A hickey typically lasts anywhere from about 3 days to 2 weeks before it fully fades. This duration depends on factors like the severity of the bruise and individual healing rates. Hickeys are superficial bruises caused by broken capillaries under the skin, leading to blood pooling and discoloration. The healing process usually follows these stages:
- Day 1: Redness appears due to blood leaking under the skin.
- Days 1-2: The mark darkens to blue, purple, or black as hemoglobin changes color.
- Days 5-10: The hickey shifts to green or yellow shades as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood.
- Within 1-2 weeks: The mark fades completely or to a light yellow before disappearing
While there is no instant cure, applying cold compresses early on may reduce swelling and slightly speed healing. Concealing makeup or clothing can help hide the mark while it fades naturally
. In summary, expect a hickey to last from a few days up to two weeks, gradually changing colors as it heals like a typical bruise
