Hilotherapy in plastic surgery: the treatment that completely changes recovery

What is hilotherapy and what are its 5 benefits?

The hilotherapy is a controlled cold medical therapy.

Unlike traditional methods such as ice or cold gel packs, this is medical equipment. Advanced technology applied after surgical procedures to favor a faster and more comfortable post-operative recovery.

It is developed by Hilotherm.

Here I’m going to talk about its use in plastic and cosmetic surgery (what we do in our clinic), but it’s not exclusive to this specialty. It’s used in many others: traumatology, gynecology, ophthalmology, maxillofacial surgery, etc.

What are the benefits?

• • Natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. It reduces inflammation, pain, and bruising after surgery, especially in the first few days. Especially the 72h after surgery when the most swelling is achieved. Patients also appreciate the aesthetic benefits.
  • It reduces the need for medication. Since cooling already helps relieve pain, less analgesic medication is needed. We reduce—and in some cases even avoid—pharmacological treatment in favor of a safer, more harmless solution.
  • It provides a feeling of relief and well-being. Imagine walking for hours, your feet aching, and then plunging them into cool water. That pleasant comfort is similar to what patients describe with hilotherapy.
  • It promotes tissue regeneration. It allows for precise temperature adjustment to minimize or even eliminate the potential adverse effects of cold therapies (burns, nerve damage, etc.). It is a very safe system.
  • Accelerates recovery. For all the reasons mentioned above, it shortens the recovery time. If, for example, you’re one of the many people who have to “sacrifice” their vacation days at work for the operation… that’s a huge advantage.

It is a treatment that addresses one of the major demands of surgical patients: less debilitating and much more manageable post-operative periods.

How hilotherapy works and its use in plastic surgery

Application: Does it cause any discomfort?

Hilotherapy is very comfortable.

Essentially:

• • It is applied with anatomic accessories. They are specifically designed for each part of the body. For example, a mask for blepharoplasty, a face mask for a cervicofacial lift, a disc for breast surgery, etc.
  • They are placed immediately after the operation in the operated area, which is when the tissues become most inflamed. This allows us to mitigate that reaction early on.
  • They maintain a constant temperature of 15-20ºC. Depending on which one we select, depending on the case. We leave it working continuously throughout the entire admission process.

Is it an annoying cold? Not at all. This is what sets it apart from applying ice or cold gels. Those 15-20ºC temperatures achieve maximum benefits with minimal risks and discomfort. Even people with greater sensitivity tolerate it very well.

Moreover, they often find it relaxing.

Then the treatment continues at home minimum for the following 3 days. On patient’s discretion. That is, if they wish, they can rent a hilotherapy device from the company. They will deliver it to their home and pick it up within 3-5 days.

It is similar to professional equipment, but adapted for practical, safe and effective personal use. The maximum amount of time should be set. Up to 24 hours a day to optimize postoperative recovery as much as possible.

The improvement in inflammation and pain is very noticeable.

Photo of our clinic team. The accessories integrate a closed and continuous circuit
through which cold water circulates at the temperature we choose.

Hilotherapy VS applying ice after surgery

Who hasn’t put ice on their skin after getting hit?

Or cold gel packs. To reduce inflammation and soothe pain. It’s a form of cryotherapy widely used to treat acute injuries, relieve muscle contractures, accelerate muscle recovery, and also to optimize post-operative recovery.

That’s why, in a consultation, the question sometimes arises of what is best.

What I always say:

• • Ice is cold and aggressive. It can reach 0°C or lower. Not everyone can tolerate it. It can be painful and may burn, especially gel packs. Improper use can affect the nerves, circulation, and healing.
  • Its benefits are short-term. It melts and loses its effectiveness quickly, requiring reapplication. As an immediate solution, for example, for a sprain, it’s fine, but if we’re looking for something long-lasting after surgery…
  • It’s impractical. The skin must be protected, held in the hand or otherwise, and attention must be paid to the weather, the moisture that forms, etc.

The first two facts make it even considered a controversial method.

For their part:

• • Hilotherapy maintains a constant temperature within safe ranges and distributes it evenly throughout the operated area. Avoid thus causing damage from excessive cooling and has fewer contraindications.
  • We set the temperature to 15-20ºC to facilitate lymphatic drainage. Below 15°C, cold hinders fluid elimination. Besides, it’s less well tolerated. The 15-20°C range is effective and not at all bothersome.
  • It’s more comfortable. With these accessories, you feel no weight, and they’re secured with straps that don’t move. Adjustable cold gel packs are available, but they tend to be less ergonomic and more bulky, heavy and difficult to hold.

For all these reasons, at Cànons Clinics we always opt for hilotherapy. Advanced medical treatment VS homemade remedies. Greater efficiency and safety.

Eye mask for thehiloterapiafacial. The idea is to wear it as much as possible.
Since you don’t have to worry about replacing it or about getting it wet;
at their home, patients even sleep with it on.

References