A pilonidal cyst looks like a small sac containing skin and debris. It mainly occurs at the button of the tailbone. The skin growing inward and the soft tissues increase the risk of having pilonidal cysts. Men above 20s are at a higher risk of this disease. The doctor for pilonidal cyst will decide on the treatment type depending on the condition. If you have complicated and recurring symptoms, surgery is the most effective choice. The surgeon will prepare you for the surgical process and help with faster recovery. But, how much time do you have to recover from the surgery?
Know about the recovery from pilonidal surgery
After conducting the surgical procedure, your pilonidal cyst doctor would leave your wound closed or open with stitches. However, the time taken for recovery depends mainly on the surgical method. The overall surgical recovery process takes up to 3 months. So, you have to be careful during this timeframe.
You can resume your everyday activities within a month of the surgical treatment. But, follow-up appointments are essential to ensure you are healing from the disease. The doctor will tell you when to schedule appointments for the checkup at the site. During this checkup, he will replace the old wound packing materials. He may also remove the sutures.
So, the overall recovery period depends on the surgery type. It is also essential to determine if the surgeon has left the wound closed or open. In case of a traditional surgery, you need more than a month to recover. But, with laser surgery, the recovery time is comparatively short. Many patients resume their daily routine within 3 weeks after surgical operations.
Surgery with and without stitches
Most experts remove the cyst and close the wound using stitches. They apply dressings inside or over the wound. Surgical stitches dissolve on their own after a few days. If the stitches are not dissolvable, contact the nurse to remove them.
But, some surgeries do not involve using stitches because the surgeon will leave the wound open. The packing inside the wound soaks up the drainage. The dressing will last for around 3 days. The doctor will prescribe if you need more dressings for recovery.
Do you feel discomfort during the recovery period?
Some people claim that they feel slight tenderness and pain after surgery. However, these problems are manageable with a few simple steps.
- You have to take medications according to the physician’s instructions.
- You should not do strenuous activities.
- It is essential to sit on a doughnut cushion.
- You must not sit on a hard surface for several hours.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on keeping the wound clean. If you stick to these instructions regularly, you can avoid recurrence and infection.
Some experts also prescribe antibiotic medications to make you feel better. However, if you experience fever and increased swelling near the incision, call your physician. Some people also notice pus discharge from their incisions.
Eat proper food and promote recovery
You have to choose your daily diet carefully to recover from the surgery within a short time.
1. Healthy fats
Your body will get energy from healthy fats. So, most doctors recommend eating sunflower oil and sesame oil. You may choose other oils containing beneficial fat.
2. Protein-rich meals
Adequate protein is highly essential for pilonidal patients who have undergone surgery. A higher protein intake will accelerate wound healing. Moreover, this element helps you build muscles and strengthen your immunity. The best sources of protein are-
- Eggs
- Lean meat
- Soy products
- Dairy items
- Lentils and beans
- Nuts
3. Grains
Take more carbohydrate-rich food to feel energetic. Whole grains contain carbohydrates and fiber preventing the signs of constipation. They also provide other nutrients essential to post-surgical healing. Some common whole grains are cereals and oatmeal. You may also eat brown rice daily.
4. Fruits
Like fiber, nutrient-rich fruits are beneficial to your health. They have vitamin C and other nutrients for soft tissues and collagen reconstruction. Furthermore, they allow you to improve wound recovery. Rich in vitamin C, the best fruits are
- Orange
- Berries
- Apple
- Guava
- Papaya
- Peaches
5. Veggies
Fresh and green veggies are rich in vitamins. The fiber content in these veggies will prevent constipation. The vegetables that you must add to your diet-
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Leafy vegetables
- Brussel sprouts
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
6. Water
Another important thing to ensure faster recovery is to increase your water consumption. Dehydration will negatively affect the skin. Hydration is a must since your body will need more fluid during the post-operative period. You may drink other liquid items like fruit juice and milk. A bowl of hot soup will also make you feel better.
Thus, after undergoing surgery to remove pilonidal cyst, you can create your diet chart.
What doctor treats pilonidal cyst?
There are qualified and dedicated experts at Pilonidal Expert. You can appoint the most reputed doctor for pilonidal cyst and have the most effective treatment. The surgeon will tell more about the pilonidal cyst surgery recovery period. You will also receive tips for faster recovery.
