Bruises / ecchymosis

An ecchymosis is a subcutaneous spot of bleeding (from extravasation of blood) with diameter larger than 1-centimetre. It is similar to (and sometimes indistinguishable from) a hematoma, commonly called a bruise, though the terms are not interchangeable in careful usage. Specifically, bruises are caused by trauma whereas ecchymoses, which are the same as the spots of purpura except larger, are not necessarily caused by trauma,[2] often being caused by pathophysiologic cell function.

Treatment with the pulsed-dye laser by Syneron-Candela is safe and effective for expeditious resolution of postoperative ecchymoses after facial cosmetic procedures. It has the potential for wider application in treating postoperative ecchymoses on other areas of the body and after trauma.