Proper Ice Application after Cosmetic Surgery
September 7th, 2023
Proper ice application to reduce pain, swelling and bruising after cosmetic surgery is considered helpful. However, there are safety guidelines for properly applying ice during recovery. Caution needs to be used to avoid damage to delicate incisions and the surrounding tissue.
I recommend that my patients use ice and some water in sealable plastic bags, such as Ziploc style bags. It is very important to make sure water is visible in the bag, as it assures the temperature of the ice is just above the freezing temperature to eliminate the risk of unknowingly causing frostbite to tissue that may still be numb from surgery. I strongly discourage ice alone, gel pads or bagged frozen vegetables applied directly from the freezer to the skin, due to being well below freezing, and may cause tissue damage. Therefore, using an ice bag filled with some water is both recommended to reduce swelling and patients report it also helps to reduce pain following their surgery. *One important exception to any ice application after cosmetic surgery is following fat grafting procedures, because the cold is particularly detrimental to the survival of the grafts.
I Want to Look Younger, but Not Different!
August 16th, 2023
Patients are generally clear about what type of results they are looking for with a facelift when scheduling an appointment. They express a desire to still look like themselves, minus the wrinkles and sagging. During our consultation we discuss the aesthetics of cosmetic surgery, specifically as it relates to the aging face and neck. Most patients prefer not to look like they just got off of a rocket sled after surgery. My philosophy is that the result should look natural and you should look refreshed and rested, like returning from a restful vacation. That being said, there will be an element of tight appearance for a few weeks following surgery before the results are fully realized. Before and after photos are an excellent resource for choosing the appropriate surgeon to align with your expectations.
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