Are applying ice packs to the abdomen beneficial in reducing swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Question

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling normally takes a few weeks to subside. On average, most of the swelling goes away after about 3 months, and depending on the extent of surgery, this may even take up to 6 months. A full tummy tuck will involve a lengthier recovery period than a mini. During these weeks and months, you'll notice the swelling gradually lessening.In the meantime, follow your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions and wear your compression garment as recommended. Your garment will help control swelling by encouraging your body to absorb and eliminate fluids that are causing the swelling. I don't recommend using ice packs since the area may be numb and you may get frostbite because of the lack of sensation.Here are some other tips to deal with swelling:stay well hydrated and go to the washroom regularlyavoid salty foods and eat healthilyget plenty of rest, but also try to move around a bit at a leisurely pace to keep your circulation going when you're not lying downOnce you have adequately recovered, you can consider lymphatic massage, but only with your surgeon's advice

Fady A. Sinno, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. As you can see from the other
answers, applying ice packs to reduce swelling isn't recommended and likely
won't do much to reduce swelling anyways. It has the potential to cause
"frostbite" injury to the skin because some areas are still numb right
after surgery. I'd advise you to contact your plastic surgeon for advice when
you have specific questions about your recovery. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Swelling is a normal part of healing. Ice packs applied immediately after surgery might be a some benefit but after a few hours contribute nothing to resolution of swelling.

Douglas Hargrave, MD · Answer

Applying ice to your tummy after a tummy tuck operation is not a good idea.  You will have reduced sensation in that area and therefore less ability to sense when it is getting too cold.  Also, and more importantly, the blood supply to the lower abdomen has been compromised by this surgery and chilling the area will reduce it even more. This can increase the risk of developing wound healing problems.  The swelling will take care of itself as time passes. Remember, patience is a virtue.Dr. Hargrave

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

My advice would be to be very careful if using ice after a tummy tuck. Your nerve endings are injured during the surgery and take months to become functional again. Heat or Ice in the postoperative period is not likely to do a lot of benefit and runs the risk of causing severe burns or frost bite. Every plastic surgeon has seen a patient or pictures of a patient who did not heed this advice and did great harm to their results because of it.Best,Dr. Pyle

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Are applying ice packs to the abdomen beneficial in reducing swelling after Tummy Tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ice packs after tummy tuck surgery

Answer: Ice packs after tummy tuck surgery

Answer: Ice After Abdominoplasty Can Be Dangerous

Answer: Ice After Abdominoplasty Can Be Dangerous

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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