Its been a week since my fat injection to my left breast. Can I apply ice to reduce swelling?

I generally don't recommend ice for breast patients as the implant is so far from the skin surface it does little good nor is it helpful after the point of maximum swelling, after the first 3 days.Discuss this with your surgeon and follow his directions!#iceaftersurgery#breastaugmentation#BA

Ice may not be the best option after fat grafting.  A popular treatment called Coolsculpting works by cooling fat cells to eliminate them.  Although we don't have good proof that ice could affect things, you may want to discuss with your surgeon before doing this.  

Intermittent ice may help ease the swelling. Another option may be to take Arnica supplements or SwellX for the postoperative edema. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Thank you for your question.  Swelling from surgery tends to peak at day 3-5 and then reduces.  Beyond this, ice doesn't hurt, but it will not give as much benefit as icing in the first few days.  Icing fat grafts are important not only for the swelling in the first few days, but also to help the grafted fat survive as long as possible while a new blood supply grows in.  I typically have patients ice aggressively for the first 3-4 days and then back off from there.  Always best to follow the advice of your surgeon.  Best of luck.

Please consult with your surgeon for specific recommendations.Fat grafting is very common in my practice.  We advise our patients to avoid applying ice to the breasts after fat transfer. As a practical matter, ice typically does not help reduce swelling one week after surgery.Best wishes, Dr. Connall