How long after top surgery can I shower?

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 does it take for top surgery to fully heal?

Recovery time for top surgery varies from person to person. People who get FTM or FTN top surgery generally return to work or school about two weeks after surgery. Those who get MTF or MTN top surgery can typically get back to work or school after one week.

When can I wash my nipples after top surgery?

How long do you have to sleep on your 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.

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.

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

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.

Can I put on deodorant after top surgery?

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. If you are taking prescribed pain medication, drink plenty of fluids as they can cause constipation (trouble going to the bathroom).

When can I lift my arms after top surgery?

For 4 weeks after surgery, you should not lift your arms greater than 90 degrees away from your body or over your head. You should also not push, pull, or lift anything greater than 5 pounds during these 4 weeks. This ensures your scar will heal well and not stretch and become larger.

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.

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.

When can I drink alcohol after top surgery?

Zemmel generally advises patients to avoid alcohol for at least one to two weeks after surgery—and only after you have finished taking your pain medications. This is because mixing alcohol with painkillers can be a dangerous combination, putting you at risk of damaging your wounds and over-exerting yourself.

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 long do you wear a compression vest after top surgery?

Do I have to wear a compression vest after top surgery? Yes, you will need to wear a compression vest for 1-2 few weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and to help the skin tighten. For FTM Top Surgery patients, this vest is not as uncomfortable or tight as a binder.

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.

What happens to nipples after top surgery?

Generally you will lose erotic sensation, but retain tactile or pressure sensation. Though very uncommon at The Gender Confirmation Center, it is possible to lose all nipple sensation following chest reconstruction top surgery.

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.

What should I wear after top surgery?

Don't Forget to Pack...

Clothing: Zip-up hoodie; button-up shirts in large sizes (check out thrift shops); slip-on shoes, slippers; sweat pants or other comfortable clothes for lounging around in.

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.

How do you shower after surgery?

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.

How do you take a shower with your breast drained?

You may shower with your drain. It's important to hold the tubing of the drain in place while you're in the shower so it's not pulling against your skin. You can do this by wearing a cloth belt around your waist and securing the drain to the belt with a safety pin while you're in the shower.

When do top surgery incisions heal?

What do I need to know about the stages of top surgery recovery? Your full recovery should take about 6 weeks, but the first 3 will be the most intense.

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 do you shower after shoulder surgery?

You may shower after the dressing is removed. Do not put your shoulder under water for four weeks after surgery, such as in a bath, hot tub, or pool. You may shower and let the water run over your incision, then pat it dry. Do not put ointment, alcohol, or lotion over your incisions, it is best to keep them dry.

Can I take my compression garment off at night?

The compression garment must be worn 24/7 even when you sleep, you will be only allowed to take it off when you shower. It is recommended to have two garments, so you can have one for change. . Invest in a good quality garment as this influences the outcome of the surgery.

When do you wear Stage 2 Faja?

How Long Should I Wear my Stage 2 Faja? After you switch over to your Stage 2 faja, you should wear it for six months. You should plan to sleep in your Stage 2 faja as well. Throughout the entire day, your goal should be to have your Stage 2 faja at all hours except for when you are showering or washing your garment.