Getting ready fortop surgery, orgender-affirmingchest reconstruction, is generally pretty straightforward.
A surgeon will likely want you to be in as good health as possible.
Knowing how to prepare for your surgery and recovery may help lessen some pre-surgery anxiety.
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Location
Top surgery may take place in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
This surgery can be done as either asday surgery(ambulatory surgery) or with an admission.
Many people will go home the same day.
There you will be asked to change into a surgical gown.
Timing of Top Surgery
Top surgery is amedically necessary procedure to address gender dysphoriain some transgender individuals.
Some surgeons will require patients to work to optimize their health before having surgery.
This could involve changes in diet or exercise or working on controlling chronic conditions.
Therefore, it’s better not to wear clothing that requires to lift your arms over your head.
You will likely be sent home in a surgical vest and with drains.
A zip-up hoodie or something similar will keep you warm and covered when you’re heading home.
You will be asked to change into a gown for this surgery.
You should expect the healthcare providers and nurses to give you privacy to change.
Glasses may be a better option for the day of surgery.
You will probably not be able to shower for at least a week after having top surgery.
Do I Need a Pregnancy Test?
This is true even for transgender people who have been ontestosteronefor a significant period of time.
Testosterone is not a guarantee against pregnancy.
It is reasonable to discuss any concerns about pre-operative pregnancy testing in advance.
If your surgery is late in the day, instructions may vary.
Specific instructions around food and liquid consumption will vary by surgeon and surgery center.
Therefore, make certain your surgeon gives you detailed instructions prior to having surgery.
They may be able to provide these instructions in writing.
You may also discuss these questions at any pre-op appointment.
Medications
You will not generally need to take any new medications prior to having top surgery.
However, you may need to discontinue certain medications, such as systemic acne medications.
This should include any topical products you apply to your chest.
You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery.
It is important to arrange for someone to bring you home.
Local transgender support groups may be a good option for brainstorming safe housing after surgery.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
However, being nervous about surgery is completely normal.
That’s particularly true for people who have never had surgery prior to this procedure.
Talk to the surgeon about canceling or postponing your surgery.
It’s better to wait and have surgery when you are sure.
That throw in of anxiety is common, and they should have good ways to help.
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