The Best Facial Ice Packs for Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, removal of basal skin cells, especially on the face, may require the use of ice packs to reduce swelling. A corn-filled ice pack is soft on the skin, not as harsh as ice cubes or a frozen plastic covered gel pack, provides comfort, and helps with the healing process.

The best facial ice pack can be found at Maine Warmers. There are actually two packets (2) of whole corn that come with a pair of their Hand Warmer mittens. Used one at a time, this soft flannel covered pack is the perfect size for the face. A "Corn Ice Pack" conforms naturally to the contours of the face, different than plastic gel packs that may be stiff, and with any pressure on a sore swollen area pain is a likely result. This "Corn Ice Pack" can be held on the skin with the outside mittens to keep hands from feeling cold.

Store in a plastic bag in the freezer for an hour or two until ready to use. With two of them, there is always

 Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers with one inside Packet of Corn

one cold. Whole corn has some water content, but not as much as ice cubes, gel packs, or frozen peas. Therefore the coldness will feel more comfortable while still reducing swelling.

These packets of corn will stay cold about 15 minutes -- the recommended icing time.

Size of each packet: 8" x 6" x 1"
Weight: 1 lb.
Flannel cotton cover
Cotton & corn insert
Removable, washable cover
Reusable
Safe


Note: All of Maine Warmers' products can be frozen or microwaved to relax stiff muscles or to warm up. We recommend the Hand Warmer Mittens because the coldness will penetrate the flannel fabric of the inside packet better than it will the fleece covered products.

How to stay warm for extended periods of time outside in winter

With winter temperatures bottoming out it is good to avoid hypothermia when you venture outdoors -- especially if you are going to be outside for the inauguration or some other winter event.

• Wear a hat -- most body heat is lost through the head.
• Wear warm socks and insulated foot wear -- save your fancy duds for the inaugural ball.
• Wear gloves -- not those fashionable leather ones but insulated ski type gloves.
• Dress in layers. Add down vests, long underwear, and windbreakers.
• Wear a Neck-up or extra long turtleneck pull up to help cover your face.
• Take warm clothes in your car if you are traveling a distance -- if your car breaks down you may wish you had some extra layers. Pack them for your kids too.

When you come inside away from the cold, use a Maine Warmer to help warm up. If you are going to be out for about an hour you might wrap a Neck Warmer around your neck under your coat, or take some Hand Warmers with you. Slip a warmer or two under the covers before hopping in bed to avoid the chill of cold sheets.

When a sitz bath isn't practical a microwave heat pack comes in handy

Sitz baths are meant to bring heat to the pelvic area to increase blood flow. They can also be used cold to reduce swelling and pain. Sitz comes from the German word, sitzen -- meaning to sit. These baths are often recommended for women who have recently given birth. They should take between ten and twenty minutes to help relieve pain and promote healing. KidHealth has an excellent article on what to expect after giving birth.

Sitz baths can be taken in a bath tub or more conveniently sitting with a basin of water on a toilet. They can be fairly simple to use and are not expensive. Drug stores carry them and they range in price from a few dollars to $75. There is one available at a popular chain drug store for $15.

When sitting in a basin of water is not practical a microwave heating pad may help relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area. It can also be frozen and used cold to reduce swelling.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads mold to your body, are portable and easy to use -- no wires or electrical outlets. A Back Warmer covers a good portion of the pelvis and has a washable cover. There are several animal shaped heating pads, called Comforting Creatures, that make fun and functional baby shower gifts for expectant moms. Expectant dads may like the Neck Warmer.

Hand Warmers for Stroke Victims

My father had a stroke at age 75 but managed to live a relatively social and active life for several years with support from my mother, siblings, and friends. One of the issues stroke victims have to deal with, as did my dad, is that one hand would get very cold. A Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers helped keep his hand warm when he was inactive.

With Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads there is no worry of overheating as with conventional, Hand Warmers and Neck Warmers that can be wrapped around hands or feet. A variety of Comforting Creatures offer companionship with warmth and decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Maine Microwave Hand Warmers

electric heating pads. This is especially good for people who don't have much feeling in their hands and could get burned on an electric heating pad. Maine Warmers has a variety of

Diagnosis and treatment today have helped many people who have had strokes. Awareness and information on the Web help people recognize the signs of stroke earlier, thus preventing them and/or moderating the effects of them. The Mayo Clinic Web site offers information on strokes, symptoms, treatments, etc.