Why You Should Skip the Ice After Plastic Surgery (Yes, Really!)

For decades, icing an injury was second nature. Twisted your ankle? Ice it. Got a bruise? Ice it. Swelling after surgery? Ice it—right?

Not so fast.

If you’re recovering from body contouring plastic surgery, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, the game has changed. More and more plastic surgeons — ours included — are saying no to ice.

Why? Because ice doesn’t just cool the surface of your skin. It can actually interfere with healing on a deeper level.

Why Ice Was Traditionally Recommended After Surgery

Historically, cold therapy was a go-to for reducing swelling, pain, and bruising. The idea was that ice would:

Constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction), reducing blood flow to the area
Decrease inflammation and fluid buildup
Numb the area and ease pain

It sounds good in theory. And for acute sports injuries, ice can help in the immediate aftermath. But body plastic surgery is not a sprained ankle. In fact, the swelling and inflammation you experience after surgery are not signs of damage; they’re signs of your body healing.

Why We Say “No Ice” After Plastic Surgery

At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Golden and Denver, Colorado, we follow evidence-based guidelines to promote optimal healing. And that means saying goodbye to the ice packs. Here’s why:

1. Ice Can Compromise Blood Flow

After surgery, your tissues are working hard to heal. They need oxygen, nutrients, and healthy blood flow to regenerate. Ice does the opposite of what you want during this critical period; it constricts blood vessels.

When blood vessels shrink (vasoconstriction), less oxygen reaches the surgical site. This can delay healing and, in some cases, increase the risk of complications like tissue necrosis (tissue death) in extreme scenarios.

Plastic surgery rule of thumb: Anything that restricts circulation is usually a bad idea. That includes tight clothing, sleeping in odd positions, and yes, applying ice.

2. Risk of Numbness, Frostbite & Skin Damage

Body plastic surgery often involves nerve manipulation. Many patients report numbness in treated areas, especially after:

Because these areas are already temporarily desensitized, applying ice can be dangerous. You might not realize how cold your skin is getting or how long the ice has been on.

This can lead to:

Ice burns
Blistering
Skin discoloration
Delayed healing
Even permanent skin damage

And if you’re lying on an ice pack (such as after flank liposuction), the risk multiplies because pressure + cold = impaired blood flow and possible injury.

3. Inflammation Is a Normal and Necessary Part of Healing

Swelling and inflammation get a bad rap, but they’re essential for your body’s recovery. Post-surgical swelling isn’t just a nuisance; it’s your body sending in white blood cells, nutrients, and healing factors to repair the area.

Rather than trying to eliminate swelling, your recovery plan is designed to manage it.

What Procedures Are Affected?

You should skip ice after any body plastic surgery procedure, including:

Facial procedures, like facelifts, may occasionally involve short periods of controlled cooling. But for the body, skip the ice.

What To Do Instead of Icing

Just because you’re not icing doesn’t mean you’re stuck with discomfort. Here’s what actually works to reduce swelling and support your results:

1. Wear Your Compression Garment

Compression provides gentle, consistent pressure that:

Reduces fluid buildup
Helps shape your body
Minimizes bruising

Tip: Wear it as directed, usually 22+ hours per day in the early weeks.

2. Stay Mobile

Short, frequent walks help:

Stimulate blood flow
Prevent blood clots
Reduce stiffness

3. Hydrate and Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Choose:

Plenty of water
Leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish, turmeric
Low-salt, low-sugar meals

4. Try Lymphatic Massage (If Approved)

Manual lymphatic drainage can help:

Reduce swelling faster
Support fat graft survival
Speed up healing time

Only begin massage after your surgeon gives the go-ahead.

5. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Your post-op protocol is personalized to you. Don’t deviate or try to “speed up” healing with DIY remedies. Trust your board-certified surgeon.

But What About Pain?

Instead of ice, we manage pain with:

Prescription medications (early phase)
Over-the-counter options (as directed)
Mobility and compression
Pillows for better positioning

Real Talk: This Advice Protects Your Results

You chose plastic surgery to look and feel your best. The right recovery choices, including skipping the ice, can help you get there safely and confidently.

Summary: What You Need to Know

Don’t ice after plastic surgery. It restricts blood flow and can delay healing.
Use compression, hydration, movement, and massage to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Stick to your personalized plan. It’s designed for optimal healing and results.

Still Have Questions?

Our team at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is here to support your journey every step of the way. Whether you’re considering a body procedure or already booked for surgery, we’ll make sure you feel confident, prepared, and empowered.

Your best results start with a smart recovery — no ice required.