Dr. Ennis recommends using ice following surgery to help manage and resolve pain and swelling. There are multiple options to apply ice after surgery, from high-tech to basic ice bags.
A few important notes:
- Plan to ice almost continuously for the first 48 hours after surgery and through the first week.
- Always have a fabric barrier (t-shirt or towel) between your skin and the ice device to prevent frostbite and injury to the skin.
- Bring your ice device to surgery, or confirm with the ice company representative that your device will be delivered to the surgery center. We will put it on as you wake up and ensure it is working before you leave the surgery center/hospital.
- Whether you are using an ice machine or ice bags, you will likely need to supplement your ice maker at home with ice bags from the store.
- None of these will be covered by insurance. It will be your responsibility to cover the costs of any of these options. If your insurance states that they will cover the ice machine, it will be your responsibility to send your insurance the bill. If you utilize ice bags only (plastic bags or ice packs purchased from a store), plan to have multiple on hand so you can continuously ice the surgical site.
We use four different types of ice machines. If you would like one, please contact us to discuss the current price.
NICE
Description: Motorized unit that has both compression and cold therapy. You do not need to fill the machine up with ice; rather you use water to circulate cold.
ICEMAN by DonJoy
Description: Motorized ice chest, ice sleeve
GAMEREADY
Description: Motorized unit has both compression and cold therapy
POLARCARE by Breg
Description: Motorized ice chest, ice sleeve
To Own via CU Medicine, Ice Machine Handout
