UK first: home healing after surgery from London’s Cadogan Clinic

Patients reduce swelling and pain and recover faster using new technology

Patients at London’s premier day hospital, The Cadogan Clinic (www.cadoganclinic.com) are to be the first in the UK to benefit from being able to use brand new healing treatment Hilotherapy at home, which can be used post-surgery to reduce swelling, bruising and pain and to speed up recovery and a return to normal activity.

Cadogan Clinic patients, who may have undergone surgery such as eyelid procedures, liposuction or facelifts will be supplied with a Hilotherapy unit to take home and use for as long as they need. The system uses adaptable cuffs to provide cold temperatures to the areas affected, but unlike ice or gel packs, the treatment reduces the risk of nerve or tissue damage by providing complete control over the low temperatures used. Traditional ice compresses can actually stop the healing process and even cause frostbite.

Hilotherapy (www.hilotherapy.co.uk) can be used anywhere on the body where swelling, pain or bruising are present or need to be prevented. The temperature range of the device, which is supplied in a carrying case and weighs just 3.6kg, is between +10C and +30C.

Hilotherapy is suitable for use after medical or cosmetic surgery or other trauma such as a sports injury. The therapy was introduced into the UK in late 2009 and was cited at the annual conference of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) as being ‘the ideal solution for cosmetic surgery patients’. Hilotherapy was used by Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jade Johnson after she injured herself while rehearsing for the show, as well as new heavyweight boxing champion David Haye after his gruelling title fight.

Cadogan Clinic patient Alessandra Jenkyn was delighted with the help Hilotherapy provided following recent facial surgery:

“After having an operation on my face which involved painful swelling and some bruising I was given the Hilotherapy device to keep on my face in order to diminish the swelling. I used a lower face cuff which kept my face cold.

“Having had surgery before that involved this type of swelling I could compare with past results using ice packs. I was surprised to see how effective this device was. In less than 48h my face had very little swelling left and there was no sign of bruising at all. I didn't need any painkillers during the process and still don't. I was amazed and very impressed by the recovery achieved- especially as I had been warned by my surgeon that this result was to be expected in 2 to 3 weeks only.

“I would definitely recommend this product when needed. It worked incredibly well and was very practical, easy to use and clean.”

Bryan Mayou, founder and lead surgeon at Cadogan Clinic says he has really seen a difference in his patient’s recovery:

“As a day hospital, it’s vital that we at Cadogan Clinic give patients the very best resources to promote healing when they leave the clinic. I’m seeing patients coming in for follow-up appointments a few days after surgery with significantly less bruising or swelling and reporting less need for painkillers than I would previously have seen, after they’ve taken a Hilotherapy unit home with them. They also report that the unit is easy and pleasant to use and that they’re grateful for the chance to resume normal life as quickly as possible.”

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