After Chest Reconstrucion Top Surgery
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 do activities that require a lot of physical activity or effort, such as cleaning the house.! We do not want you to bleed and cause any more swelling and bruising than what is normal with surgery recovery.
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.
Practical Daily Milestones After Surgery
7 days after top surgery
- Eat a varied diet which includes fresh fruits, veggies, and protein
- If you’re eating boxed, canned or packaged food, ensure it is low in sodium
Take it easy
- Rest up, take this time to reflect on all the moments that have led to this one!
Get some gentle movementÂ
- As long as you’re not getting your heart rate up too much, moving around is good for your physical and emotional well being
- Go for short, slow walks – avoid stairs, walking your dog, or any sort of vigorous activity
Emptying and recording your drain output (if you have surgical drains)
- It’s important to keep a detailed record of your drain output with the log either Vista or St. Francis hospital has given you
Going to your post-op appointment on the 6th or 7th day after surgery
- This day is particularly exciting, as you get to see your chest! Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment to eliminate stress around such a special occasion. At this appointment, you’ll receive your post-op care instructions, see your chest, and get your photos taken
 8-14 days after surgery
You can take a shower
- You’re able to shower now that all of your bandages have been removed and you’ve received the proper after care instructions
- When you do shower, let the water and soap run over your nipples. Do not directly apply soap or scrub your nipples manually
- Be sure to ‘pat dry’ once you’re out of the shower
Continue to follow the dressings instructions you have been given for your nipple areas
- No other dressings instructions are needed on other incisions except for your nipples
Walking
- You’re able to go on long walks as long as they are at a ‘strolling pace’
15-21 days after surgery
Nipple cleanliness
- You can begin soaping the nipple areas gently with every shower to promote cleanliness and healing
Nipple dressings
- Nipple dressings provided at your post-op appointment can be applied for the first 21 days after surgery.
- After day 21, no bandages on the nipples at all.
Walking
- You can go on long walks as long as they are at a slow strolling pace
22-42 days after surgery
Cardio begins
- On day 22 it’s acceptable to do cardio such as running, cycling, and elliptical.
 It is important to minimize raising your elbows at or above shoulder level if you’ve had
Avoid stretching the chest
- Moving and stretching excessively can cause widening of the scars
- Avoid stretching your chest dramatically
- Or twisting and turning in a way that may ‘pull’ on your incision lines
43 days-6 months after surgery
Back to normal life!
- Regular workouts and normal activity is ok
You still can’t raise your elbows up to or over your shoulder until after 3 months. Please read our revised instructions regarding elbow mobility.
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