How to reduce swelling on face after surgery?

Author: Lessie Bechtelar  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Apply a cold compress immediately after the surgery is completed and continue applying it for 48 hours. You can use gel packs or moistened washcloths placed in the freezer or alternate between ice packs wrapped in a cloth. Cold compress helps control bleeding, reduce pain, and swelling of the wound.

How long does facial swelling last after surgery?

It may take 5 to 7 days for the swelling to go down, and 10 to 14 days for the bruising to fade. It may be hard to eat at first. If you have stitches, the doctor may need to remove them about a week after surgery. It will probably take a few months for you to heal after surgery.

How do you make facial swelling go down fast?

Keep your head elevated to reduce fluid buildup in your face. Place a cold compress on your face to help with inflammation and swelling.

How to depuff face after surgery?

Apply cold compresses to decrease inflammation and puffiness, especially during the first 48 hours post-surgery. Sleep with your head elevated for fluid drainage and in turn, help decrease swelling.

How do you make swelling go down fast after surgery?

Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the treatment area. Keeping the area that was operated elevated. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Getting lots of rest and avoiding strenuous exercise during the first two to three weeks after surgery, or as advised specifically by Dr.

How to Reduce Neck and Face Swelling After a Surgery or Lymphedema : By a Physical Therapist

What drink helps with swelling after surgery?

So let's start with the basics shall we? First and foremost, drink plenty of water! Water serves a lot of functions in the body and will be particularly good to reduce swelling after surgery.

How do I drastically reduce swelling?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Use pressure. If edema affects an arm or leg, wearing compression stockings, sleeves or gloves might help. ...
  2. Move. Moving and using the muscles in the part of the body that's swollen, especially the legs, might help move fluid back toward the heart. ...
  3. Raise. ...
  4. Massage. ...
  5. Protect. ...
  6. Reduce salt.

How do you deflate a puffy face?

You can get rid of a bloated or puffy face by eating a balanced, low-sodium diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep. Limiting your alcohol intake and staying hydrated help reduce puffiness, too. Read on to learn about five simple diet and lifestyle changes that may help reduce the appearance of a puffy face.

Why is my face puffy after general anesthesia?

THE REASON YOU SWELL

Another reason why swelling occurs is because general anesthesia tends to cause the blood vessels to dilate, and the blood vessels can leak fluid into the surrounding tissues. To be safe, most anesthesiologists administer more fluid than is needed, which compounds the swelling temporarily.

What vitamin helps you heal faster after surgery?

Vitamins C and E : These antioxidants help the body recover and manage cell damage. Vitamin C helps improve collagen strength, while vitamin E assists in stabilizing cells.

What drink reduces face swelling?

Drink More Water

As you drink up, the cells release the stored-up water and help the swelling subside.

Does Benadryl reduce swelling in the face?

The best medicine for a swollen face often depends on the cause. For allergy-related swelling, antihistamines like Benadryl are commonly used. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce swelling from injuries. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can you ice too much after surgery?

Icing your surgical site intermittently (off and on) helps to control pain and swelling while minimizing risks of icing too much. Keeping ice on longer than the recommended amounts of time or putting ice directly may cause other problems, such as frostbite or skin damage, which won't help your body heal from surgery.

What not to do after facial surgery?

No heavy exercise or lifting for at least two weeks. Vigorous chewing or talking should be kept to a minimum the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Try to avoid lying directly on either side of your face for at least the first week.

Does walking reduce swelling after surgery?

You may be wondering, does walking reduce swelling after surgery? Walking can help improve your circulation and help fluids drain from the site of the swelling.

How long does it take for heavy anesthesia to get out of your system?

Your body will take up to a week to completely eliminate the medicines from your system but most people will not notice much effect after about 24 hours. For this reason, we ask you to refrain from making important decisions or from driving a car for 24 hours after your surgery.

What medication is good for swelling after surgery?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) lessen the swelling that worsens pain. NSAIDs that may be taken after surgery include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb) or ketorolac.

How to debloat after surgery?

Ensure your post-surgical diet is rich in fibre to aid bowel movements. Gentle stool softeners (such as Movicol sachets) can be utilised to help with post-surgery constipation and belly bloat. Cease stronger pain medication as soon as practical and replace with those that are gentler on the gut such as paracetamol.

What foods help Depuff your face?

Foods you should focus on eating

While it really isn't possible to target weight loss in your face, you can reduce overall water retention by consuming a diet rich in green vegetables— tomatoes, carrots, avocado, cucumbers, leafy greens lessen— all reduce puffiness and bloating, almost on the same day.

How to debloat in one night?

How to Debloat Overnight
  1. Allow 2 hours between your last meal and going to bed for healthy digestion.
  2. Go for a post-dinner walk to stimulate digestive muscles.
  3. Eat a potassium-rich snack as your last meal.
  4. Eat dinner slowly in an upright position to ensure proper digestion.

What is the number one food that kills inflammation?

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:
  • tomatoes.
  • olive oil.
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

What vitamin gets rid of edema?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is thought to help in cases of mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body to excrete excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet.

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