A vulvectomy is the removal of a portion of the vulva. The amount removed depends on the size of the abnormal area on the vulva. A vulvectomy is done for dysplasia (abnormal cells), cancer, lichen sclerosis, or other conditions. The procedure is done under anesthesia and is usually an outpatient (same day) surgery. The surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the abnormal area and several individual, dissolvable sutures to close the wound. Your physician will provide you with adequate pain medication if necessary. After the procedure, you may do light walking and activity. Patients are generally fairly sore due to the sensitivity of the area. Your physician will provide you will adequate pain medication when necessary. Keep the incision area very clean with soap and water by using an extendable shower head if possible. After one week, purchase a sitz bath at the pharmacy and do sitz baths twice daily for 15-20 minutes with a solution of Epsom salt and warm water. The Epsom salt helps heal as well as sooth the area. Do not use Epsom salt if you are allergic to sulfa. Keep the incision area very dry between showers and sitz baths, using a hair dryer on the cool setting after cleaning may be helpful. Also wear loose clothing to avoid friction over the incision area. It is common for these types of incisions, due to the location, to pull apart or separate. If this happens, call your physician and continue wound care. The incision may drain a pink or yellow discharge, this is normal, just continue to keep it clean. Excessive swelling may be alleviated with ice packs and lying down when needed. Use stool softeners if needed to keep your bowels soft. You do not want to strain to have a BM. Contact your physician if you have a foul odored or green discharge, excessive pain, wound separation, vomiting, constipation, or fevers of 101 or higher.