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Ice After Facelift

asked 1 year ago by lovingCA in Lake Forest, CA
Latest answer by Jeffrey Roth, MD
Question viewed 897 times
Tags: age 45-54, female, ice, swelling

I had my SMASS facelift (and upper eyelids) done 4 days ago. My cheeks are very swallen and hard, and I wonder for how long is it helpful to use ice pads to reduce bruising/swelling. Can the skin stretch considerably from prolonged swelling? One side of the neck is very bruised, but not swallen like the cheeks. I am 49 y.o.

7 answers to Ice After Facelift

+2

Okay to ice after facelift

You appear to have a normal amount of swelling at the 4 day postoperative point. Ice is most helpful in the first 2-3 days after surgery but it is okay to continue using it if you want. As many of the others have mentioned it is important to protect your skin from the ice pack so as to not harm the skin. It isn't uncommon to have asymmetric bruising. This usually resolves during the first 10-14 days after surgery. Sleeping with your head elevated at least 30 degrees can help with the... more
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after facelift

Your swelling looks well within the normal postoperative expectations for the multiple procedures you had done. Ice will help for the first 48 to 72 hours and must be carefully wrapped with a soft cloth so as not to make direct contact with the skin. Also do not leave on the skin for prolonged lengths of time. Sleep with your head elevated with three to four pillows, watch your sodium intake. I tell my patients they may eat anything that they find on the outside aisle of the grocery store... more
Michael Elam, MD

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Ice After Facelift

From the pictures it seems that you have normal amount of swelling after a Facelift and upper eyelid surgery. Ice usually helps with swelling in the first 48 to 72 hours (do not use directly on the skin since after a Facelift the nerves are severed and you have no sensation over the skin). After that period of time icing does not change much of the swelling. You may use black and blue ointment or any product with Arnica and Bromelin. Sleep with your head elevated. It takes... more
Tal T. Roudner, MD

Coral Gables Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ice after facelift

Judging by your photos, it looks like you have a normal amount of swelling. We found that ice and elevation helps. Please do not place ice directly on the skin. Have a cloth barrier between the cold and the skin. Sitting in a recliner with the head up is helpful. 3 pillows will also do nicely. You want about 30 or 45 degrees of elevation. This all will help keep the swelling down and the pain away. It is also OK to call your surgeon... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ice after a facelift

We use ice for the first 24-48 hours and then we begin to alternate warm moist heat and ice, done 4 times per day for about 5 minutes, making sure the warm towels are not too hot to avoid burning the skin.
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recovery after facelift

It is normal to have some degree of swelling and bruising after a facelift and upper eyelid surgery. Your photos look pretty normal for being 4 days out from surgery. The bruising typically lasts 7-10 days, and the swelling is the worst the first few days after surgery and then gets better with time. Icing is helpful for the first few days after surgery, but be careful NOT to place ice or icepacks directly on your skin. Your skin will not have the same protective sensation after surgery, so... more
Anita Patel, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Use of ice following SMAS Facelift

In looking at your photos, it appears you have the normal amount of swelling and bruising following a SMAS Facelift. You can use topical cold packs to help reduce the swelling, but be careful.  Don't apply ice directly to the skin.  You can use a damp washcloth between the cold pack/ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.  Also don't keep the cold pack on continuously, on ten minutes, off ten minutes is a reasonable rule.
Vincent D. Lepore, MD

San Jose Plastic Surgeon

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