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7 Tips to Reduce Bruising after Facelift Surgery

7 Tips to Reduce Bruising after Facelift Surgery

How to Reduce Bruising after Facelift

If you’re considering a facelift or have recently undergone the procedure it’s essential to understand that bruising is a common side effect that many patients experience during the recovery process. In this blog, Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts will discuss post-facelift bruising and explore effective strategies to minimise its occurrence and duration.

Bruising after Facelift

Bruising is a common and natural consequence of any surgical procedure, including facelifts. It occurs due to the disruption of small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface during the surgery. When these vessels break, blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing discolouration and swelling. The extent and severity of bruising can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, skin type, and individual healing capabilities.

During a facelift, Dr. Watts makes incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. These incisions allow him to access the underlying tissues, reposition the muscles, and remove excess skin. As a result, you can expect bruising in these areas, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

In the first few days following the surgery, the bruises may appear red or purple in colour and can be quite noticeable. This is because the blood that has leaked into the tissues is still fresh and hasn’t begun to break down. As the body starts to heal and reabsorb the blood, the bruises will gradually change colour, shifting from red to purple, then to green, yellow, and finally to a brownish hue before disappearing entirely.

The duration of bruising after a facelift can vary, but most patients experience significant bruising for approximately 7 to 14 days. However, it’s essential to note that some residual bruising may persist for several weeks, particularly in areas where the skin is thinner, such as around the eyes. In some cases, patients may notice a slight yellowish tinge to their skin for up to a month after the surgery.

It’s important to understand that the healing process is gradual, and the appearance of bruises will improve with each passing day. Most patients find that their bruises are less noticeable after the first week, and they feel more comfortable returning to their daily activities and social engagements.

Several factors can influence the extent and duration of bruising after a facelift. For example, older patients may experience more bruising and swelling due to the natural thinning of the skin and reduced elasticity that occurs with age. Similarly, individuals with lighter skin tones may notice bruises more readily than those with darker complexions.

Certain medications and supplements can also increase the risk of bruising by thinning the blood and making it harder for the body to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and garlic. It’s essential to discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with Dr. Watts before the procedure to minimise the risk of excessive bruising.

In some cases, patients may experience more extensive bruising on one side of the face than the other. This is usually no cause for concern and can be attributed to variations in the surgical technique or the patient’s individual anatomy.

While bruising after a facelift can be distressing, it’s important to remember that it is a temporary side effect and a natural part of the healing process.

3 Pre-Surgery Tips to Reduce Bruising

1. Avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bruising risk.

In the weeks leading up to your facelift surgery, it’s important to avoid medications and supplements that can thin your blood and increase the risk of bruising. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are essential for blood clotting. As a result, taking these medications can lead to more extensive and prolonged bruising after your surgery.

Similarly, certain supplements can also increase the risk of bruising by interfering with blood clotting. These include vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng. While these supplements may offer various health benefits, it’s best to discontinue their use at least two weeks before your facelift to minimise the risk of excessive bruising.

If you are taking any prescription medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin or heparin, it’s essential to discuss this with Dr. Watts well in advance of your procedure. He may advise you to temporarily stop these medications or adjust your dosage to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding.

2. Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

What you eat in the weeks leading up to your facelift can have a significant impact on your body’s ability to heal and minimise bruising. Eating a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can help strengthen your blood vessels, promote collagen production, and support the healing process.

Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient for reducing bruising and promoting healing. This powerful antioxidant helps to strengthen blood vessels and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for skin elasticity and wound healing. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, bell peppers, and leafy greens.

Vitamin K is another important nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting. Eating foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, can help reduce the risk of excessive bruising after your facelift.

Other nutrients that can support healing and reduce bruising include zinc, which is found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, and bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples that has anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, it’s important to avoid alcohol in the weeks leading up to your facelift. Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding during and after the procedure.

3. Stay hydrated before the surgery.

Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin and promoting healing after your facelift. When your body is dehydrated, your skin becomes less elastic and more prone to bruising and swelling.

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. This will help keep your skin plump and hydrated, which can reduce the risk of excessive bruising and swelling after the procedure.

In addition to drinking water, you can also stay hydrated by eating fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and zucchini. These foods can help provide your body with the fluids it needs to support healing and reduce bruising.

It’s also important to avoid diuretics, such as caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body and increase the risk of bruising. If you are a regular coffee or tea drinker, try to limit your intake in the weeks leading up to your surgery and replace these beverages with water or herbal teas.

4 Post-Surgery Tips to Minimise Bruising

  1. Apply cold compresses or ice packs as directed by Dr. Watts.

Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the treated areas can be one of the most effective ways to reduce bruising and swelling after your facelift. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels, which can minimise the amount of blood that leaks into the surrounding tissues.

Dr. Watts will provide you with specific instructions on how and when to apply cold compresses. Typically, you will be advised to apply the compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first 48-72 hours after your surgery.

When applying the cold compress, be sure to use a soft, clean cloth or a specially designed ice pack. Never apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause frostbite and damage the delicate tissue. You should also avoid applying pressure to the treated areas, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of bruising.

2. Keep your head elevated while sleeping and resting.

Keeping your head elevated above your heart level can help reduce bruising and swelling after your facelift. This is because elevation helps to promote blood flow and prevent the accumulation of fluid in the treated areas.

For the first few days after your surgery, it’s recommended to sleep with your head elevated on several pillows or a foam wedge. This will help keep your head and neck in a slightly upright position, which can minimise swelling and bruising.

When resting during the day, try to sit in a reclined position with your head supported by pillows. Avoid bending over or lying flat, as this can increase pressure on the treated areas and exacerbate bruising and swelling.

3. Use arnica montana or bromelain supplements.

Arnica montana and bromelain are natural supplements that have been shown to reduce bruising and swelling after surgical procedures. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Watts before taking any supplements, as they may interact with other medications or have unwanted side effects.

Arnica montana is a homeopathic remedy derived from a flowering plant native to Europe and Siberia. It has been used for centuries to treat bruising, swelling, and inflammation. Arnica is believed to work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and reducing the permeability of blood vessels, which can help prevent bruising.

Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples that has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties. It is believed to work by breaking down proteins in the blood that can contribute to inflammation and bruising.

If your Dr. Watts approves the use of these supplements, they will provide you with specific dosage instructions. Typically, arnica is taken orally in the form of pills or tablets, while bromelain may be applied topically or taken orally.

4. Consider using LED light therapy to promote healing.

LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the skin. This therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing bruising and swelling after surgical procedures, including facelifts.

During LED light therapy, a device containing multiple LED lights is placed over the treated area for a specified period of time, typically 10-20 minutes. The light penetrates the skin and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help speed up the healing process and reduce the appearance of bruises.

Different wavelengths of light are used for different purposes. Red light (wavelength 630-660 nm) is typically used to stimulate collagen production and promote healing, while blue light (wavelength 415-495 nm) is used to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin’s surface.

If you are interested in using LED light therapy to reduce bruising after your facelift, be sure to consult with Dr. Watts first. He may recommend a specific device or treatment protocol based on your individual needs and recovery goals.

When to Contact Dr. Watts regarding Bruising after Facelift

While bruising and swelling are normal parts of the facelift recovery process, there are certain situations in which it’s essential to contact Dr. Guy Watts for guidance or intervention. It’s important to keep open lines of communication with Dr. Watts and report any concerns or unusual symptoms promptly.

One of the most important reasons to contact Dr. Watts is if you experience excessive bruising or swelling that seems to be worsening instead of improving. While some degree of bruising and swelling is to be expected, if you notice that the bruising is spreading or becoming darker, or if the swelling is causing significant discomfort or distortion of your features, it’s essential to notify Dr. Watts. This could be a sign of a more serious complication, such as a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) or an infection.

Another reason to contact Dr. Watts is if you experience severe pain or discomfort that is not well-controlled by the prescribed pain medications. While some discomfort is normal after a facelift, severe pain could be a sign of a complication or an adverse reaction to the medication.

If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge from the incision sites, or if you develop a fever or chills, it’s crucial to contact Dr. Watts immediately. Infections can occur after any surgical procedure and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

In some cases, patients may experience numbness or tingling in the treated areas, particularly around the ears or chin. While this is often a normal part of the healing process, if the numbness persists for an extended period or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness or drooping, it’s important to notify Dr. Watts.

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FAQs about How to Reduce Bruising after Facelift

Can I use makeup to cover up bruising after my facelift?

  • While it may be tempting to use makeup to conceal bruising, it’s essential to wait until Dr. Watts gives you the go-ahead. Applying makeup too soon can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Once Dr. Watts approves, choose a high-quality, hypoallergenic makeup specifically designed for post-surgical use.

Are there any homeopathic remedies or essential oils that can help reduce bruising?

  • Some patients find that using homeopathic remedies, such as arnica cream or tablets, can help reduce bruising and swelling. However, it’s important to consult with Dr. Watts before using any homeopathic remedies or essential oils, as they may interact with your prescribed medications or cause skin irritation.

Can I use a cold compress on my face immediately after the surgery?

  • In most cases, Dr. Watts will provide you with specific instructions on when and how to use cold compresses after your facelift. Typically, you’ll be advised to wait until the anaesthesia has worn off and you’re fully alert before applying a cold compress.

Is it normal to have more bruising on one side of the face than the other?

  • Yes, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience asymmetrical bruising after a facelift. This can be due to various factors, such as differences in the amount of work done on each side of the face, variations in skin thickness, or individual healing responses. In most cases, the bruising will even out as the healing process progresses.

How long should I take off work after my facelift to allow for proper healing and bruise resolution?

  • The amount of time you’ll need to take off work after a facelift will depend on various factors, such as the extent of your surgery, your individual healing response, and the nature of your job. In general, most patients require at least 1-2 weeks of downtime before they feel comfortable returning to work. However, if your job involves strenuous activity or exposure to the sun, you may need to take additional time off.

Further Reading about Face Surgery with Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts

Medical References about Facelift

Dr. Guy Watts
FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon In Perth WA

Dr-Guy-Watts-Perth

Dr. Guy Watts  is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (AHPRA MED0001539378) with an extensive career that spans across renowned plastic surgery clinics worldwide. His experience has been honed through invaluable experiences at esteemed establishments such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the renowned Pitanguy Clinic in Brazil.

Having collaborated with the foremost cosmetic plastic surgeons on a global scale, Dr. Watts has chosen to return to Perth after a 17-year journey of intensive training and invaluable professional experience to bring the latest practices and technology in cosmetic plastic surgery to his patients.

Dr. Watts is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS),  Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS).

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