Is it okay to ice my breasts after Breast Reduction surgery?

Question

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

This is a question that will vary amongst various plastic surgeons.  After a breast reduction procedure, the vasculature to the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) specifically, but also to the entire breast/incisions is often times very tenuous.  Ice may provide some comfort and decrease swelling, however, the cool temperature cause vasoconstriction of these blood vessels can cause issues with getting enough blood flow to all of these areas.  I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon and follow his/her recommendations.  In the immediate postoperative period following this procedure, I typically avoid ice/cool packs to the breast itself for fear of the aforementioned issues with vascularity to the NAC.  I recommend pain medications, compression bras, and sometimes warm pads for comfort.  Hope that this helps!  Thank you for the question and best wishes for a terrific result!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I generally don't recommend ice for breast patients as the implant is so far from the skin surface it does little good nor is it helpful after the point of maximum swelling, after the first 3 days.Discuss this with your surgeon and follow his directions!#iceaftersurgery#breastaugmentation#BA

Is it okay to ice my breasts after Breast Reduction surgery?

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Is it okay to ice my breasts after Breast Reduction surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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