to increase blood flow it will be a while before I’m back to my six mile run but I will get there. This is a great sight I will post a new picture when my healing is complete. Thanks everyone

drchavez
3 posts
17 Nov 2008

In our office, we use a low level laser called Zerona (by Erchonia). It works wonders in reducing post-op pain, bruising, and swelling. As other physicians have mentioned, avoiding alcohol can clearly help. Also, as mentioned, Arnica creams or pills may also help. I hope that helps!

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