Well...I had laser ablation and am recovering. the Dr. lasered quite a bit more than I thought he would. The pain was not too bad, and going to the restroom was not painful until about the third week when it was in the healing stage. The itching is probably the worst. Grin and bear it. The surgery, all in all, was not as bad as I thought it would be. I was up and moving the day of surgery, but not very fast. Sitz baths 2-3 times a day and thin maxi pads. The first 2 weeks I used overnight pads as to not completely ruin all of my panties. I also used Silver Sulfadiazine cream. This is a great topical for burns and decreases scarring. The company I work for makes the name brand Thermazine so I was familiar with this medication. I faithfully applied it 3 times daily for 3 weeks. Now I apply it 1-2 times per day. It is important to keep the surgery site clean and dry. I used a blow dryer alot! I am almost healed and feeling good. I am also trying to quit smoking. Started Chantix in mid April and cut down and today have not had any cigs.