Your Top Surgery Recovery Timeline — Gender Affirmation Surgery
- Posted on: Aug 15 2023
Everyone deserves a life in which they’re comfortable in their own body and can be their truest self to the fullest, whatever that may mean to them. Thankfully, it is now a time and place in history when doing so has never been more accessible and accepted. This is especially true for those seeking gender affirmation surgery—as you may be.
And if receiving gender affirmation surgery is a decision that you’re ready to make—one that has been shown to improve the overall well-being of transgender people—then one thing to know before your top surgery is what the days and weeks following it will entail.
Your Surgery Day
The hours after your gender affirmation surgery is complete will likely be the most difficult, as your body will only just be beginning the healing process. Accordingly, you will be prescribed painkillers to be taken if and as needed, and it is recommended that you wear loose-fitting buttoned or zippered shirts as you will be unable to lift your arms above your head.
Your First Week
For the first week, you will not be able to work, shower, or exercise to ensure that you are able to heal properly and as painlessly as possible. This also helps to minimize the risk of infection. You also may find it most comfortable to sleep on your back and propped up slightly at about a 45-degree angle.
Your Next Couple of Weeks
Two to three weeks after your gender affirmation surgery, you’ll be able to shower once again, return to work (if you have a physically undemanding job), and get back to some light walking exercises and other activities. However, it’s essential to continue getting as much rest as you can.
Your Final Month of Top Surgery Recovery
Once a month of your top surgery recovery has passed, you’ll be able to mostly get back to your usual routines over the course of the following month as quickly or as slowly as you feel you are ready to—just be sure not to rush yourself!
Gender Affirming Surgery in Dallas, TX, That You Can Trust
If you’re prepared for gender affirmation surgery and the proceeding recovery time, you can reach the outstanding Dr. Bardia Amirlak at 972-972-4708 for more information on what your next steps will look like at the UT Southwest Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
Posted in: Transgender Surgery
