ICE, ICE BABYFrozen balloons are a cheap and easy alternative to ice packs.

ICE PACK BALLOONS
Use Frozen Balloons Instead of Gel Packs

As a center that does nearly 400 cosmetic injections a year, we needed an alternative to pricey disposable gel ice packs that melt quickly. We turned to party balloons. Instead of spending $155 for 150 gel packs, we now pay about $10 for 144 balloons, saving us nearly $400 a year. We fill the balloons with water, leaving a few inches to tie them. When needed, we take the frozen balloon and run it under cold water for about a minute, so it melts and leaves a cushion of water around the ice. Finally, we wrap it in a paper towel before giving it to the patient. For those who are allergic, we keep some non-latex balloons on hand. The patients love them, especially when we match the balloon's color with seasons or holidays.

Kim Patrick, RN
Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic
Birmingham, Ala.
[email protected]