Hematoma Aftercare Information

A hematoma is a medical term for “collection of blood” which is a bruise. A hematoma may form after an injectable treatment due to the use of needles or cannulas on the skin. Your body may break down and absorb a mild hematoma/bruise on its own. A more serious hematoma may need treatment.

What to expect after having a bruise?

• It can feel like a lump or bump under the skin until healed – if still present after 14 days, please contact your practitioner.
• It may be purple, red, blue in color initially before turning a yellow/green as they heal. Blistering, pustules, paleness, mottling is NOT NORMAL – please contact your practitioner immediately.
• It may feel throbbing, tender or achy.
• It may get a little bigger over 48 hours before reducing in size.

Self-care

• Apply Arnica cream directly to the area.
• Take Arnica tablets.
• Rest the area. Rest will help your body heal.
• Apply ice as directed. Ice helps reduce swelling and aid healing.
• Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
• Avoid extremes of heat – sunbeds, saunas, holidays for 14 days.
• Avoid any ibuprofen (paracetamol is recommended instead) for 7 days.

Contact your practitioner if:

• Emergency signs: If you are experiencing paleness, mottling, pustules, or blistering of the skin.
• You have questions or concerns.
• You have new or worsening pain, or pain that does not get better.
• You have trouble moving the body part that has the hematoma.