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Tips for Avoiding Bruising

Bruising is the most common side effect of almost every facial plastic surgery procedure. While it is impossible to control every variable that contributes to bruising, there are many steps you can take to minimize the chance of bruising and camouflage the bruising that develops.

If you would like more thorough post-care instructions for most procedures, check-out our Post-Care video playlist.

Timing Matters

If your schedule allows it, plan a treatment well in advance of an important event. When bruising occurs after a treatment, such as an injection, it can last from 4-7 days, sometimes longer. Giving yourself time to recover is the best way to reduce any anxiety about looking your best when it counts most.

Ice, Ice, Ice

Cold compresses used appropriately can significantly reduce bruising and swelling after many office treatments. Feel free to ask either the doctors or staff about the best icing schedule that is safe and effective.

Avoid Medications That Increase the Chance of Bleeding + Bruising

Please make sure that we know about ALL medications (prescription and nonprescription drugs including vitamins, supplements, herbs and “recreational” drugs) that you are taking. Certain medications reduce your ability to form a blood clot, thereby increasing your risk of bruising and or bleeding. These medications will also slow your recovery so that you look worse than necessary.

For some patients, it may not be possible to discontinue a medication which is why we recommend that you discuss stopping medications with your primary care physician or one of our facial plastic surgeons.

For most patients, our practice recommends stopping these medications two weeks prior and one week after a procedure:

Many of these medications or supplements take several days to completely clear from your system. Please talk to your primary doctor or to one of our facial plastic surgeons to ensure that it is safe to stop these medications.

Safe & Effective Pain Medications

Tylenol

If you need any minor pain medication, please take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or another non-aspirin medication. Tylenol has a comparable pain relief potential to that of aspirin. If you are allergic to Tylenol, please let our staff know so we can offer a substitute.

Arnica Montana

A well-known homeopathic remedy used to reduce post-traumatic bruising and swelling, Arnica Montana can be taken orally or applied topically. It is available for purchase at L&P Aesthetics.

• Topically – SinEcch^™ – available at health food stores
• Orally – Repairen^™ – available at health food stores. Take one packet daily with a meal beginning two weeks prior to and four weeks after your procedure.

Kiwi & Pineapple Fruit

Kiwi and pineapples have been known to help decrease bruising. Assuming that you are not allergic to either of these fruits, we recommend that you eat two kiwis (or the equivalent amount of pineapple) per day beginning one week prior to and after your procedure.

Concealer

When bruising occurs, appropriately applied make-up can do wonders to camouflage the evidence. Please ask Colleen Shimamoto, our licensed aesthetician, about the best options for concealing the transient signs of a recent treatment.

Our core objective is to provide a safe, comfortable surgical experience that aspires to restore your appearance and aims to produce natural results. Always feel free to call the clinic with any questions and/or to schedule an appointment at  (650) 327-3232 or online.

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