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5 Recovery Tips After Pilonidal Cleft Lift Surgery
A chronic skin infection located in the crease of the buttocks near the tailbone, pilonidal disease affects about 70,000 Americans annually. This condition causes effects that range from mild to severe. Among the more severe are painful abscesses and infections.
Pilonidal cleft surgery corrects the anatomical conditions that contribute to the disease. Dr. Lisa A. Perryman of Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists uses the advanced Bascom cleft lift approach that not only heals a current episode of pilonidal disease, but also prevents recurrence.
Because of the location of the surgical wound, the success of your procedure depends on careful postsurgical care. As well as the personalized instructions we’ll provide for you during consultation, we’ve also provided five tips that will smooth your recovery process.
Cleft lift surgery overview
The pilonidal cleft is an anatomical feature that varies from patient to patient. In some cases, the cleft can be deep, trapping moisture and causing skin irritation in the area. Clogged hair follicles that rupture can further advance pilonidal disease.
The Bascom cleft lift differs from other surgical approaches in the way that it moves the incision out of the buttock cleft. The incision is closed off-center, so the healing wound isn’t subject to the conditions in the cleft that caused the initial problem.
The cleft itself is also flattened during the procedure, making it less likely future infections will form.
5 recovery tips after pilonidal cleft lift surgery
Your participation in your own recovery after surgery plays an important role in the overall success of the procedure, and cleft lift surgery is no different. While you may receive specific instructions relating to your surgery, these five recovery tips generally apply.
1. Not every cleft lift procedure is the same
The traditional approach to pilonidal surgery has a high failure rate, since the postsurgical scar remains in the buttock crease. Choosing a surgeon who practices the highly specialized Bascom approach, like Dr. Perryman, could be the most important decision you make to assure successful recovery.
2. Nutrition
Your recovery starts even before your procedure. Eating a balanced diet featuring fresh fruits and vegetables along with plenty of lean protein provides your body with the nutritional building blocks necessary for natural healing.
3. Tobacco use
If you’re a smoker, discontinue cigarettes and other tobacco products at least four weeks before your surgery date. Nicotine interferes with blood flow in the body, slowing natural healing. This can lead to complications due to insufficient blood flow at the surgical wound site. Don’t use tobacco products until you’ve fully recovered.
4. Keep active
Generally, moderate amounts of low-impact activity encourage healthy blood flow that aids recovery from surgery. The only exception is in the immediate post-surgical period of about 24 to 48 hours. We’ll provide you with specific instructions, including movements to avoid, during your surgical consultations.
5. Caring for your wound
It’s crucial to keep your surgical wound clean and dry for optimal recovery. Follow our instructions regarding hygiene during recovery as well as techniques to allow air circulation around your wound. When it comes to pilonidal disease and cleft surgery, moisture is the enemy.
Call or click to book a consultation with Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, for your pilonidal cleft lift procedure. Your recovery starts with your first visit, so schedule your appointment today.
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