Surgical Removal of a Labial Cyst
I am a 29-year-old female, weighing 250 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. I do not smoke, and my medication regimen includes an anti-anxiety medication known as Lexapro. Earlier today, I underwent a procedure to excise a sebaceous cyst located on my labia. The operation was performed in an office setting, where a local anesthetic and numbing cream were applied for discomfort management. Unfortunately, the physician could not fully extract the cyst wall, so they opted to leave the incision open for drainage and cauterized the surrounding tissue. Post-surgery, I was advised to manage any pain with Tylenol and given a prescription for a numbing topical cream. However, despite taking 800 mg of ibuprofen and 500 mg of naproxen, neither pain reliever, nor the numbing cream, seems to alleviate my discomfort. Is it typical to experience this level of pain? I have previously had a cyst removed in the same area, and the agony I am currently feeling is significantly more intense than that experience.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 2:20:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the level of pain you are experiencing after your labial cyst removal. Your current discomfort may be due to several factors, including the nature of the procedure, surrounding inflammation, or healing processes.
Pain After Surgical Procedure
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Healing Process: After any surgical procedure, it's common to experience pain as the body begins to heal. Since the cyst wall was not fully removed, your body may react more intensely as it tries to heal and manage the area.
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Pain Management: While it's typical to experience some pain, especially after local anesthesia wears off, pain management is crucial. Since the usual medications you're using (Tylenol, ibuprofen, and naproxen) aren’t relieving your discomfort, it may reflect that the current level of pain is significant enough to require alternative management.
Next Steps
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Pain Assessment: Monitor your pain level over the next few days. If the pain worsens or doesn’t improve, it’s important to assess if there are any signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge).
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Medication Review: If over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective, consider trying an alternative or stronger pain relief options, if safe for you. Discuss with your healthcare provider possible options like prescription pain medications or additional topical treatments.
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Activity Modifications: Limit activities that may stress the area (like heavy lifting or certain exercises) while healing. Giving your body adequate rest can help.
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Follow-Up Care: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss your pain levels and review your healing process. They may want to check the incision site to ensure it’s healing properly and assess if any additional treatment is necessary.
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Comfort Measures: Applying a clean, warm compress to the area may provide some relief. Avoid tight clothing to reduce irritation near the incision site.
It’s important to listen to your body and seek appropriate help as needed. If your symptoms significantly worsen or persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
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