inflammatory properties of certain
fruits and plants that are considered beneficial to intervene in the
postoperative bruising and swelling process. The specific substances are
bromelain and quercetin, which are found in pineapples, capers, apples, and red
onions, to name a few.
Nearly any surgery (from foot
surgery to plastic surgery) can result in bruising and swelling, which is a
normal part of the healing process. Depending on the procedure, swelling and
bruising can be quite excessive and visible. While there is no
"cure," both doctors and patients take steps to minimize the effects
to expedite overall recovery.
Surgeons are very mindful of swelling,
because excessive swelling can lead to complications such as incision breakdown
and poor result. Wounds that open may lend themselves to infection. Of course,
complications may lead to unsightly outcomes as well.
·
Bromelain is derived from pineapples (actually the stem), and is a
potent enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and plays a role in
reducing bruising and swelling.
·
Quercetin is plant flavanoid derived from fruits with anti-oxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties. Foods with high amounts of quercetin include:
capers, apples, red oninion, citrus fruit, and leafy green vegetables.
Surgeons may recommend their use
through certain foods or through use of specific dietary supplements.* Whether
you ingest bromelain-quercetin through dietary changes or with supplements, you
should be cautious to add these anti-inflammatory agents properly to your diet.
Bromelain-quercetin is only to be used after a surgery or medical procedure,
because they may cause bleeding if taken prior to surgery, and can lead to
complications.*
What is R.I.C.E.? There are other methods that surgeons use to mitigate
bruising and swelling. Health care professionals often recommend the pneumonic
"RICE," which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation -- and this needs to be specifically tailored to your
procedure. For open procedures, techniques exist for surgeons to limit
bleeding, which may limit postop bruising. Even the dressings placed by
surgeons often are placed in such a way to provide compression. Ice is helpful
in postop swelling and bruising but should be used cautiously and under the
instruction of your doctor, because ice can constrict blood vessels and cause
permanent damage. In some cases, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medication
post-operatively.
While bruising and swelling is a
normal part of healing, there are methods to limit that bruising and swelling
while still supporting healing. Patients may want to talk with their doctors
about methods and diet supplementation that can be used to support the bodys
natural response to healing to optimize their experience and outcome.
Source Dr. Blitz
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