What Should I Do after Cryosurgery?

The things you should do after having cryosurgery typically depend on the type of surgery you've had. In general, however, you will typically have to closely follow your doctor's instructions after cryosurgery, which may include resting the area or taking steps to avoid infection. You may also do well to heed your doctor's advice for watching for signs of infection and other complications. This way, you can seek medical attention immediately if something goes wrong. In some cases, you might also have medicines to use to encourage wound healing and to help relieve pain and inflammation.

One of the most important steps to take after cryosurgery is to listen to your doctor's verbal instructions and read his written instructions for caring for yourself after the procedure. His instructions will likely depend on the type of cryosurgery you had. For instance, your instructions will likely prove very different if you've had this type of procedure on your skin than it will if it involved your cervix. No matter what type of procedure you had, however, following your doctor's advice generally will help you heal faster, reduce any pain or discomfort, and lower your risk of suffering an infection or other type of post-surgery complication.

After cryosurgery, you can usually expect to have follow-up visits with your doctor. At these visits, he will likely check for signs that your wound is healing as it should. He will typically check for signs of infection or other complications as well. Depending on the type of cryosurgery treatment you had, he may also check for the development of other lesions that may need treatment.

With some types of cryosurgery, such as those that involve the skin, you may need to clean the wound. Your doctor will usually tell you if and when you should start cleaning it; typically, water and a mild but germ-killing soap is recommended. He may also instruct you in changing any bandages you have and let you know how long the bandage is necessary. Additionally, you might be told to apply a topical ointment to help hasten healing and prevent infection.

If you are suffering pain after cryosurgery, your doctor might also prescribe or recommend medicines that can help you to stay more comfortable. In many cases, these medications are also useful for reducing inflammation in the area. Some medications are taken orally, but for certain types of skin procedures, a doctor might prescribe a topical medicine to help with pain and swelling.