I read that putting ice on the incision for 24 hours helps it heal better with less scarring. If so, how often should I do this? Every two hours, four hours, etc?
Answer: Ice Using extremes of temperature (ice or heat) is an absolute no after surgery. The abdominal skin has lost its protective sensation and is very susceptible to damage. The only proven scar improvement treatment with clinical evidence is the Embrace dressing. This is started 1-2 weeks after surgery. Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa
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Answer: Ice Using extremes of temperature (ice or heat) is an absolute no after surgery. The abdominal skin has lost its protective sensation and is very susceptible to damage. The only proven scar improvement treatment with clinical evidence is the Embrace dressing. This is started 1-2 weeks after surgery. Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa
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March 13, 2015
Answer: Ice for incision 24 hours after full Tummy Tuck? I agree with the majority of my colleagues in that I generally ask my patients not to use either ice or heating packs on operative sites unless it is a small incision with minimal undermining (such as with moles or small lesion excisions). Decreased sensation in the operative areas may cause frostbite or burns to occur with cold or heat therapy. Also, with major skin undermining, such as with tummy tucks or breast reconstruction or with nipple areolas/breast reduction, I like to maximize blood flow to the area to aid in healing, and ice may impair this. Ask your plastic surgeon what he/she recommends.
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March 13, 2015
Answer: Ice for incision 24 hours after full Tummy Tuck? I agree with the majority of my colleagues in that I generally ask my patients not to use either ice or heating packs on operative sites unless it is a small incision with minimal undermining (such as with moles or small lesion excisions). Decreased sensation in the operative areas may cause frostbite or burns to occur with cold or heat therapy. Also, with major skin undermining, such as with tummy tucks or breast reconstruction or with nipple areolas/breast reduction, I like to maximize blood flow to the area to aid in healing, and ice may impair this. Ask your plastic surgeon what he/she recommends.
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