Is ice application necessary after receiving a slimming injection for the face?

May 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Lu
Introduction
Whether ice compress is needed after receiving a slimming injection for the face depends on the individual patient's condition. Ice compress is usually required if there is swelling or bruising, but it is not necessary if there is no swelling or bruising. When undergoing any medical aesthetic procedure, it is important to choose a reputable medical institution and communicate fully with the doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.

  The slimming injection works by blocking the nerve impulses between nerves and muscles, relaxing over-contracted muscles and paralyzing overly developed muscles to achieve a face-slimming effect. The reference price for a slimming injection is 2000~6000 yuan per session, with results typically beginning to show within 1-2 weeks after injection. The onset of effects usually starts within 1~2 weeks after injection, and results will become more noticeable after about a month. Whether or not ice compresses are needed following a slimming injection depends on the individual patient's condition. If swelling or bruising occurs, ice compresses are generally recommended. However, if there is no swelling or bruising, ice compresses are not necessary. Detailed explanation is as follows:

  

  The mechanism of the slimming injection involves blocking nerve impulses between nerves and muscles, allowing over-contracted muscles to relax and paralyzing overly developed muscles to achieve a slimmer facial appearance. Mild redness, swelling, or pain may occur at the injection site, and applying an ice compress can help constrict blood vessels and alleviate these discomforts. It is generally recommended to use an ice compress within the first 24 hours after injection, with each session not exceeding 15 minutes to avoid skin frostbite.

  However, if there is no swelling or bruising, it indicates minimal trauma from the injection, and the body's natural healing process can proceed normally. In such cases, applying an ice compress might cause unnecessary cold stimulation to the local tissues, potentially leading to skin frostbite and symptoms such as redness, itching, or blisters. Therefore, when there is no swelling or bruising requiring ice compress treatment, it is not recommended to apply one.

  When undergoing any aesthetic medical procedure, it is important to choose a legitimate medical institution and communicate fully with the physician to ensure safety and effectiveness.