How to Manage Plastic Surgery and Bruising

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery to improve the aesthetics of your face and body can be an overwhelming decision. However, discussing your options with a trustworthy surgeon, such as Dr. David Passaretti, will provide peace of mind and clarity.

During your initial consult at our Darien, CT, practice, Dr. Passaretti will review your cosmetic goals and overall health to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. In addition, he will recommend the facial and body contouring procedures available to help you achieve desirable results. He will also discuss how to manage plastic surgery and bruising that may follow your procedure.

Factors that Affect Bruising and Swelling

Each patient responds to surgery differently due to a variety of factors. Although bruising and swelling are unavoidable in most cases, the severity and length at which you will deal with them will depend on how your individual body heals, the technique used, the type of procedure performed, and how diligently you follow your post-surgical instructions.

The human body is designed to heal quickly. However, no two patients are the same. When meeting with our patients, we encourage them to have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery and not base their expectations on how a friend responded to surgery. If you know going into surgery that you bruise easily, you have a greater chance of bruising more significantly.

During your procedure, Dr. Passaretti will use the latest techniques in plastic surgery to not only minimize scarring, but also ensure you have a smooth recovery with minimal side effects. Having a surgeon knowledgeable in plastic surgery techniques will increase your chances for a positive outcome.

In addition to the body’s ability to heal and the techniques used, the type of procedure performed will also affect your overall recovery. A patient who undergoes a more invasive body contouring procedure, such as a mommy makeover tends to experience more bruising than someone who just undergoes liposuction. Following your post-surgical instructions will speed up your recovery and minimize bruising.

How to Reduce Side Effects

Most patients will develop the majority of bruising and swelling within the first week before it begins to subside.  After your procedure, Dr. Passaretti will provide you with detailed at-home care instructions to follow before and after your procedure to reduce side effects. Instructions may include:

• Applying and rotating ice packs or cold compresses to the surgical site every 20 minutes
• Keeping your head or upper body elevated when resting
• Taking medications as prescribed
• Limiting your physical activity as directed
• Avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Drinking water
• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding certain herbal supplements and medications before and after surgery known for thinning blood and slowing healing
• Avoiding alcohol
• Resting as much as possible
• Emptying surgical drains
• Attending follow-up appointments as directed

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about the plastic surgery procedures we provide and how to manage your recovery, contact us today online or by calling (203) 642-1891 to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Passaretti will work to help you achieve desirable results and a smooth recovery.