It is helpful to remind yourself that there will typically be ups and downs during the post top surgery period. This article provides a timeline of daily activities you can do to optimize your top surgery recovery and healing. Various restrictions depending on the type of surgery you pursued are also briefly discussed. It is important to review these recovery milestones to help you know what to expect and prepare for your gender affirming surgery.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you have excessive bleeding or pain, call your surgeon at (415) 780-1515. You can reach us day or night by calling the normal office line.
YOUR FIRST 24 HOURS : If you are going home, someone must drive you because you have been sedated. A caregiver should stay overnight with you as well. If you are going choose to go to a postoperative center, they will provide transportation. If you have any questions, please ask one of our nursing staff.
DRESSINGS : Keep your dressings as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them until your surgeon tells you to do so.
ACTIVITY : Take it easy and pamper yourself. Try to avoid any straining. You may go to the bathroom, sit and watch TV, etc., but NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU FEEL, DO NOT CLEAN THE HOUSE, REARRANGE THE ATTIC, ETC.! We do not want you to bleed and cause any more swelling and bruising than is unavoidable.
ICE PACKS : Cold or ice packs can help to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Use frozen peas in the package or crush ice cubes and put them ice into a zip-lock bag. This should help, not hurt. If the ice feels uncomfortable, do not use it as often. Before putting the ice against your skin, wrap the ice in a cloth. You can check the temperature on the back of your hand before placing it on; sometimes you can inadvertently hurt yourself if you don’t check the temperature before placing it on your skin the affected area.
SHOWERING : Do not shower until after your first post-op visit with your surgeon. They will remove your dressings, inspect the surgical area, and tell you if you can shower. Until that time, you can have a sponge bath or use baby wipes to keep clean.
DIET : If you have any postoperative nausea, carbonated sodas and dry crackers may settle the stomach. If nausea is severe, you can use the post-op anti-nausea medications prescribed. If you feel good, start with liquids and bland foods, and if those are well tolerated, progress to a regular diet. It is important that you avoid salt (sodium) during your recovery. Salt will increase swelling and may prolong your recovery. Click here for a list of low-sodium meal choices.
SMOKING : Smoking reduces blood flow and can cause issues with healing, especially if you’ve had any sort of nipple graft done as part of your surgery. We advise you not to smoke marijuana or cigarettes or consume any form of nicotine (vape, gum, patch, etc) during the first 21 days after surgery.
ALCOHOL : Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and can increase postoperative bleeding. Don’t drink until you have stopped taking prescription pain pills, as the combination of pain pills and alcohol can be dangerous. Wait at least one week to drink alcohol after surgery.
DRIVING : Don’t drive for at least 2 days after general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, and wait to drive until you have stopped taking prescription pain pills. It’s best to wait until you can drive comfortably and without any disruption to the area where you had surgery.
7 days after top surgery
Take it easy
Get some gentle movementÂ
Emptying and recording your drain output (if you have surgical drains)
Going to your post-op appointment on the 6th or 7th day after surgery
 8-14 days after surgery
You can take a shower
Continue to follow the dressings instructions you have been given for your nipple areas
Walking
15-21 days after surgery
Nipple cleanliness
Nipple dressings
Walking
22-42 days after surgery
Cardio begins
 It is important to minimize raising your elbows at or above shoulder level if you’ve had
Avoid stretching the chest
43 days-6 months after surgery
Back to normal life!
Get full instructions to set up your virtual consultation! The virtual consultation will be billed to your insurance company. We will accept the insurance reimbursement as payment in full. |