I'm still swollen after my DIEP Flap reconstruction, should I be applying heat or ice?

Question

I had my DIEP Flap Reconstruction surgery June 28, which consisted of the tummy tuck and using that fat to create my new breast. My question is regarding my tummy tucks site or the donor site. It's still swollen, bruised and draining. Do you know what I should be putting on it? Heat or ice???

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Site scares me,
I would not suggest heat or ice. The reason is that after surgery your breast reconstruction will not have sensation, and your tummy may have decreased sensation. I have seen people who have accidentally frostbitten or burned tissues without normal sensation...and these risks far exceed any potential benefit of heat or ice.
Best,Chris Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still very early after a major surgery like DIEP flap. Swelling will get better with time. Take this time to rest as much as you can. Putting ice/heat on skin which my be numb after surgery can cause burns. 
Good luck with your recovery!

Pierre Chevray, MD, PhD · Answer

There is typically very little swelling 19 days after DIEP flap breast reconstruction.  Your belly (abdominal donor site) may appear swollen from a collection of fluid under your belly skin, a seroma, which typically is not a threat to your health, but your surgeon should know about, and explain to you.  Your donor site is not expected to be draining or substantially bruised 19 days after surgery.  You may have had a collection of blood under your belly skin, a hematoma, that is now draining out through the incision.  If your belly incision is draining 19 days after surgery, you have to see your surgeon and let him/her evaluate and treat this.  I cannot be more specific without seeing or examining you.  In any case, you should not be putting heat or ice on your belly or breasts as there are almost certainly areas of skin that are numb, and you risk injuring yourself by burning or causing frostbite to these numb areas.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A DIEP flap or for that matter almost any other surgery will cause swelling. It is not a good idea to use heat or cold at this point. It may be detrimental if you do not have sensation over the regions. The swelling will subside on its own over time.

I'm still swollen after my DIEP Flap reconstruction, should I be applying heat or ice?

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Answer: Swelling and DIEP

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I'm still swollen after my DIEP Flap reconstruction, should I be applying heat or ice?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling and DIEP

Answer: Swelling and DIEP

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.