How to Reduce Bruising
After facial procedures, including peels, lasers, injectables, or surgery, you want to minimize downtime and return to the normal rhythm of life as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the procedure, the swelling and discoloration can last for days, sometimes over a week. It may be hard to look presentable if your face has some bruising that you might not want other people to see. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks to get back to your routine sooner. If you are looking for a facial plastic surgeon in the Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia, visit Dr. Jae Kim for a consultation!
Foods/Meds to Avoid
There are many foods, medications, and supplements that can worsen bruising, and they are largely the same ones that increase bleeding. These include, but are not limited to: aspirin, Advil, Coumadin, Warfarin, Xarelto, Eliquis, Vitamin E, fish oils, ginger, gingko biloba, salty and/or spicy foods. Blood thinning medications should be paused only with the approval of your primary doctor or cardiologist.
Arnica
Arnica is a natural herb that has been used to lessen the bruising and swelling after trauma to the human body for hundreds of years. Known as “leopard’s bane” and “wolf’s bane,” Arnica has been used as a European herbal remedy to shorten the recovery period for patients. This natural herb is now available in pill form for easier consumption. Though it’s available in many health food stores and vitamin websites, the dosage required to treat surgical patients is usually not available to the general public. At Jae Kim, MD Facial Plastic Surgery, we regularly give our patients Arnica from Sine-ech™ as part of the post-procedural regimen to help them recover and resume their daily schedule as soon as possible.
Pineapple (Bromelain)
Believe it or not, pineapple can help reduce the duration and severity of bruising. It contains an enzyme called Bromelain, which is found in the juice and stem of the fruit. The anti-inflammatory properties of Bromelain help reduce bruising and swelling. Here at Jae Kim, MD Facial Plastic Surgery, we encourage our patients to eat pineapples or drink pure pineapple juice to help reduce downtime. Do note that raw pineapple also contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C that can help boost your immune system and speed up healing as well. Try to steer away from canned or bottled pineapple juice, which may contain other artificial ingredients that can interfere with the healing properties of Bromelain.
Call our office at (703) 705-2100 for more information and tips for how to reduce bruising after surgery. If you are looking for a facial plastic surgeon in the DMV, come visit our office in Fairfax, VA for a consultation with Dr. Jae Kim!
