Hemorrhoid banding is the most studied, most effective office-based treatment for internal hemorrhoids. Here is exactly how it works — what we do, what you'll feel, and what to expect afterward. Everything is on this page. Nothing is hidden.
The Procedure, Step by Step
No fasting, no prep. You ate breakfast. You drove yourself here. You are wearing what you wear to work. Everything proceeds from there.
A short, gentle examination to confirm position and select the hemorrhoid we'll treat first. We always discuss what's about to happen — no surprises.
Using a small specialized instrument, a tiny elastic band is placed at the base of the internal hemorrhoid. The placement itself takes less than 30 seconds. Most patients describe a brief sensation of fullness — not pain — because the procedure is above the part of the anal canal that perceives pain.
What to expect, what's normal, what isn't, and how to reach us if you have any questions in the days that follow.
No sedation means no waiting period, no driver, no work-day write-off. The most common comment we hear afterward: “That was it?”
The Days After
Most surprises in healthcare come from things no one mentioned beforehand. We tell you the whole picture up front.
Frequently Asked
For the vast majority of patients, it doesn't. Internal hemorrhoids are located above the part of the anal canal that perceives pain. Most patients describe a sensation of fullness or mild pressure for the rest of the day and possibly the next — not pain. Tylenol or ibuprofen is more than sufficient for most.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
The procedure itself takes less than five minutes. The full appointment — with check-in, examination, the banding, and post-procedure instructions — typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients are out the door in under an hour.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Most patients are fully treated in two to four visits, spaced three to four weeks apart. We treat one column of hemorrhoids at a time on purpose — it is more comfortable, more effective, and gives the tissue time to heal between treatments. I will tell you the expected number of visits before we start.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
The band cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid. Over the next seven to ten days, the hemorrhoid shrinks and separates from the rectal wall, then passes painlessly with a bowel movement. You may notice a small amount of bleeding when it does. This is normal and expected.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Yes — and most patients do. There is no sedation, no driver requirement, no recovery period in the traditional sense. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting for 24 hours, but office work, walking, and most normal activity resume immediately.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Everything you normally would. No prep, no fasting, no diet restrictions before or after. We do encourage staying well-hydrated and continuing your fiber regimen — both help everything go smoothly.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
The specific hemorrhoid we treat is gone — banded tissue does not regenerate. New hemorrhoids can form over time if the underlying causes (constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, low fiber) are not addressed. The full plan includes a sustainable bowel regimen, not just the procedure.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Yes — for nearly all medical plans, including Medicare. Hemorrhoid banding is a medical procedure with a specific CPT code, and insurers treat it as such. Our team verifies your specific coverage before your first visit so there are no surprises.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Most patients tell us their first banding visit was significantly less of an event than they had been imagining. The cure for the worry is, almost always, the visit itself.
