We often get questions about what patients can do to decrease the amount of bruising or swelling after a procedure. Patients want to know what are the most effective ways to make bruising and swelling go away. The good news is that there are effective steps that can both decrease the likelihood of bruising or swelling and decrease healing time.
Avoid:
Before any invasive procedure or other treatments that may alter the integrity of the skin such as Botox or Fillers make sure you should avoid certain vitamins and supplements. Stop taking all of the following for at least one week:
- NSAIDS (Advil, Motrin, Aleve)
- Omega 3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)
- Flax Seed Oil
- Vitamin E
- St. John’s Wart
- Garlic
- Ginko
- Ginseng
A special note about aspirin: It would need to be stopped for 10-14 days before a procedure but check with you prescribing physician first to see if it is ok to stop this medication.
Most minor bruising lasts a couple days to a couple weeks so be patients. Keep firm pressure on any area that is obviously swelling for at least 5 minutes. Place cool packs over the area immediately after treatment and for the first 24 hours (no hot packs). Keep the area elevated for the first few days, especially at night.
Supplements:
There are two main supplements that have been proven to reduce the healing time of bruising and swelling. In some studies healing times have been decreased by as much as 40%.
- Arnica Montana can be very effective, the oral forms like SinEcch are much more effective that topical gels. It is even more effective when both forms are used together. Take the tablets as directed and apply gel 4-6 times a day.
- Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple) also helps to minimize the bruising by helping to digest the proteins that trigger bruising and swelling. Take 250-500mg four times a day until the bruise heals.
Make-up Tips
Remember that green tinted make-ups will help decrease redness and yellow make-up will help absorb bluish discoloration.
