I had a facelift with fat transfer a week ago. Can I still ice my face? (photos)

Recently Dutch researchers have shown that icing or not icing does not have a great deal of difference in the recovery from facial cosmetic surgery.  I tell my patients that it's ok to use ice if it feels better, but not to expect much from it.  Time is the best treatment.   Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.

I find icing to be most helpful the first 24-48 hours after surgery.  Beyond that point ice may still have a mild benefit but not significant.  If you have numbness just be careful applying ice to these areas and monitor the amount of time the ice is on the skin and make sure you have a protective cloth to avoid creating a frostbite injury.