Laser for Bruising After Plastic Surgery

Stages of Bruises

Bruising after plastic surgery occurs when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin are damaged in the injured area and blood leaks into the surrounding tissues. As the blood breaks down, the iron-containing pigment hemosiderin remains in the skin, causing discoloration.

The color of a bruise usually evolves through the following stages:

• 🔴 Red – Initial period. Fresh bleeding under the skin, as blood begins to bleed from injured vessels.
• 🟣 Purple/blue – Mid stage. Usually 3~5days after surgery. Hemosiderin are attached underneath the skin.
• 🟡 Yellow – Hemosiderin particles are being reabsored my normal body cells.

The severity of bruising can vary depending on the extent of operation and individual healing factors. In most cases, bruises naturally fade within 7–14 days.

Laser Treatments for Post-Op Redness

Advanced vascular lasers such as the BBL (BroadBand Light) and V beam laser target the hemoglobin in red blood cells, helping to break down discoloration more rapidly. These treatments are often recommended by your surgeon or plastic surgeon as part of the post-surgical care plan.

Lasers work by delivering targeted energy to the affected area, which accelerates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and reduces visible bruising. The effectiveness of laser treatments can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and individual patient response.

Key Benefits:

• Rapidly reduces the appearance of bruising by targeting oxygenated and deoxygenated blood pigments
• Minimizes downtime after a cosmetic procedure by reducing hemosiderin-based pigmentation
• Supports the overall recovery process after a plastic surgery procedure
• Stimulates circulation and healing

Laser Session Details:

Most patients require 1-2 sessions, spaced several days apart. The timing and number of sessions may vary depending on the specific procedure performed and your individual healing response.

• Start time: 5~7 days after surgery
• Pain level: Minimal (mild itching). No anesthesia cream needed.
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Sessions: 1–2 sessions often show visible improvement

Bruise Creams & Self-Care Tips

Applying bruise creams and gels is a simple yet effective way to reduce bruising and support your body’s natural healing process after plastic surgery. Look for products containing ingredients like arnica montana, vitamin K, and bromelain—these can help minimize bruising and swelling by promoting blood flow and supporting the breakdown of blood trapped under the skin.

To further reduce bruising and swelling, follow these self-care tips:

• Keep your head elevated as much as possible, especially during the first few days post-surgery. This helps reduce blood flow to the affected area, minimizing swelling and bruising.
• Apply cold compresses  or ice packs to the bruised areas for the first 48 ~ 72 hours. This helps constrict small blood vessels, reducing blood leakage and promoting blood clotting.
• Apply warm compresses after the initial swelling subsides(72 hours after plastic surgery).
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks post-surgery, as increased blood pressure and movement can worsen bruising and delay the healing process.
• Engage in gentle movement, such as short walks, to improve blood circulation and help your body eliminate toxins, but always follow your plastic surgeon’s advice regarding activity levels.
• Wear compression garments as directed to help reduce swelling and support healing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before and after surgery to minimize bruising and swelling.

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in healing. Eating a diet rich in vitamin C, leafy greens, and citrus fruits can help strengthen blood vessels and promote faster recovery. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports overall health and helps reduce bruising. Try to avoid foods high in sugar and salt, as these can worsen bruising and swelling.

Most importantly, always follow your board-certified plastic surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Proper post-operative care is essential for minimizing bruising, reducing swelling, and ensuring a smooth recovery after cosmetic surgery.

Best Time to Start Creams:

• Apply starting from Day 3~7, especially during the purple bruise phase
• Avoid direct application on incision lines
• Start frequent application (every hour is ideal)

Recommended Ingredients:

• Vitamin K – Helps reduce discoloration
• Heparin – Aids microcirculation and clot resolution
• Maple sap, glycerin – Soothing and regenerative properties

When to Seek Medical Attention: Hematoma after 

Most bruises or hematoma resolve naturally, but consult your doctor if you notice:

• Raoud growing hematoma with size getting bigger: usually 1~3day post
• Bruising lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Warmth, redness, or increasing pain
• Bruising becoming firmer or spreading unusually

Sixteen days after undergoing a facelift at another clinic, the patient visited Noonopi for HBOT to accelerate healing. Dr. Park also advised BBL vascular laser treatment for chin bruising.