Top surgery Advice (specifically Double Incision

# September 12, 2012 / 8:56PM 111 notes

Top surgery Advice (specifically Double Incision - DI)

This is a list of points for those having top surgery, specifically Double Incision (DI). It is based around using compression rather than drains so some points may not be applicable but on the most part it should be useful for anyone having top surgery.

Pre Op

- Stop smoking or at least reduce your amount to under 5 a day. Smoking increases the risk of the nipple grafts not taking and generally slows down healing. Remember that these are your results for the rest of your life!

- Stop taking NSAIDs (things like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen etc) before surgery (2 weeks before) - These thin the blood.

- Do not drink at least 24 hours before surgery.

- Eat healthy foods and look after your body. You are going through major surgery and it is important for the body to be as healthy as possible.

- Take Arnica tablets (homeopathic rememdy to reduce bruising) 1 week before surgery and 1 week after surgery. (Available from Boots, Superdrug etc)

- Get lots of pillows as sleep will be quite uncomfortable.

- Get yourself a waist support to use as compression - You will have to wear this for approx 2 weeks but possibly longer. If you can afford 2 then I advise it as they begin to smell after wearing them 24/7!

- Arrange to have someone around to help you out. Many people under estimate how difficult it can be to do simple things within the first week so it is vital you have someone around to help.

- Get some button down shirts as you won’t be able to/will really struggle to get a tshirt on after surgery.

- Get some baby wipes as you won’t be able to shower for potentially 2 weeks.

- Mentally prepare yourself to go through surgery - This is always a good idea. It is never nice to think about the risks or things that can go wrong but by doing so you can be more prepared if it happens.

- Get yourself some books, games, magazines, films etc to keep yourself occupied.

- Ask questions! If you are unsure/worried/concerned/confused about something then ask the surgeon. He is there to make sure you feel secure and happy with the procedure.

- Listen to the surgeon! Take his advice - specifically about aftercare. It is so important to do this as results depend largely on how you look after youself post op.

Post Op

- You are likely to feel quite crappy. Listen to your body. Rest when it tells you to rest.

- Make sure you have someone around to help out.

- Take the Codiene (if you can) that you are given! It helps so much with the pain and (this may sound weird) makes you constipated which is a good thing as it is near impossible to wipe your ass!

- Continue taking Arnica for a week.

- Keep the waist support on at all times. It can be taken off for 5 mins a day just so you can have a break and wash (which you may need help with) but must go back on. The compression is the most important part of post op!

- If you have discomfort with the waist support, put some soft gauzes under your armpits as it stops the rubbing as much.

- Get out of the house if you can. There is nothing worse than cabin fever! Try and go for a 5 min walk if you can manage it.

- Eat fruit and nuts. They help the body with recovery.

- The waist support can put strain on your shoulders and back as it changes the way you hold yourself. I found that Deep Heat really helped release some of the tension in my muscles.

- You may feel pretty shit over the first few days. This is normal. It is okay not to feel elated and ridiculously happy. Many people feel low or down after major surgery which can partly be due to the anaesthetic. It is important to talk it out if you feel naff.

- Do not get any of your dressings wet!! It sucks to not be able to shower so babywipes become really useful!

- Use silicone on the scars (not nipples!) once able to as it aids with the healing of them and also acts as protection (ScarGuard is very good for this). Also use something like Cocoa oil and massage into the scars once able to.

- Do not move your arms too much. Basically pretend you are a T-Rex! Any stretching of the arms, lifting, pulling etc can stretch the scars (even around 6 weeks post op) and this will effect the final results.

- Do not sunbath 2 weeks post op (but I advise a fair amount longer) as it stops the healing of the scars and will make them more prominent.

- Sleep on your back and also slightly propped up if possible as it will decrease the liklihood of damage to the scarring.

- Don’t use NSAIDs until 1 week after surgery.

- Don’t go back to work too soon. Especially if you have a physical job. A time frame of 4-6 weeks recovery is recommended but be aware it can take longer for the body to fully recover.

- If you have any concerns or worries about your chest post op then speak to the surgeon! He is there to help!

- Remember you have been through major surgery! Look after yourself!!! (mentally, physically and emotionally).

top surgery double incision DI trans man ftm pre op post op advice information mr yellend transition transsexual trans transgender