Evidence-Based Post-Facelift Bruising Treatment

Bruising after a facelift is a normal part of the healing process. When tissues are repositioned during surgery, small blood vessels are disrupted, causing blood to pool beneath the skin. This appears as the characteristic purple, blue, and yellow discoloration that gradually resolves over 2-3 weeks.

The extent of bruising varies from person to person based on factors including skin thickness, medication use, blood pressure, and the specific techniques used during surgery. Understanding the physiology of bruising empowers you to take proactive steps that can meaningfully accelerate your recovery.

Two supplements have shown clinical evidence for reducing post-surgical bruising:

Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple stems. Multiple studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain after facial surgery. The typical protocol begins 2-3 days before surgery at 500mg three times daily, continuing for 7-10 days post-operatively.

Arnica montana is a botanical remedy with anti-inflammatory and anti-bruising properties. Available as oral pellets or topical cream, arnica has been studied in several randomized controlled trials for facial surgery recovery. Begin arnica 2-3 days before surgery and continue for 2 weeks after.

Always discuss supplements with your surgeon before starting any protocol, as some may interact with medications or affect bleeding risk.

Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. Red light (630-660nm) and near-infrared light (810-850nm) penetrate the skin to boost mitochondrial function and accelerate healing.

Clinical studies have shown that LED therapy can reduce post-surgical bruising by up to 50% when started within 24-48 hours of surgery. Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes and can be performed daily.

Many plastic surgery practices, including Allure MD, offer post-operative LED treatments as part of the recovery protocol. Home LED devices can also supplement in-office sessions, though clinical-grade devices deliver more consistent results.

What you eat during recovery significantly impacts how quickly bruises resolve. Focus on:

Vitamin C-rich foods support collagen production and blood vessel repair. Include citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli in your diet. Consider supplementing with 500-1000mg of Vitamin C daily.

Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and bruise resolution. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent sources. Topical Vitamin K creams can also be applied directly to bruised areas.

Protein is essential for tissue repair. Aim for lean proteins at every meal — chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes provide the amino acids your body needs to rebuild tissue.

Stay well hydrated with at least 8 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration supports circulation and helps flush metabolic waste from healing tissues.

Avoid alcohol, blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E in high doses), and excessive sodium, which can worsen swelling.

Elevated blood pressure is one of the most common causes of prolonged or excessive bruising after surgery. Even temporary spikes — from straining, bending over, or emotional stress — can cause additional bleeding under the skin.

Monitor your blood pressure at home if possible, and keep it within normal range. Avoid activities that raise blood pressure during the first 2 weeks: heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms.

If you take blood pressure medication, continue it as prescribed. If you notice your readings are consistently elevated during recovery, contact your surgeon's office.

Days 1-3: Peak swelling and bruising. Bruises appear dark purple or blue. This is normal and expected. Focus on cold therapy, elevation, and rest.

Days 4-7: Bruising begins to spread and may appear more extensive before it starts fading. Colors shift from purple to blue-green. Swelling starts to decrease. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable.

Days 7-14: Bruises transition from green to yellow-brown. Swelling continues to diminish. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities, and makeup can effectively camouflage remaining discoloration.

Days 14-21: Most visible bruising has resolved. Residual swelling may persist but is typically subtle and unnoticeable to others. Full activity can usually be resumed.

Week 4 and beyond: Any remaining swelling continues to resolve. Final results become increasingly apparent over the following months.

While bruising is normal, certain signs warrant a call to your surgical team:

Contact your surgeon if you experience sudden, significant swelling on one side, especially with increasing pain or firmness — this could indicate a hematoma that may require drainage.

Also reach out if bruising seems to be getting significantly worse after the first week rather than improving, if you develop a fever above 101°F, or if you notice any signs of infection around the incision sites.

At Allure MD, Dr. Rosing and our clinical team are available for post-operative concerns. We believe in close follow-up and responsive communication throughout your recovery journey.