Post-Op and Aftercare Tips for Your Orange County Clitoral Hood Reduction
When it comes to getting a gynecological surgical procedure, half of the main worry for most women is what the procedure itself is going to be like. The other half that may have many women worried is what the aftercare procedures and recovery will be like. This is true for almost all procedures, including the clitoral hood reduction surgery. There are a lot of things to consider when figuring out if this procedure would be right for you or how you would handle the aftercare – whether you are curious if you would need to find childcare, what the pain would be like, or how soon you can return to sexual activity. Luckily, we compiled a few helpful tips and recommendations to help you care for yourself following the procedure and any advice that might help you recover sooner and more easily.
What is a Clitoral Hood Reduction?
A clitoral hood reduction is a gynecological procedure that can be either cosmetic, medical or even both. This procedure is often performed along with a labiaplasty or other vaginal surgery, but it can also be performed on its own. It is becoming increasingly popular among women, allowing them to change something about their bodies that they may not be happy with. So what exactly is a clitoral hood reduction, and why do women seek it out?
A clitoral hood reduction is a surgical procedure that involves reducing the size of the clitoral hood, as well as removing excess tissue that may be protruding or otherwise uncomfortable. Many women seek out this procedure when they are hoping to increase sensation and sexual satisfaction, when they are having difficulty with chafing, rubbing, discomfort, and visibility in certain clothes or when exercising, or because they are not happy with the size of the clitoral hood. A clitoral hood reduction is a safe and easy way to rectify this concern.
How is a Clitoral Hood Reduction Performed?
A clitoral hood reduction involves using a CO2 laser to make small incisions on either side of the clitoral hood and reduce the amount of tissue by retracting or removing it, depending on the size of the hood. This procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, typically a doctor’s office or surgical center, and is done under light local sedation, so you do not have to worry about general anesthesia unless it would make you more comfortable.
Aftercare Tips for Clitortal Hood Reduction
Be Prepared For Post-Op Recovery
After your procedure, you may be a bit groggy from the sedation, depending on what kind you receive. Your doctor may want to keep you in recovery for a few hours to watch for signs of excess bleeding. You will need to urinate before you are discharged. Have someone to drive you home, and take a few days off of work to ensure proper healing.
Use Cold Packs
After the anesthesia completely wears off, you may notice some pain and swelling. In this case, it is essential to use cold compress packs to reduce the pain and swelling you may be experiencing.
Use Over The Counter Medications
Since the pain should not be excessive, using over-the-counter medication, such as Acetaminophen, is encouraged to help reduce pain and swelling. If you are prone to infection, or if you notice an infection, your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic.
Avoid Showering for A Day or Two
Avoiding contact with water, such as showering, should be avoided for at least a day or two to prevent irritation and encourage healing of the area. After showing, avoid rubbing the area, but use a hairdryer to help circulate air around the area, as well as keep it dry. This is no longer necessary after a few days up to a week.
Gradually Return to Activities
While you can typically return to work after two or three days, it is important to keep your physical activity light for at least two weeks after the procedure. This gives the body a chance to focus on healing. After two weeks, you can gradually return to your daily activities. Around four weeks, you can begin exercising again and get back to most of your daily activities with little to no limitations, except for a few, such as taking baths, swimming, or sexual intercourse – these should be refrained from for at least six weeks.
Follow Up with Your Doctor
One important piece of advice for any and all procedures is to keep any follow-up appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. Also, be sure to contact your doctor if you find yourself with any questions, unusual symptoms, or a fever indicative of a possible infection.
If you would like to learn more about the clitoral hood reduction procedure or to schedule a consultation, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359, and we will be happy to help!