- Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. Remove the outer pressure bandage any time after 3 to 4 hours. It must be removed as soon as it gets wet. You may replace it with a bandage to catch any anesthetic that may ooze out. The inner layer is either waterproof foam tape or steri-strips. They should be removed in 3 days. If the tape or steri strip comes off you may replace it with a band-aid.
- Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 3 days. You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
- No major exercises for the incision area for the next 4 days, this includes running, riding a horse, etc.
- The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days. This is normal.
- The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief, 50 mg. orally every 6 hours. Caution this can cause drowsiness!
- You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks.
- You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer bandage. This is normal.
- If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 minutes.
- Please call if you have any bleeding (not oozing) or pus coming out of the insertion site that is not relieved by pressure
REMINDERS
New patients - VERY Important!
- Please go for your post-insertion blood work 4 weeks after your initial pellet insertion.
- Please schedule a lab review appointment 5 weeks after your initial pellet insertion so we can review your post-insertion lab results. There is no charge for this office visit.
- On average, females need pellet insertions every 3 4 months after their initial insertion. The re-insertion appointment may be scheduled at follow up appointment or online self-booking. The charge for the re-insertion visit will be only for the insertion and not a consultation.