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 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.

Is Top surgery considered a 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 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.

Can you be awake for top surgery?

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. That means that you will be unconscious for the entire procedure. Some people describe going under anesthesia as "going to sleep," but that can be misleading.

Top Surgery Complications (

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.

Do you still have nipples after top surgery?

During the surgery, the nipple remains intact; however the position of it is determined by the position on your breast. Its positioning cannot be changed or altered by the procedure. Because of this, it offers a better chance at preserving nipple and areola sensation, however this cannot be guaranteed.

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.

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 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 a 16 year old get top surgery?

Though most individuals undergoing top surgery are 18 or older, younger individuals may be considered for the procedure if the patient, their legal guardians, and their mental health professional are in agreement that top surgery is appropriate.

How long does top surgery take?

On average, an FTM or FTN top surgery procedure takes between 1.5 hours to 4 hours. There are a number of different procedures that can be used to achieve a more flat, masculine, or male looking chest. The most common techniques surgeons use are called double incision, periareolar, and keyhole.

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.

When do drains come out 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.

What are the risks of top surgery?

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.

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 long does 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 ...

How much does top surgery cost?

In general, the cost of FTM Top Surgery ranges from $5000 - $10,000 USD. This may or may not include consultation fees. A down payment is usually required to secure a surgery date. The amount of this down payment varies by surgeon but usually ranges between $500 - $2000, and up to 50% of the total Top Surgery cost.

How do I know if I want top surgery?

What do I need after top surgery?

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 do I prepare for top surgery?

How long do nipples take 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.