I had lip injections today and I was told not to use ice on them even if swelling occurred. Why would ice not be recommended?

Question

Lips are swollen but not out of the normal range. I feel ice would help, but I was told not to put ice on them. Do you know why some Docs would recommend such a thing with injection of lips with Restalyne?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Massaging does not always help and with Restylane Silk it can increase swelling. Do not use Ice directly due to frostbite. I still recommend icing with frozen peas or corn, but never ice cubes. May be not all the docs believe in icing or are concerned icing can increase swelling - which can happen! Next time prepare better by seeing the video links below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

We always recommend ice, arnika forte, and to give it 1-2 weeks to subside as well as taking claritin daily for a week.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I'm a fan of "no ice" after any filler injection. I'm not sure it adds any benefits to swelling or bruising. A lot of the swelling after HA fillers is the water absorption by the product which is not affected by ice. Also, you are numb after injections and there is a risk of freezing the skin or causing PIH with the ice. As other docs have eluded to, there is some which think that ice can actually cause more swelling, particularly with Silk. I think it is not necessary, particularly when blunt cannulas are used.

M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically I do recommend ice 20 minutes on 20 minutes off post injection to help with any swelling and comfort.  I am guessing that fear of frostbite may have been their concern.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and we always recommend that you have these injections done in the offices of board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons as we are the most knowledgeable in how to inject and in your case, what to do after the injections.  We always recommend ice after injections – in small doses and not for any major length of time.  If Restylane Silk was used, an increase in swelling can occur in some, but still we use ice as others have mentioned.  Swelling after HA injections are a normal occurrence – so use ice when needed – in small increments and the swelling will subside over the next several days.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

We dermatologists who have been injecting lips for years were very surprised when Restylane Silk patients who iced several  hours after injections actually swelled MORE. We have no explanation as to why this occurs but now I recommend firm pressure and light ice for only 15 minutes after Restylane Silk. The good news is it lasts only 12-24 hours.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

It depends on the filler that was injected. Silk injection will increase in swelling with ice but others won't. The only other reason could be your injector is afraid of vascular compromise that would become worse with ice

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. as long as you are not freezing your lip, I would go ahead and use ice. Just be careful to keep it on no longer than a minute or two at a time, with a break of several minutes. Ice will reduce the swelling. Hope that helps

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

We were told by reps that the company noted that ice after silk increases swelling so should not use ice after Restylane Silk. Ice after other fillers not a problem, as far as I know. So, if you had silk, don't ice. I am not sure that it makes much difference the next day. I think that they mean not to ice immediately after. The swelling will go down by itself, regardless. You can take an anti-inflammatory if sore and swollen.

Suneel Chilukuri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In most cases, ice can improve discomfort and slightly decrease swelling after lip filler (#Juvederm, #Vobella, #Volift, #Restylane, #RestylaneLyft, #Belotero).  With Restylane Silk, we have found that ice can exacerbate the swelling.  As a result, I no longer recommend ice with this particular filler. Best of luck,Suneel Chilukuri, M.D.Houston, Texas

I had lip injections today and I was told not to use ice on them even if swelling occurred. Why would ice not be recommended?

Answers (11)

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