Will the ice pack burns leave a scar? (Photos)

Question

I had a breast augmentation and put icepack on my skin. 20 mins on and off. I woke up and had a what i thought was a bruise the next day 3 blisters developed. They popped and i appliciaed triple antibiotic cream. To the touch it feels sort of leathery and it’s dark color. Will this fade? I have been using mederma as soon as it was no longer an open wound as well as this skin lightening cream. Below are a few pics of the progress and what it looks like today.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be improved with a combination of lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would use Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams to prevent PIH followed by fractional laser to help the pigmentation. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is impossible to predict scarring at this early stage. Routine wound care as directed by your surgeon is very important. If there is scarring, there are a number of options to improve them as other answers have stated. Good luck BRK

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

You have a darker skin type and are at risk for PIH. I would discuss with your physician. I would apply steroids, hydroquinone, and retin A. PRP might be helpful as well as microneedling.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Natygiselle918,Fromt he description it sounds like this just happened.  Assuming you had sensation to the area where you had the ice pack, most people cannot tolerate the cold for too long and will take it off before it can cause serious damage.  During the healing phase you will notice the skin will darken but this tends to improve with time.  What I would recommend is you follow up with your surgeon to see what he or she recommends.  Early appropriate wound care can prevent many complications.  Furthermore, I advise my patients to never put anything directly from the freezer onto their skin for this reason.  In the future, you may consider getting a bowl, put ice and water into the bowl, and place a rag in the bowl.  The rag can then be used as the cold compress with a much lower risk of causing any issues since it won't be below freezing temperatures.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

I hope it fades. But ice burns can cause permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation and keloids.
Silvadene is a nice prescription cream that may help during the healing of burns, 2-4xdaily until blustering and scarring settles.
Dr Kristine Brecht 
Seattle, Wa

Will the ice pack burns leave a scar? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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