[Dr. Bellview Column 83.] Dr. Bellview’s

Hello,

Bellevue Clinic, for everyone’s beauty

Dr. Bellview warmly

says hello again today.

Patients are very happy when they see their face become taut after a lifting procedure. But then, when they see their puffy face the next morning, many people get flustered and say, “What on earth did I do yesterday? I feel like I ate three packs of ramen and went straight to bed.” In the case of titanium lifting, maybe not, but especially with HIFU procedures such as Ultherapy or Shurink, or Thermage, heat coagulation points are created deep in the skin and heat is spread throughout the area. Though it is not visible, the inside is in a kind of burn state. Some people even worry about “no swelling after Ultherapy,” so swelling is a natural phenomenon.

In short, temporary swelling naturally occurs as the body goes through the healing process. But it is by no means a welcome phenomenon. You may want it to go away quickly. In fact, recovery speed can vary greatly depending on how the swelling is managed. You already know it will get better, but many of you probably want to return to daily life faster. In today’s column, Dr. Bellview reveals “tip-offs for making lifting swelling disappear quickly.”

1. Why does swelling occur after lifting?

Swelling after lifting is actually not a side effect, but a “healthy and normal immune response.” As laser thermal energy is delivered, blood flow increases in the treated area, and fluid gathers to repair damaged tissue, causing swelling. However, for people with thin skin, poor circulation, or when the number of shots is performed at a high dose (1,000 shots or more), it can appear more pronounced and last longer. In particular, with high-dose shots, you may swell a lot, but in the future the lifting effect can be said to be more certain and greater. Still, it can make you more anxious, so we try to reassure you not to worry... but there are many cases where the uneasy feelings of sensitive patients do not calm down. If that sounds like you, please be sure to read this article to the end.

2. Practical care methods to prevent swelling after lifting (D-day ~ D+3)

① On the day of the procedure - “lukewarm water” rather than “cold compresses”

People often think ice packs are the way to go for swelling, but after a lifting procedure, it’s different, so be careful. Ultherapy and Shurink are procedures that create lifting effects using strong thermal energy. You’ve gone to the trouble of putting thermal energy into the skin, but if you go home and immediately apply a cold compress so it won’t swell, what happens? It can weaken the lifting effect you worked so hard to get. Instead, the thermal energy should be preserved properly. Therefore, on the day of the procedure, gently wash your face with lukewarm water and just rest. It is not good to suddenly lower or raise the skin temperature.

② Sleeping position - a “high pillow” is the answer!

It may be a little uncomfortable, but for 2 to 3 days after a lifting procedure, we recommend sleeping with a pillow higher than usual. Keeping your face higher than your heart helps prevent blood and fluid from pooling in the face, so when you wake up in the morning, the swelling will be much less.

③ Diet management - say goodbye to “sodium” and “alcohol” for now

It would be a problem if the swelling on your already puffy face is combined with the puffiness from actually eating ramen! High-sodium foods retain water in the body and make swelling worse. Alcohol also expands blood vessels and can increase edema and inflammatory responses, so please avoid alcohol for at least 3 to 5 days after the procedure.

3. The quick-fix cheat code for swelling: “LDM & IV therapy”

The self-care methods mentioned above are actually things you often hear even after plastic surgery. Since many of you already know these, you may be wondering whether there are any professional care methods. If self-care is bothersome and difficult, getting help from a professional is the fastest way.

1> LDM droplet ultrasound

This is the care we recommend most after a procedure at Bellevue. It is a treatment often called LDM droplet lifting, which even dermatologists frequently receive. The high-density ultrasound of this device strongly promotes lymphatic circulation in the skin, quickly draining stagnant swelling and immediately soothing skin that has been fatigued by heat. It is even better if you receive it frequently.

2> Immune/circulation IV therapy

For those whose swelling lingers because circulation in the body is not smooth, it is good to combine IV therapy that helps circulation and manage the swelling from the inside. Internal issues should be addressed by eating well, resting well, relieving stress, and exercising diligently. That is faster and better than other methods. Rather than sitting around, walk a lot!

Frequently asked questions from patients (swelling edition)

Q. The swelling won’t turn into fat, right?

A: Absolutely not! Swelling is simply stagnant fluid that was originally in your body, and as the recovery process progresses, the swelling gently goes down and collagen fills in, finally revealing a truly plump and slim line.

Q. When does swelling usually peak?

A: Usually, the peak is from the morning after the procedure through the third day. It will naturally subside within a week after that, so please don’t worry too much. ^^

"Swelling is proof that your skin is getting ready

to make collagen.

Through Bellevue’s attentive aftercare,

we’ll help you return to daily life quickly

without worrying about ‘swelling after lifting.’

If you have any further questions,

feel free to contact Bellevue anytime!"

Thank you.

"Skin diagnosis-oriented approach"

Bellevue Clinic

The Mark-Vu skin diagnostic test can simultaneously check a variety of skin concerns that are difficult to identify with the naked eye, including skin texture, pigmentation, pores, wrinkles, skin tone, dark circles, radiance, redness, melanin, sebum, and acne bacteria.

At Bellevue, based on this, we scientifically analyze your skin and make a final diagnosis for the necessary procedure. Through detailed consultation, we will do our best to provide the most effective treatment for each patient.

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