Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
Swelling, tenderness, and mild spotting can occur. Swelling can be uneven initially; increasing pain or a rapidly enlarging area is different.
Your care plan.
- Follow your cleansing plan after toileting; rinse gently if instructed and pat dry without rubbing. Change clean pads as needed.
- Wear loose clothing and avoid friction. Use a protected cool compress only if your surgeon specifically recommends it; never apply ice directly.
- Do not use scented products, vaginal douches, or unapproved ointments on healing tissue.
Activity & recovery.
- Avoid intercourse, tampons, cycling, and activities that stretch or rub the incision until examination and clearance. ASPS commonly describes four to six weeks for intercourse and tampons, but healing can take longer.
- Take gentle walks and avoid straining.
Follow your team’s specific instructions for medicines, wound care, and safe movement. Do not drive while taking sedating medicines or until you can safely operate a vehicle and your surgeon clears you.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Call urgently for heavy bleeding, a rapidly expanding painful swelling, difficulty urinating, or wound separation.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.