Ice pack application post op TT?

Question

In my preparation for my BA/TT, I had planned on having an ice pack available to apply to my TT intermittently to help with the swelling and pain, as this is what we do for pacemaker patients, however, I have not read of anyone on here doing that, or even that their doctor recommending it; nor did mine. Is applying an ice pack ill-advised for this?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling after TT usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but most of the swelling is gone after a few weeks. Healthy people at their ideal weight should have the best overall recovery, but some of this will depend upon the surgical technique and adherence to postoperative protocols such as wearing compression garments.  Firm pressure after treatment as well as post-injection ice packs can reduce swelling and bruising after filler injections; I do not recommend them after TTs.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  You should discuss this with your surgeon, as it will vary amongst surgeons. I think ice packs are fine after a TT, and also advise compression with a binder for 6 weeks. I think the ice pack aids in comfort and doesn’t make a dramatic effect on the robust abdominal flaps. Best wishes!

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon before doing.  I do not recommend ice to the abdomen following a tummy tuck.  During surgery, your abdominal skin becomes a random pattern flap, and ice can cause vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow.  I do recommend a compression garment for a minimum of six weeks post surgery, to reduce swelling.

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

You should discuss this with your surgeon but I do not recommend an ice pack for my patients after a tummy tuck.  Not only may the cold affect the blood flow to the tissue of the lower abdomen, which could negatively affect the healing, but the skin of the lower abdomen is typically numb after surgery and you won't be able to feel the cold normally, so you could give yourself frostbite.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

I would recommend discussing this further with your plastic surgeon, but I do not recommend ice packs for my patients who have undergone a tummy tuck.  I like my patient to wear the compression garment/binder for the first 6 weeks to help with the swelling and for comfort.Most surgeon feel that ice packs are good for the eyes and brow area after eyelid and brow surgery but for a "flap Surgery", where the skin is elevated and then pulled down, i.e. tummy tuck, it may be detrimental as it can reduce the blood flow to the critical areas.Hope that helps.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question.Ice packs can be used in some areas better than others. I’ve packs seem to more in the breasts and face, but not so much on the tummy. It would not hurt to ask your surgeon for their opinion.Congratulations on your recent mommy makeover! Best wishes. Dr. Aldo

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear DeNovoMe,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

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck involves lifting up the skin and underlying tissue and advancing it as a flap.  The flap remains attached with blood supply from above, but the blood supply from below has been divided to allow it to advance.  Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels); therefore, ice packs can further decrease blood flow and potentially compromise the viability of the flap with skin loss.  In addition, the sensory nerves have been temporarily disrupted from the surgery, so you will not be able to feel if you are causing a thermal injury (frost bite) to your abdominal skin.  As a result, I tell my patients never to ice their abdomen after a tummy tuck.  Wearing a compression garment is the best way to decrease swelling after a tummy tuck.  I would recommend discussing all of this with your surgeon.  Every surgeon has his/her own postoperative protocol, and it is important to follow the directions specifically provided by your surgeon.  Good communication between patient and surgeon is very important both before and after surgery.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I recommend speaking to your surgeon regarding the use of ice packs.  The compression garment seems to be the treatment of choice to help with swelling.  Your surgeon will advise what is best for you.

Ice pack application post op TT?

Answers (9)

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