Should I Use Hear or Ice to Get Swelling Down Now? I Was Using Ice First 2 Weeks.

Ice is usually used for swelling, especially in the early post operative course.  Each surgeon will have a different protocol, (ice/heat/message/compression/elevasion etc;).  Best to talk to your surgeon and see what his particular protocol is.

When the capillaries are leaky in the first 24 hours eyes can be of some benefit in reducing swelling. After this it really doesn't have any effect.

Initial swelling is improved by ice.  Ice helps constrict blood vessels which decreases swelling.  Ice is typically applied on and off for the first 20 minutes for the first 72 hours.  After the first few days, ice is no longer effective in improving swelling.  The body needs to "drain" the area with swelling and lymphatics need to be established so that edema can be removed.  Warm compresses can encourage lymphatic formation but we generally do not recommend this.  Gentle massage, sleeping in an upright position, and appropriate compression garments can help improve swelling as well.