Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. Remove the outer pressure bandage in 3-5 days. You may replace it with a Band-Aid if needed for the next several days.
The inner layer is a Steri-strip. It should not be removed before 7 days. If the Steri-strip comes off you may replace it with a Band-aid as well.
Applying ice in the first few hours after insertion will help reduce any swelling or discomfort.
No soaking in tub baths, hot tubs, pool or open water, steam baths or saunas for 5-7 days. You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
If you had your insertion below the belt line, no major gluteal exercises for the next 7 days; this includes running, squats, riding a horse, etc. If you had it above the belt line no lower back/oblique exercises like tennis, golf, pickleball or weight lifting upper body.
If there is itching around the site you may take Claritin or Zyrtec for relief.
You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or minor redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks. For mild pain ice, Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
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 relieved with pressure (not oozing), as this is NOT normal.
Please call if you have any pus/foul smelling drainage at the insertion site or develop a fever, as this is NOT normal. REMINDERS
Pellets will not begin to work or be in your system generally before 7-10 days.
New patients – VERY Important!
Please go for your post-insertion blood work 5 weeks after your initial pellet insertion.
Please schedule a lab review appointment 6 weeks after your initial pellet insertion so we can review your post-insertion lab results. There is no charge for this office visit.
Please call if you have any unwanted side effects. They will be temporary but can be managed.
On average, females need pellet insertions every 3-4 months after their initial insertion and males every 5 months.
