Clitoromegaly Reduction Surgery is a plastic surgery procedure mainly suitable for women whose congenital or acquired hypertrophy of clitoral tissue affects their appearance, aesthetics or causes functional disorders. The surgery aims to improve the appearance of the vulva on the basis of preserving the sensory nerve function of the clitoris, and enhance women's self-confidence and quality of life. Postoperative care is a key step to ensure the effectiveness of the surgery and prevent complications. This article will explain the basic principles, key measures, possible complications and their coping strategies of postoperative care, and provide a reference for clinical practice.
1. Basic principles of postoperative care
1. Keep clean to prevent infection
The most important nursing principle after surgery is to keep the perineum clean and dry. Since this area is close to the anus and urethra, it is very susceptible to contamination. The vulva should be cleaned daily with warm saline or medical cleaning solution and wiped gently with sterile gauze to avoid direct water impact on the wound.
2. Control edema and bleeding
Mild edema or bruising may occur in the clitoral area after the operation. This is a normal reaction. Intermittent cold compresses can be applied within 48 hours after the operation to help vasoconstriction and reduce edema, but direct contact of the ice pack with the skin should be avoided. If there is obvious persistent bleeding in the surgical area, the doctor should be notified in time to prevent hematoma formation.
3. Avoid external friction and stimulation
After the operation, you should choose loose and breathable pure cotton underwear to avoid tight clothing pressing on the surgical area. Avoid strenuous exercise, cycling, sitting for long periods of time and other activities within 4 weeks after the operation to prevent pulling on the stitches or causing wound ruptures. At the same time, sexual intercourse is prohibited until the doctor's explicit permission is given.
2. Key measures for postoperative care
1. Medication management
Antibiotics are usually given after surgery to prevent infection. Commonly used oral medications include amoxicillin and cephalosporins. If there are special contraindications, topical antibacterial ointments such as erythromycin ointment or mupirocin can be selected. Follow the doctor's instructions to take the full course of medication and avoid stopping the medication without authorization.
2. Pain management
Early postoperative pain is relatively common, mostly feeling like pulling or bloating. Doctors usually prescribe oral analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and avoid using drugs containing hormones or that affect wound healing. Drugs should be used reasonably according to the degree of pain to avoid dependence.
3. Observe the surgical area
Check the wound daily for exudation, redness, swelling, abnormal secretions or odor. If there are signs of infection such as wound dehiscence, yellow purulent secretions, fever, etc., you should return for treatment immediately. The infection is at high risk about 7 days after surgery, so special attention should be paid to care during this stage.
4. Diet adjustment
The postoperative diet should be light and easy to digest, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and consume more foods rich in vitamins C and E and protein, such as dark vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, etc., which will help promote tissue healing, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid discomfort in the surgical area due to forceful defecation.
5. Emotional and psychological support
Since the surgery involves private parts, some patients may experience emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression after the operation. Nurses and family members should provide appropriate psychological support, guide patients to correctly view the postoperative recovery process, relieve their psychological pressure, and help them return to normal life as soon as possible.
3. Common postoperative complications and their treatment
1. Wound dehiscence or delayed healing
It is mostly caused by improper postoperative activity, infection or malnutrition. If the wound dehisces, you should suspend daily activities, keep the local area clean, and return to the hospital for re-suture if necessary.
2. Reduce sexual sensitivity
If the operation is not performed properly, it may damage the sensory nerves and cause a decrease in the sensitivity of the clitoris. In such cases, the scope of the operation must be determined before the operation and the operation must be performed by an experienced physician. If such symptoms occur after the operation, psychological counseling and sexual function rehabilitation training should be provided.
3. Asymmetric appearance or scarring
Some individuals may experience slight asymmetry or scar tissue hyperplasia after surgery, which can be absorbed on their own. If it significantly affects the appearance, a secondary revision surgery can be considered six months after the surgery.
IV. Postoperative follow-up recommendations
Postoperatively, patients should follow the doctor's orders for regular follow-up visits, usually including evaluations at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, with a focus on wound healing, the presence of scars, or changes in nerve sensitivity. Psychological and physiological evaluations should also be performed to fully guide the recovery process.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although clitoridectomy is a minor operation, its nursing process needs to be taken seriously, especially in terms of keeping the surgical area clean, preventing infection, and observing complications. Scientific postoperative care can not only ensure the quality of recovery, but also improve postoperative aesthetics and patient satisfaction. Patients should actively cooperate with the follow-up and guidance of the medical team, maintain good living habits and emotional management, in order to achieve ideal postoperative results.