Tips to Avoid Bruising

With any surgical procedure, the risk of bruising is present. While you can’t completely avoid this common side effect, there are things you can do to help minimize it.

Before Treatment

Avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood. The platelets within our blood contain healing proteins that help stop bleeding and bruising. However, some medications and supplements can slow platelets, so it’s best to avoid them before a procedure. Be sure to talk to Dr. Hessler before you stop taking any regular medications. Medications and supplements that can thin the blood include:

Aspirin
NSAIDs (Advil®, Motrin®, naproxen, ibuprofen)
Coumadin
Warfarin

Xarelto
Eliquis
Vitamin E
Garlic

Ginger
Ginkgo biloba
Flaxseed oil
Turmeric

Chia seeds
St. John’s Wort
Fish oils
Oils high in omega-3 fatty acids

Before and After Treatment

Avoid alcohol. Because alcohol causes the blood vessels to open, it’s important to avoid it (even a small amount) for 24 hours before and after treatment to reduce your risk of bruising.

Take arnica montana. Arnica montana has been used for centuries to treat both bruising and swelling, as well as many other conditions. Taking arnica tablets five days before and after your procedure can effectively minimize bruising.

After Treatment

Use ice or cold packs. Ice and cold packs constrict blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that leaks into the surrounding tissue of the treated area. This decreases the amount of bruising.

Elevate the treated area. Elevating the treated area helps reduce strain on the site, which minimizes the risk of bruising.

Avoid high intensity exercise for two days. When you exercise, your heart rate and blood flow increase. Blood flow can lead to bruising in the treated area, so keeping blood flow to a minimum is important during recovery.

Try vitamin K cream or foods. Vitamin K is a natural blood clotter, and may help decrease bruising. You can apply the cream twice a day, or eat vitamin K-rich foods, such as spinach, brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

Tips to Avoid Bruising

Before Treatment

Before and After Treatment

After Treatment

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