Frost Bite on Chest Post Breast Aug Surgery?

I got breast aug 2 weeks ago and have been using ice packs for the swelling. 3 days ago, I realized that I must've left the pack for too long and the area turned pale color and felt rubbery. Now it's red and irritated. Went back to my doctor and she says we will have to treat it as first degree burn but for now, use aquaphor. I'm suppose to go back in 3 days for another check up. Will this scar?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Punkybrew777

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Frost Bite on Chest from Ice packs Post Breast Aug Surgery

I am surprised we don't see this more often. Fortunately, this does sound like a first degree burn type injury, and should not leave any permanent marks. A blister would define a deeper or 2nd degree injury. Full thickness injury or 3rd degree injury implies tissue loss, and eventual permanent scars. It sounds like the treatment is appropriate. Best wishes.

Frost Bite After Surgery

First degree burns will be red for a long time and eventually will fade. It is very important that you never put ice packs directly on the skin. Even with a protective barrier you can still get frost bite. You should be fine and things will heal well over 6-12 months.

Icing after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Use of ice after surgery is a very useful and successful way to help reduce pain. Cold therapy decreases swelling, which can increase one's discomfort. We encourage patients to use ice packs after surgery, but there are a few guidelines. Application of ice packs for no more than 10-15 minutes per hour while awake and NEVER apply the ice pack directly to the skin; always use a cloth or towel.

Frostbite Post Operatively

Thank you for the question. In order to leave a visible scar the wounding needs to penetrate through all of the layers of the skin. It is unusual for a first degree burn (confined to the top layers of the skin) to leave a scar, unless it was not taken care of and was complicated by further wounding or infection which then would convert it to a deeper wound. If there is any noticeable sequela to your frostbite it may be more related to the pigment of the skin which can be affected by the... more

Frost Bite and Sunburn after Breast Augmentation.

Sorry to hear that you had a first degree frost bite injury from ice pack use. The blood supply to your breast skin is impaired by breast enlargement surgery for about 4 weeks. Simply stated, the skin does not stay warm enough with an ice pack and does not stay cool enough in the sun during this early month of healing. Although I have not seen frost bite injuries after breast enlargement, we warn our patients to avoid over-cooling and suntanning for the first four weeks... more