In the days following a surgical procedure, there’s a lot to keep track of, but knowing what’s common and not post-surgery often brings a sense of calm.
Before your surgery, your doctor goes through what to expect before, the day of, and the days after your operation. But what happens when you get home from surgery and suddenly see a large bruise on your body? Is that something to worry about? Should you call the doctor?
Don’t worry; bruising after surgery is common and oftentimes clears up on its own after a few days. If you still have questions about post-surgery bruising, continue reading or contact the CORE Orthopedics office; someone will get you the answers you need.
Why Do I Have a Bruise After My Surgery?
Despite your surgeon’s best efforts, it’s important to remember that post-surgery bruising is a normal part of the healing process. Bruises, or contusions, occur when blood from damaged capillaries leaks out under the skin. The blood then gets trapped, resulting in the characteristic purple, red, or yellow bruises.
When it comes to post-surgery bruising, there are three common causes: surgical trauma, blood thinners, and patient-specific factors.
Surgical Trauma
Any type of surgery can cause trauma to the affected location, including tissue disruption and bruising. These bruises, sometimes called hematomas, occur when the wall of a blood vessel has been damaged during the procedure. This type of bruising is typical after surgery.
Blood Thinners and Medications
If you are currently taking aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), or clopidogrel (Plavix), they will be more susceptible to post-surgery bruising.
Blood thinners make it harder for blood to clot, which makes it much easier to pool at the site of your trauma.
Patient-Specific Factors
Outside of medications, factors such as age, skin condition, and overall health can affect how easily a patient can bruise. For instance, as you age, the blood vessels beneath the skin become more fragile and easier to break. Similarly, certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can make your skin more prone to bruising.
Skin damage from the sun sometimes leads to easier bruising as well. Patients will usually know ahead of time if they are more likely to bruise.
What are the Different Types of Post-Surgery Bruising?
There are main types of bruising: subcutaneous, intramuscular, and periosteal bruises.
Periosteal bruising occurs on the bones, and intramuscular bruises occur in the muscles themselves. Both are less common after surgery.
The third type of bruising is called subcutaneous, located underneath the skin.
What Does the Color of My Bruise Mean?
Every bruise goes through phases of changing color as they heal. Understand that the changing color of your bruise is a good thing as it indicates your bruises are healing.
First Day
When you first bruise, it’s typically a red color as a result of the blood immediately pooling under the skin.
First Few Hours to a Few Days
Within a few hours to a few days, expect your bruise to be a darker color, possibly purple or blue-ish.
Day 5-10
During the healing process, the purple and blue turns to a shade of green.
Day 10-14
Then, in the final stage of healing, bruises typically turn yellow or brown.
When Should I be Worried about Post-Surgery Bruising?
Bruising after surgery is completely normal and usually heals without any additional interventions. Of course, there are a few signs that your bruise might mean something more than just some broken blood vessels.
For example, if your bruise is unusually large or painful, it could signify a deeper issue or trauma.
If your bruise hasn’t healed within two weeks, that is also a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Another reason to call your doctor is if the bruising swells excessively or you start to run a fever. These are signs of a potential infection and should be treated immediately.
Should My Bruise Hurt After Surgery?
Yes, most bruises will hurt. The good news is that they usually heal on their own within two weeks, with the pain lessening each day.
How Long Will Post-Surgery Bruising Last?
Bruising after surgery lasts from a few days to two weeks, depending on several factors, including age, medications, and the location of the bruise. By weeks three and four, the bruise should be completely faded away.
You should see progress in the healing of the bruise as it changes colors over time. The bruise will take on a yellowish or brown tint when it is nearly fully healed.
How Can I Treat My Bruise After Surgery?
After surgery, bruises are painful but, thankfully, are easily treatable at home.
Our first suggestion is to use a cold compress. Simply place the cold pack on the bruised area, reducing the swelling and relieving pain.
We also recommend elevating the affected area to decrease blood flow, limiting the size and severity of the bruise.
Lastly, rest. Give your body time to heal and avoid opportunities for re-injury. Rest is a crucial part of the healing process, as it allows your body to direct its energy towards healing the bruise. Avoid strenuous activities that could worsen the bruise or delay healing.
Note: These tips are general guidelines for your specific bruise and surgery; speak with your surgeon.
Need Help with Post-Surgery Recovery?
CORE Orthopedics offers many outpatient surgical procedures, including hip and knee replacements and noninvasive treatments like physical therapy.
Our facilities assist in all stages of surgical recovery. If you need a helping hand, reach out to CORE Orthopedics. One of our team members can set you up with a customized recovery plan to get you back on your feet without pain quickly.
