Facial Bruise (Contusion)

Home care

• If you have been prescribed medicines for pain, take them as directed.

• To help reduce swelling and pain, wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel. Put it on the injured area for up to 20 minutes. Do this a few times a day until the swelling goes down.

• If you have scrapes or cuts on your face requiring stitches or other closures, care for them as directed.

• For the next 24 hours (or longer if instructed):

  • Don’t drink alcohol or use sedatives or medicines that make you sleepy.

  • Don’t drive or operate machinery.

  • Don't do anything strenuous. Don’t lift or strain.

  • Don't return to sports or other activity that could result in another head injury.

Note about concussions

Because the injury was to your head, it's possible that a mild brain injury (concussion) could result. Symptoms of a concussion can show up later. Be alert for signs and symptoms of a concussion. Seek emergency medical care if any of these develop over the next hours to days:

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Unusual sleepiness or grogginess

• Trouble falling asleep

• Personality changes

• Vision changes

• Memory loss

• Confusion

• Trouble walking or clumsiness

• Loss of consciousness (even for a short time)

• Inability to be awakened

• Feeling "off" or slow as if in a daze

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as directed.

When to seek medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Swelling or pain that gets worse, not better.

• New swelling or pain.

• Warmth or drainage from the swollen area or from cuts or scrapes.

• Fluid drainage or bleeding from the nose or ears.

• A fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have: 

• Repeated vomiting.

• Unusual drowsiness or trouble waking up.

• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

• A seizure.

• Worsening confusion, memory loss, dizziness, headaches, changes in behavior, speech, or vision.