At Your Friendly Proctologist, we believe that the more you know about what happens after the procedure, the less scary the process becomes. Recovery is a journey, and having the right map makes all the difference.
One of the most common questions we hear is whether recovery time varies between genders. The short answer is no; the physiological healing process for hemorrhoid surgery is essentially the same for everyone.
The actual surgery is surprisingly quick, usually lasting only thirty minutes to an hour. However, the recovery is where the real work happens. While the intensive healing phase varies depending on the type of procedure, Dr. Chung focuses on a proactive recovery. Unlike standard practices where you might not see a doctor for a month, Dr. Chung sees patients within the first week to ensure everything is on track.
Let’s be honest: the biggest concern for every patient is pain management. Hemorrhoid surgery involves a sensitive area, and the recovery can be a "not fun" experience if not handled correctly.
Dr. Chung takes pain control very seriously. His techniques in the operating room are performed with recovery in mind first and foremost. This includes:
What you put into your body directly affects what comes out, and after surgery, "what comes out" is a top priority. The goal is to keep your stool soft to avoid straining and extra pain.
Until you have your first bowel movement, stick to light meals and keep them snack-sized (about 4-6 times a day). Once you've had that first movement, you can gradually increase to normal meal sizes.
For at least eight hours before surgery, you should not eat. After surgery, your body processes food and drink more slowly due to medication.
It is important to note that the recommendations provided here serve as a general guide, but your specific journey is managed directly by Dr. Chung. His approach is built on a responsive protocol developed over 11 years of practice, allowing him to adjust your pain management and nutritional plan in real-time based on how your body responds. Because Dr. Chung is personally overseeing your healing, he can make precise calibrations that a standard hospital system simply cannot. The goal is to ensure you feel well-supported and informed at every step, making your recovery as smooth and predictable as possible.