How do you minimize bleeding during surgery?

Question:
I’ve heard that bleeding during surgery is what leads to bruising in the recovery. How do you minimize bleeding during surgery?

Answer:
One of the most important things to avoid for a successful surgical outcome is bleeding. Bleeding will in fact lead to bruising and prolonged swelling of the the surgical site. Meticulous surgical dissection is one way to avoid bleeding but the use of injectable epinephrine with lidocaine in the surgical field is the most common way to minimize bleeding from occurring during surgery. Electrocautery is also used during surgery to stop any bleeding that may have occurred. I also encourage the use of Arnica and the limitation of various vitamins and supplements known to cause bleeding prior to and after surgery to minimize bruising.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld