Should I be using an ice pack or heating pad 2 days post reduction?

Question

I had my surgery on 11/9, 2 days ago. I am very swollen and tight feeling. Should I be icing or using a heating pad on my breasts?

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Mild heat or ice for pain is probably okay on areas that don't have incisions but you should ask your surgeon about this as he/she will be able to give you the best answer.All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I do not recommend heating pads or ice packs for swelling or pain alleviation following breast reduction.  Either can damage your skin as your sensitivity has changed, and you may not be able to differentiate hot from cold.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Brian E. Rosett, MD · Answer

Generally ice is used in the early post operative setting to decrease swelling. Its important to be careful not to put ice directly onto the skin since you may not have enough sensation to tell you its been on too long and having negative effects. That being said you should check with your surgeon to see what they prefer for their post operative care. Good luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Either can cause damage to the healing tissues. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon if you think that the swelling is abnormal. Best of luck!

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

This is a question you should ask your surgeon as everyone has a different protocol for postop care. Be sure to call them with you concerns. Best of luck, Dr. Kludt

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JBS21,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

There are complications associated with the use of both heat and cold during the early postoperative recovery period. These should be cleared by your surgeon before initiating either treatment. Your surgeon is your best resource as to the safety and timing when considering such intervention.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

I never allow or instruct patients or nurses to apply ice or heat to the breasts after surgery. Ice can reduce blood flow to the nipple - the main thing we are trying so hard to preserve in the execution of the surgery - and heat can cause burns to surgical sites that are temporarily numb after surgery. Having said that, you should check with your own surgeon, of course.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone breast reduction procedure.
 Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to specific postoperative care instruction/advice. Generally speaking, patients need to be very careful about the direct application of ice (or heat) over surgical sites.  These areas may be insensate (numb);  cold or heat injuries may result without the patient even being aware… If you do decide to utilize ice, do not apply directly ( place it over a towel) and use it for short periods of time. 
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is always best to run your queries past your plastic surgeon as every surgeon will give you different postop instructions.

Should I be using an ice pack or heating pad 2 days post reduction?

Answers (10)

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