Dressings are applied to the area to aid with swelling, the most common side effect of this procedure. Swelling is mostly gone after six to seven weeks but may take up to six months to completely heal. Icing the area with a cold compress and keeping the entire bottom elevated while lying down helps reduce swelling. Sexual intercourse and the use of tampons are restricted for four to six weeks. The majority of patients are able to return to work after one week. Pain associated with this procedure is minor and is managed with prescribed pain medication.