Can ice be applied on facial swelling after 4 days?

Apply
light ice packs or Swiss Therapy eye masks to the exposed areas of the face to reduce swelling.
This is critical for the first 72 hours after your surgery, but can be continued for as long as necessary. The degree of swelling varies from patient to patient. All swelling takes time to subside, but you should see steady progress over the course of days,weeks, and
months.

Ice will favorably influence swelling only if it is placed immediately after the operation. After four days it will have no therapeutic effect. Make certain that you don't inadvertently freeze your skin as it may be temporarily insensitive after the facelift.

Thank you for your question. I would not put ice directly on any area that was operated on.  A cool compress may be a better option for comfort.  The reason for this is that direct ice can reduce the bloodflow to the operated tissues.  Also, the tissue could actually freeze, without your knowledge, because the sensation in this area is diminished.Be sure to consult with your surgeon for their preference, as well. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

I personally do not like ice to be used post op. Cooling yes. Ice no. Why? Because you have decreased sensation over the flaps that were elevated on your face. Ice can lead to freezing of the tissue and you won't even feel it. The frozen tissue has no blood supply and then dies. I have seen this and it is not pretty. Instead, soak gauze in ice water and then apply to the swollen areas. The heat of your body will warm the cold water enough so it can't freeze your tissue, yet allow enough colling to be beneficial.Dr. J

Thank you for your question. It is common for facial swelling to be asymmetrical after a facelift and usually it relates to the sleeping position of the patient. In regards to cool packs after 4 days there still can be some role to reduce swelling for up to a week but the ideal time is the first 48 hours. If you are using cold packs just avoid direct contact with the skin surface as there can be reduced sensation after your facelift.RegardsDr Guy Watts

Ice and being elevated can help reduce swelling after a facelift.  It is most helpful for the first few days after the surgery but it won't harm anything when used 4 days after the procedure. Just make sure to use the ice on and off and not leave it on for too long.

Hi Aninka,I like the "frozen peas in a zip-lock bag technique".  There are light and conform nicely to the facial surface.But be careful as you may not feel the ice as much right after surgery (skin looses feeling for a few weeks) and you could have a frostbite if not careful.Discuss it with your plastic surgeon as well.Hope this helps!

Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Ice can help to reduce swelling after a facelift.  Normally, it is most useful for the first few days after the surgery but it would not harm anything when used 4 days after the procedure.  Just be sure to use the ice on and off and not leave it on for too long.  

The swelling around the face peaks around day 3 after a facelift.  In my practice, I have found that icing during the first 7 days after surgery is beneficial.  So I think that the answer is yes, it may help you.Make sure to do so as directed by your surgeon (there are correct and incorrect ways to ice the face).

Do not put ice directly on skin at your surgical site.  Instead, consider a cool compress.  Be sure to check with your surgeon regarding specific recommendations.  Good luck.