Can ice packs reduce swelling?
Disease description:
I had full incision double eyelid surgery two days ago. It's only been two days and my eyes are still noticeably red and swollen. I'm wondering if I can use ice packs at this stage to help reduce the swelling, and whether it might have any negative effects?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Ice therapy is an effective method for reducing swelling. When a part of the body becomes swollen, applying ice or an ice pack locally can constrict blood vessels and slow blood flow by lowering skin temperature, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Ice therapy also decreases tissue metabolic rate, minimizing fluid leakage and edema in cells, helping control pain and alleviate inflammatory responses. However, care should be taken not to apply ice for too long to avoid skin frostbite. It is generally recommended that each icing session should not exceed 20 minutes, repeated every few hours. Additionally, individuals experiencing severe swelling or accompanying symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
