Getting top surgery reduces gender dysphoria and can affirm your gender identity, so you're probably excited and nervous about your upcoming surgery.During your procedure, your doctor can either remove your breast tissue to create a flatter chest, or give you implants to enhance your curves for a more feminine look.Before your surgery, talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy and understand your instructions.Make healthy choices in advance of your surgery to improve your chances of a good recovery.Follow your doctor's instructions to get ready for surgery on the night before, as well as arrange for help during your recovery.
Step 1: You can get a medical evaluation and lab tests from your doctor.
Your doctor will do a full physical examination and a complete blood count to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.They can also do a urinalysis to check for drugs and infections, a white blood count test to make sure your immune system is strong, and a blood sugar test.If you're ready for surgery, talk to your doctor about your results.If you have a heart problem, your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram to make sure your heart is healthy for surgery.
Step 2: Discuss your procedure with your doctor.
It is normal to be worried about the surgery.Your doctor will be able to walk you through the process if you have an appointment prior to your surgery.They will tell you everything you need to know about your surgery, the risks, and how long your recovery should take.Ask your doctor questions about the procedure.Bleeding, infections, poor healing, hematoma, loss of nipple sensation, and anesthesia risks are some of the risks associated with Ftm/N top surgery.scar tissue that changes the shape of your breasts, implant slippage, asymmetrical breasts and breast pain are some of the things that might happen if you have a top surgery.Within 10 years, you may need your implants replaced.
Step 3: You should tell your doctor about your medication and supplements.
Some medications and supplements are safe to take before surgery, but others can increase your risk of problems and slow your healing process.Give your doctor a list of everything you are taking and ask if you need to stop.Ask the doctor when you need to stop taking the medication or supplement.Your doctor may tell you to keep taking your medication.They may approve vitamins if they boost your immune system.Some doctors might recommend starting a supplement a week before your procedure.
Step 4: If you should keep taking hormones, ask your doctor.
If you're taking hormones to affirm your gender identity, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether or not you should take them.Depending on your experience and hormones you're taking, their advice can be different.Before you go in for surgery, talk to them about your needs and preferences.If you're taking estrogen, your doctor will likely recommend you keep taking it because it improves your surgery results.Estrogen helps improve the shape of your breasts after surgery.If you want more masculine secondary sex characteristics, taking testosterone may improve your surgery results.It's a good idea to consult with licensed medical and mental health professionals before starting testosterone therapy.Before you agree to stop taking hormones, tell your doctor if you experience low energy or mood swings.
Step 5: If you have insurance, you should give letters of recommendation from your therapist.
Before your surgery, your doctor may not require letters of recommendation.If you are a good candidate for gender affirming surgery, some doctors and insurance companies will ask for letters from therapists who can confirm that.If your doctor requires it, submit the letters to them before your surgery date.If you have learned that a therapist letter is required if you are not seeing one, you should ask your doctor to refer you to someone who specializes in treating trans patients.
Step 6: Follow the instructions of your doctor.
At the end of your doctor's appointment, he or she will give you a list of pre-operative instructions.If you have any questions, call the doctor.Make sure you follow all of the instructions to maximize your chances of a successful surgery.Your doctor may cancel your surgery if you don't follow the instructions.
Step 7: It might help you heal better if you exercise 6-7 days a week.
It might help you recover faster if you do regular exercise.It improves circulation and supports your muscles.In the months and weeks leading up to your surgery, work out for 30 minutes a day.You could go for brisk walks, run, attend gym classes, take a dance class, play a sport, or lift weights.
Step 8: It's a good idea to stop drinking alcohol.
It is important not to drink alcohol before your procedure because of the risk of excessive bleeding.As you prepare for your procedure, avoid alcoholic drinks.Beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks are included.If you use recreational drugs, you should stop using them 2 weeks before your surgery.
Step 9: Nicotine products can be used to quit.
Smoking is bad for your health, but it also increases your surgery risks.Smoking can make you require more anesthesia and delay your healing process.It increases your risk of a failed nipple transplant.You should stop smoking at least 2 weeks before your surgery.Before you start smoking again, make sure your doctor says it won't delay your healing process.They will likely advise you not to start back up.
Step 10: Take at least 1-2 weeks off.
You might be able to return to work or school after 1-2 weeks of recovery if you have a sedentary job or are a student.If you have a physically demanding job, it is best to take 3-6 weeks off.When you are approved for surgery, schedule your time off as soon as possible.You should sit out for at least 3-6 weeks if you participate in a sport.Before you return to your sport, make sure you get your doctor's approval.
Step 11: You can get a ride home on the day of your procedure.
Your surgeon will perform your procedure in an outpatient facility or ambulatory clinic, so you will likely go home the same day.You won't be able to drive yourself, so ask someone reliable to pick you up at the hospital and drive you home.If you want them to come get you once you are released, arrange to have them wait at the facility.If you can't find a ride, you may be able to use a medical app.Check with the surgery center if they have limits on how many people can be in the waiting room.
Step 12: If you don't live nearby, book a room at a recovery facility.
You will need to stay near your doctor for at least a few days.If you are traveling for surgery, make sure your facility is associated with a top surgery recovery facility.There is a hotel near the surgical facility.Your doctor needs to be able to check you out.
Step 13: For the week after your surgery, ask someone to be your care giver.
It will be difficult to do basic tasks after your surgery.You will need help with treatment and bandaging.During the first 7 days of your recovery, have a friend or family member help you.If no one is available, you might consider hiring an in- home nurse to check on you or just keep in touch with your surgeon's office.Ask your surgeon's staff to help you find a good match if you're traveling to get surgery.They will be able to help you with that.For about 3 weeks after your surgery, you won't be able to lift anything heavier than 5 lbs.
Step 14: If necessary, set up pet care and household help.
It will be difficult for you to care for your children and pets during the first few weeks of your recovery.You won't be able to deal with household needs, like getting the mail, tidying up, and washing dishes.Help with these responsibilities should be arranged before your surgery.Ask your friends and family to help.Would you be willing to help me through my first week of recovery?You could also hire someone to help you.You could hire a pet sitter to look after your dog and a laundry service to wash your clothes.
Step 15: The night before your surgery, stop drinking and eating.
It is important to not eat or drink on the day of your surgery.If you don't, your surgeon may cancel your procedure.Make sure you don't eat after midnight.When brushing your teeth, be careful not to swallow the toothpaste or water.
Step 16: Don't use personal care products on your surgery day.
It is okay to wash your hair and cleanse your skin with soap.Don't apply products like hair cream or makeup.It is a good idea to be free of products when going into surgery.Ask your doctor if you can use the product you have questions about.Your skin should be clean when you go into surgery.
Step 17: On the day of your surgery, wear loose clothing.
Pick an outfit that is easy to put on and get off, like something that zips or buttons up the front.It should be baggy so that it doesn't brush up against your skin.When you leave the facility, you want to be comfortable, so you will put your clothes back on.You could wear an oversized shirt and sweatpants.Pack a bag with loose, comfortable clothing and have your support person bring it with you to your surgery.Pack any prescriptions you may need.