How Long is Recovery After Laser Ablation Cone Treatment?
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At Gynecology and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Atlanta, distinguished gynecologist Dr. Gerry Sotomayor is committed to helping women take a proactive role in their health and wellness. For women who receive an abnormal result on a Pap smear during their annual pelvic exam, Dr. Sotomayor may recommend a specialized procedure known as laser ablation cone treatment to remove potentially cancerous cells before the condition progresses. If you have recently had an abnormal Pap smear and are facing a laser ablation cone treatment in the Peachtree Corners area, review the information below to gain a better understanding of what to expect during recovery, including how long healing may take and when you’ll be able to get back to your normal activities.
What happens if you get an abnormal Pap smear?
Receiving an abnormal Pap smear result can understandably be alarming, but our caring team is here to help. There are several potential reasons why your Pap smear may have returned abnormal, including:
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- The presence of precancerous cervical cells
Taking both a proactive and preventive approach to protect your long-term health, Dr. Sotomayor may recommend destroying these abnormal cervical cells using a quick, in-office treatment known as laser ablation cone treatment, or carbon dioxide laser surgery of the cervix.
Does laser ablation cone treatment hurt?
Most women tolerate cervical laser cone ablation very well. The treatment, which is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes only 10 – 15 minutes to complete, involves delivering targeted energy to the cervix with a CO2 laser beam. Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the cervix to ensure your comfort during treatment.
What to expect after laser ablation of the cervix
On average, recovery after a laser ablation cone treatment typically takes about 2 – 3 days. During this time, it is normal to experience a slightly watery discharge. If you develop heavy or prolonged discharge, bleeding, or pain, call our office or visit your nearest urgent care. Complications after laser ablation cone treatment are rare and generally resolve quickly.
When can you have sex again after laser ablation cone treatment?
While most women feel well enough to return to work and light exercise as soon as 2 – 3 days after a cervical laser ablation cone treatment, some things – like sexual intercourse and tampon use – may be off limits for longer, usually for about 4 – 6 weeks. Following your treatment, our team will discuss aftercare instructions with you at length. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your healing progress, and Dr. Sotomayor will advise you on when it is safe and appropriate to resume sexual activity and other routines. In most cases, laser ablation cone recovery is fairly rapid and well tolerated, and the potentially life-saving health benefits are considered well worth it.
Worried about your abnormal Pap smear? Get the peace of mind you deserve with laser ablation cone treatment in Norcross, GA
Why sit back and wait when you can take charge of your own health and wellness? If you have received an abnormal Pap smear result, call Gynecology and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Atlanta to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gerry Sotomayor and learn if laser ablation cone treatment may be right for you.