First thingsfirst,Ice or coolertemperatures applied to the skin restrict blood flow to an area therebyreducing swelling, inflammation, and pain.Heat or warmertemperatures applied to the skin, on the other hand, increases circulationthereby increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to an area, and enhancing theremoval of waste products. Heat also increases cell metabolism which promotes healing.If an area was recently damaged/injured, then applying heat increases bloodflow and swelling in the area. But if the site is starting to heal, then heatwill enhancing the healing process. Secondly, as apatient, it is important that you closely follow your surgeon’s postoperativeinstructions. So please ask them your question as well. Some surgeons may allowuse of ice packs or cool compresses intermittently over the first 48 hours tohelp with minimizing the swelling and inflammation. Nevertheless,please follow your surgeon’s advice.
Hello, I generally suggest that my patients try cool compresses intermittenly for the first 24-48 hours to help relieve discomfort and swelling. Your surgeon might have specific advice about a postop regimen that works well.
