Swelling and bruising are natural responses to surgery, but there are some steps you can take to minimize these effects. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, elevating the treated area, and following healthy lifestyle habits can help expedite healing and recovery. At Somerset Plastic Surgery, we offer face, breast, and body plastic surgery procedures. Here are some steps we recommend you take to help reduce swelling or bruising after cosmetic surgery:
Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Operative Instructions
After your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions. These instructions can include keeping the treated area elevated, wearing compression garments, or avoiding certain medications or activities. They may also prescribe or recommend certain medications that can help you heal. These guidelines will be specific to your procedure and can help reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
Elevate the Treated Area
Elevating the treated area can reduce blood pooling and swelling by preventing extra blood flow in the treated area. If you get cosmetic surgery on your face, such as a facelift or nose reshaping, sleep with your head propped up on pillows. You may get fat or skin removal surgery on your legs if you undergo a body lift. Your surgeon may recommend sleeping with your legs slightly elevated after this procedure.
Use Ice Packs
Applying ice packs to the treated area can constrict blood vessels and minimize swelling. They can also be soothing and help make the recovery process more comfortable. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin and apply it gently for short intervals. You can apply ice packs to the treated area multiple times a day.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco can interrupt your body’s natural healing processes. Both substances can contribute to inflammation and extend the cosmetic surgery recovery process. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol before and after your procedure can help reduce swelling and bruising. After you’ve given your body enough time to heal, you can return to using both substances in moderation.
Follow Healthy Habits
Following healthy habits and caring for your body before and after your surgery can help you heal. Reducing your sodium intake and eating vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables can help reduce bruising and swelling. Drinking plenty of water, minimizing caffeine, and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can also help the healing process after a cosmetic surgery.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Strenuous activity can worsen bruising and swelling after a surgical procedure. This can include lifting heavy weights or running. After your procedure, prioritize rest and avoid activities that lead to an elevated heart rate. Before resuming your pre-surgery workout routine, make sure your surgeon has cleared you. You may be able to participate in light movement, such as walking, immediately following your procedure.
Visit Somerset Plastic Surgery for Cosmetic Surgery
Somerset Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal physical appearance with a wide range of beauty and health treatments. We offer facelifts, liposuction, breast augmentations, and tummy tucks. We also provide BOTOX and fillers like Juvederm and Kybella. It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling after these cosmetic procedures. Following your surgeon’s instructions, reducing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce these effects. Contact Somerset Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons and learn more about post-surgery healing tips.