What is top surgery recovery like?

Recovery timeline

About 6 or 7 days after surgery, you will likely have your postoperative appointment. This is often the first time the dressing comes off and many people get to see their chest. The swelling generally decreases within 2 or 3 weeks, but for some, this can take up to 4-6 months.

How painful is top surgery recovery?

It's encouraged that pain medication is used when needed, but patients typically find that pain during recovery is very minimal and subsides after a couple of days. Apart from some pain, patients will experience slight discomfort from the swelling and bruising of the chest, but this can be managed with ice packs.

What does top surgery recovery feel like?

First Stage of Recovery

After surgery, there will be some bruising, swelling, and discomfort as there is with all types of surgery. Your chest will be bandaged and covered in a compression vest for support and to reduce inflammation. You should have filled antibiotic and pain meds before the procedure.

How long does it take to wake up from top surgery?

Most people feel up to resuming their normal activities a few days to a week after having top surgery. The initial post-operative visit usually takes place at around day seven.

What are the after effects of top surgery?

The possible risks of transmasculine top surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, hematoma, loss of nipple sensation, loss of the nipple and areola, and anesthesia risks.

Tips for After Top Surgery || FTM

How painful is FTM top surgery?

You may feel some pain for the first couple of days—especially when you move around or cough—and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.

Can your nipples fall off after top surgery?

Double Incision Procedure

The incision is then closed at the bottom of your pecs. In this procedure, there is a risk of losing all or part of the areola or nipple from the graft due to damage, but a skilled and experienced surgeon will be able to minimize these risks to the lowest possible amount.

How do you shower after FTM top surgery?

Some surgeons say you can shower after 24 hours, but you should shower with your back to the shower head to protect your healing incisions from the direct spray of the water. Afterward, gently pat the chest dry and follow any instructions your surgeon has provided regarding ointments and dressings.

How long are drains in after top surgery?

Surgeons follow different guidelines on this, but drains are usually removed when the fluid output is below 20cc - 30cc for a couple of days. In Top Surgery patients, this takes about 5-7 days.

How do you sleep after top surgery?

Plan to sleep on your back with several pillows to elevate the head of your bed. This is to lessen the amount of swelling you experience, which may worsen in the first few days after surgery before getting better. Plan to sleep on your back for the first 6 weeks after surgery while your chest heals.

Can I sleep flat after top surgery?

For my FTM and FTNB top surgery patients, the usual range of time that they are instructed to avoid laying fully on their side is around one to two months.

How long after top surgery can I move my arms?

In the first four to six weeks after having top surgery, you will need to make some adjustments. You will not be able to lift your arms above your head. You will also be told to restrict lifting, pulling, and other movements that strain the muscles and skin of the chest.

Do top surgery drains hurt?

If you do opt for drains for double incision, remember that there are no extra incisions for the drainage tubes. Drains do not usually add any discomfort, and although it's 7 days of dealing with something annoying, it's well worth it for an expedited healing process.

Do you get painkillers after top surgery?

You will be given post-surgery pain medications for the first week of your recovery, including oral pain relievers. You will be provided with specific instructions about when to take each during the day. Most oral pain relievers are intended to be taken every four hours.

Is Top surgery major surgery?

Top surgery is major surgery, so it's important to discuss your health with your doctor. If you have other health conditions that make treatment unsafe, you might have to delay top surgery.

How long do you wear a binder after top surgery?

We advice you to wear a compression binder after Top Surgery, 24/7 for at least 4 weeks. The binder helps prevent fluid build up and aids the skin in adhering back to the chest wall.

How do I prepare for top surgery?

How should I prepare for transmasculine top surgery?

1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
2. Provide a letter of recommendation from your therapist.
3. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Can I wear deodorant after top surgery?

Do not shave or use deodorant for 1 week after your drains have been removed. You can shave and use deodorant after 1 week if your incisions have no open areas. For pain, take prescribed pain medication, Tylenol®, or ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

How do you take care of your nipples after top surgery?

Avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise that involves the upper body during this time. This can aggravate the chest. After the first week, if you have the double incision mastectomy, there will be daily dressing changes using an antibacterial ointment. Change your nipple dressing after showering.

Can you feel your chest after top surgery?

The degree of sensation after surgery is usually similar to the sensation of the upper chest before surgery. So, sensation is still present, but is diminished from the “hypersensation” of the nipples that is usually present before surgery.

How long is your chest numb after top surgery?

Generally, you start to regain sensation in your chest area after 6 to 12 months. While it's rare for patients to completely lose sensation after their Top Surgery, some who undergo the Double Incision Mastectomy have reported total loss in erogenous sensation.

Do scars from top surgery go away?

Your scars will look most prominent in the six weeks immediately following your procedure, appearing raised and dark against the rest of your skin. They will gradually fade and flatten over time. The final appearance of your scars may not be apparent for 12-18 months.

Do you need gender dysphoria to get top surgery?

The criteria state that you must: Have persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria. Be able to make a fully informed decision and to consent to treatment. Have reached legal age to make health care decisions in your country (age of majority or age 18 in the U.S.)

How hard is top surgery recovery?

It may be 1-2 weeks before you'll feel comfortable returning to work or school. Those with more strenuous jobs involving physical labor may require as long as 4-6 weeks. Pushing yourself before you're ready can lead to setbacks in recovery.

Do you have to stop testosterone before top surgery?

Many Top Surgery surgeons require patients to stop testosterone 1-2 weeks before Top Surgery, and some surgeons also require that the next scheduled dose be delayed by an additional week or two after Top Surgery.