Swelling and pain are common after a breast implant procedure. While at home, you need to do some post-surgery care to ensure that your recovery is smooth sailing.
Ice packs and heat therapy are some of the most common ways to ease swelling. But which works the best? Let this page guide you.
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Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel. Once the implant shell leaks, the saline is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Silicone Gel Implants
Filled with silicone gel, these implants feel more like natural breast tissue. The gel can remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking silicone gel implant is not always noticeable, so make sure to check in with your surgeon for any possible implant leaks.
Benefits of Breast Implants
- Improved breast symmetry.
- Enhanced self-esteem and body image.
- Reconstructed breast appearance post-mastectomy or injury.
Ice Pack Therapy for Breast Implant Recovery
Ice pack therapy, or cryotherapy, involves the application of cold compresses to reduce inflammation and numbness. Ice packs decrease blood flow and fluid accumulation. Cold temperatures can reduce nerve activity, leading to temporary pain relief.
Ice packs reduce blood flow to the treated area, minimizing swelling and providing pain relief.
When to Use Ice Packs
- Apply ice packs in the first 48 hours.
- Use ice packs for 20-minute intervals (Wrap your ice packs in a towel)
- Repeat
Note: Avoid applying ice directly to areas with impaired sensation, as this could cause tissue damage without your awareness.
Heat Therapy for Breast Implant Recovery
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, involves the application of heat to the body to improve blood flow and relax muscles.
Heat opens up blood vessels, which can help clear out debris and bring in nutrients for tissue repair. The application of heat can reduce muscle spasms and alleviate discomfort once inflammation is under control.
It’s recommended not to heat therapy it right after surgery due to the risk of increasing swelling. But you can use it during the later stages of healing.
When to Use Heat Therapy
- Apply heat for 48–72 hours post-surgery.
- The heat should be warm, not hot.
- Heat application reduces stiffness and relieves tension, but it should be used for short periods (15–20 minutes) to avoid muscle relaxation in the early stages of healing.
- You can also use electric heating pads, heat wraps, a warm towel, or a hydrocollator pack.
Alternating Between Ice Packs and Heat
You can actually alternate between ice and heat by doing intervals in between.
- Use ice packs on the affected areas for 20 minutes.
- Wait for at least 40 minutes.
- Apply heat after for about 15-20 minutes.