Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
Once upon a time, the solution to almost any experience of swelling, pain, or bruising in the body was to ice it. And this is still the case for acute sports injuries – at least at first.
Yes, icing does bring down swelling and decreases inflammation. Yet, board-certified plastic surgeons are increasingly telling patients to avoid ice after plastic surgery. Especially with body contouring procedures.
So why is this the case?
Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
While icing to numb an area and reduce pain makes sense on the surface, it can be counterintuitive to healing after certain plastic surgery procedures. Here’s why:
- It Compromises Blood Flow
To heal after surgery, your tissues need oxygen and nutrients. These are supplied to the tissues through healthy blood flow.
Unfortunately, ice constricts blood vessels and causes them to shrink (vasoconstriction). While this means less pain, it also means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the tissues which ultimately delays healing. In some cases, it can increase the risk of tissue death, known as necrosis.
This is precisely why plastic surgeons advise patients against anything that restricts circulation after surgery such as tight clothing or sleeping in strange positions.
- Inflammation Is a Normal Part of Healing
Swelling from inflammation can feel like a nuisance and cause discomfort. Hence the desire to eliminate it through icing.
Even so, inflammation is crucial for the body’s recovery. It’s a sign that your body is sending the necessary white blood cells to rebuild and heal the area. That’s why post-op plans focus on managing swelling rather than eliminating it.
- There’s the Risk of Frostbite and Skin Damage
One of the biggest reasons to avoid ice after plastic surgery is that in many body procedures, nerve manipulation is required. For example, patients who have a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction often report numbness.
With these areas already desensitized, patients who apply ice may not realize how cold their skin is getting or how long the ice has been on. This can lead to blistering, ice burns, delayed healing, skin discoloration, or even permanent skin damage.
Options Instead of Icing
It’s important to note that some facial procedures might involve short periods of controlled cooling. But for procedures on the body – and especially those that involve contouring – ice should be avoided. This is not to say that plastic surgery patients need to just suck it up and deal with the discomfort. There are other ways to provide comfort and ease your recovery.
First, your surgeon will likely prescribe an appropriate amount of pain medication for the short run, as well as recommend OTC pain-relieving products you can use.
Then, depending on your procedure, you may be required to wear a compression garment which will provide gentle, consistent pressure to reduce fluid buildup, minimize bruising, and help shape the body. Movement may also be recommended. Short but frequent walks stimulate blood flow and reduce stiffness.
Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fish, turmeric, and berries also help you feel better and heal faster. And if your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can also get a lymphatic massage to help reduce swelling and speed up healing time.
Listen to Your Surgeon
Your post-op protocol is personalized to you. If your board-certified surgeon says it’s best to avoid ice after plastic surgery, take that to heart.
Also, as tempting as it might be, don’t try to speed up healing with do-it-yourself remedies. This could cause more harm than good.
If you’re curious about a plastic surgery procedure and would like more information about recovering from it, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
