How do you shower after 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.

Can I wash my nipples after top surgery?

During the first week after your surgery, graft dressings need to stay dry and showering should be avoided. Bathing will allow you to keep yourself clean and support the healing process. Ultimately, your doctor's recommendations should be followed for best results.

Can you wash your hair after top surgery?

- If you had double incision top surgery, for 6 months after surgery, you should try to avoid raising your arms above your head (“raised hand”) – you should try to keep your elbow at or below the level of your shoulder to prevent your scars from widening. You can wash your hair and touch everywhere on your body.

How do you take care of yourself after top surgery?

How long do you have to have drains 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.

Post-Op Top Surgery Care; Showering After FTM/N Top Surgery

How painful is 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.

How long will my chest hurt after top surgery?

You may experience some discomfort for a few days after surgery, but generally 4-5 days after surgery your pain has decreased and you should be able to return to most normal activities; however, it is important to stick to the activity restrictions listed in your post-operative instructions you are given prior to ...

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.

When can I start sleeping on my side again 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 sleep on back 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.

How do you clean armpits after top surgery?

What should be used to clean under the arm following shoulder surgery? Use warm water only. Avoid using soaps or deodorant, as these tend to irritate the skin under the armpit area.

What do people need after top surgery?

Clipboard, for storing post-op instructions, medication logs, etc. Cough drops, ginger chews, ginger tea and/or ginger beer (non-alcohol), popsicles, for sore throat from intubation. Compression socks, especially if you're flying after your recovery. Step stool, for getting in and out of bed.

How long after top surgery can I lift 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.

Can you fly after top surgery?

How long do I need to stay in town following my FTM Top Surgery? Dr. Steinwald requires his patients to stay in town for one week post op. Barring any unforeseen complications, you will be cleared to travel at your one week post-op appointment.

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.

How long does it take nipples to heal after top surgery?

After about 3 weeks, they should be completely healed and you can stop the dressing changes. It's common for the center of the nipple graft to take the longest to heal. The center of the nipple may look like a hole or crater.

Do you get a catheter during top surgery?

Some people describe the sensation as having jumped forward in time. Once you are under, the surgical team may or may not place a urinary catheter. The use of a catheter depends on the preferences of the surgical team and how long the surgery is expected to take. Your skin will then be cleaned and prepared for surgery.

What should I wear to top surgery?

On the day of your operation, you will want to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to pull on and take off. On your upper body, you should wear a loose button or zip-up shirt or hoodie, because you will be restricted to a limited range of motion with your arms after surgery.

How do I prepare my body for top surgery?

The Night Before Surgery

Don't eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before top surgery. Make sure you eat a balanced dinner and prepare to get as much sleep as possible. Although you may find it hard to sleep, do not take any sleeping pills. If you have hair on your chest, shave it.

What does your chest feel like 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 many hours does top surgery take?

How long does the procedure take? Time to complete Top Surgery in the OR varies by procedure and by Surgeon. Generally speaking, Double Incision takes about 2-4 hours, Peri-Areolar 3-4 hours, and Keyhole 1.5-3 hours.

Do you have to stop t 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.

Should you lose weight before top surgery?

The Gender Confirmation Center doesn't have a weight or BMI cutoff for folks who are considering gender-affirming surgery, and it's best to be at your healthiest prior to any surgery.

Should I shave before top surgery?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises patients that they should bathe, but not shave, before all surgical procedures. Cleaning your skin is a great way to help prepare your body for surgery, but leave the hair removal to the experts!