After surgical procedures, it is common to experience wounds, swelling, and bruising. Many people become concerned about these symptoms, as they worry about delayed healing or prolonged bruising, which can cause even more anxiety than the surgery itself.
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Many people believe that postoperative swelling and bruising occur due to a surgeon’s heavy-handed technique or lack of skill. In reality, swelling and bruising are common after most types of surgery because surgical procedures inevitably involve tissue injury, and each individual’s body responds differently to trauma.
Although the surgery itself may be complete, postoperative care and recovery have only just begun. For those preparing for surgery or who have recently undergone a procedure and wish to promote faster healing, the following four methods can help reduce swelling and bruising effectively.
1. Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress immediately after surgery and continue for the first 48 hours. Options include gel packs, a clean washcloth chilled in the freezer, or ice packs wrapped in a cloth. Cold compresses help control bleeding, relieve pain, and reduce swelling at the surgical site.
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood viscosity, which promotes clot formation and limits fluid leakage, thereby reducing swelling.
Important precaution:
If you have undergone nasal or chin augmentation, do not apply cold compresses directly over the silicone implant, as this may increase the risk of implant displacement.
2. Elevate Your Head
For the first 3–5 days after surgery—particularly following nasal procedures—keep your head elevated above heart level. This position helps reduce fluid accumulation by limiting leakage from blood vessels.
When sleeping, use extra pillows or elevate your head higher than usual to help minimize swelling.
3. Warm Compress (After One Week)
Approximately one week after surgery, you may switch from cold to warm compresses. Warm compresses help dilate blood vessels, allowing the body to reabsorb accumulated fluid more efficiently. Heat also aids in breaking down clotted blood, helping bruises fade more quickly.
Avoid excessive heat, as it may cause skin irritation or burns. If swelling increases after using warm compresses, discontinue use immediately.
4. Diet to Help Reduce Swelling
Postoperative recovery is not limited to external care—nutrition plays an equally important role. After surgery, focus on consuming nutritious foods such as pumpkin, seaweed, water spinach, and black beans. These foods are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin A, minerals, dietary fiber, and iron.
Vitamin A supports wound healing and helps prevent infection, while fiber and minerals assist in regulating body temperature, reducing swelling and bruising, improving blood health, eliminating toxins, and supporting immune function.
If you wish to reduce swelling and bruising more quickly after surgery, practice these methods consistently. Remember, achieving beautiful results requires more than the procedure itself—discipline in postoperative self-care is equally important.
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