MTF Top Surgery Recovery Timeline: The First Four Weeks
Patients considering transfeminine top surgery need to learn what they can expect from recovery to make the most of the experience and ensure safe results. This blog details what patients can expect from the first four weeks of MTF top surgery recovery, including what their breast appearance will look like through these stages.
What to Expect After Your Transfeminine Top Surgery
Recovering from your MTF top surgery is an essential step in your gender affirming process, as a successful recovery means you’re on your way to feeling like yourself. While each patient is unique, and the details of your recovery instructions will differ based on the techniques used for your specific procedure, it’s helpful to know what you can expect from your recovery week by week so you can adequately prepare and get the most out of this time.
Note: Some patients require a tissue expander to be placed at the time of surgery. This helps stretch the skin over the breasts to better accommodate the size of the implants. If you have a tissue expander placed, you will have additional appointments with Dr. Whitehead to reach the desired size, so your recovery process may look a little different.
Days 1–3 Post-op
Immediately after your surgery, you will be wrapped in surgical bandages and a compression bra. You will be scheduled for a check-in with Dr. Whitehead the day after surgery, so he can change your dressings and check on your progress.
The first three days after top surgery are typically the most uncomfortable, as you’ll be recovering from anesthesia and groggy on day one, while physical discomfort typically peaks on day three. During this time period, you should spend most of your time doing normal activities but refraining from exertion to help your body recover. This is also the timeframe where you’ll need your loved one to help you around the house.
As you feel up to it, practice taking short walks around the house to increase blood flow, reduce the risk of blood clots, and induce healing. It’s normal to feel a bit weak; your body has gone through some trauma with surgery, and all your energy is directed towards healing. Listen to your body, eat well, take your medications as directed, and get plenty of rest.
Breast Appearance:
While you might not be able to see your breasts just yet, as you’ll be bandaged and in a compression bra, you can definitely see your new curves!
Week One Post-op
The first week after MTF top surgery, you’ll be preoccupied with rest and recuperation. After your swelling and bruising peak around day three, you may begin to see some improvement aesthetically toward the end of week one, although it will still take some time.
During the first half of the week, expect to have some limitations with mobility, namely lifting your arms and bending down. You may need some help getting around the house for a few days, and loose clothing like zip-up hoodies will make changing your clothes much easier at this point.
Continue to care for your surgical site as directed by Dr. Whitehead, and take your medications as prescribed. Keep increasing your physical activity with short walks around the house, then eventually around your neighbourhood. This light walking is great for increasing blood flow—you’ll still be a ways off from resuming your gym routine!
Breast Appearance:
Your breasts will be swollen for quite some time still, but you can see the general shape of your new curves. At this point in the healing process, your body is reacting to the implants and is in the process of forming a protective scar tissue capsule around them. This, coupled with swelling of the tissues and muscles, may make your breasts a little misshapen, hard, and high up on the chest. This is all completely normal, and as your body adjusts, the swelling dissipates, and your muscles relax, your breasts will settle to a softer touch and a more typical shape.
Weeks Two to Four Post-Op
By the end of your second week of recovery, if you haven’t returned to work already, you will most likely be fine to do so, depending on the nature of your job. You will still have to take it easy, but you can likely return to normal activities like household chores, going grocery shopping, and dining out with friends.
You’ll also need to keep wearing your compression bra to aid your healing breasts. After the first couple of days, you may wear whatever you would like, from the surgical bra to a sports bra, to absolutely nothing if you so choose. The only thing you should not wear is a brassiere with a wire.
By the end of your first month, you’ll be feeling much better, with more energy and less discomfort. Most patients feel like themselves again!
Breast Appearance:
Your breasts will continually be improving in shape, look, and feel as you heal. Bruising should be completely healed, or close to it. Much of the swelling should be gone, as well, although it’s common for some to linger for some time. Your incision will be closed, and you can begin working on scar care to ensure a flat, thin line. Scar creams can be helpful, as well as silicone sheets. The implants usually take a full 90 days to come to their final resting position, at which point you will have achieved the most anatomically correct and appealing results.
Want to Learn More about MTF Top Surgery in Miami, FL?
If you’re ready to learn more about MTF top surgery, it’s time to schedule a consultation at Restore Medical Center and discover your options. Dr. John L. Whitehead is a skilled gender affirming surgeon who can craft results that are beautifully balanced and discreetly performed. Dr. Whitehead and board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Alain Ramirez personally provide care for each patient, ensuring they are fully supported throughout their journey. To learn more about your MTF top surgery options at Restore, schedule an appointment today by calling (305) 865-2000 or completing the online contact form at the bottom of this page.