THE FIRST WEEK
After the first 48 hours, you can resume light physical activities, like walking around the house or neighborhood. This will help swelling subside more quickly and reduce the risk of blood clots. You will not be able to take a shower until your drains are removed, which typically occurs 3-4 days after surgery. In the meantime, you can take sponge baths, but avoid getting any water on your wounds.
THE FIRST MONTH
You’ll be able to slowly resume physical activities over the coming weeks, but should avoid any activity that makes you sweat for at least 3 weeks. It’s also best not to lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first month. While the majority of bruising and swelling will dissipate in the first month, it’s normal for a small amount of swelling to linger for several months.
RETURNING TO WORK
Most of our San Francisco patients choose to take 7 – 10 days off from work following their top surgery. If you have a desk job, you may feel well enough to resume working after 1 week. Patients who have very physical jobs may need to request up to 3 weeks off work after surgery.
RESUMING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Here are Dr. Delgado’s guidelines for when you can begin resuming physical activities after your surgery:
- Walking around house or neighborhood at a leisurely pace – 48 hours
- Light housework – 1 week
- Light physical exercise – 3 weeks
- Vigorous physical activities and weight-bearing exercises – 6 weeks
FULL RECOVERY
It can take up to 18 months to fully recovery from FTM top surgery. You will have a pretty good idea of your new chest shape within 6 – 9 months, but it takes longer for scars to flatten out and fade. Some amount of scarring will always be visible, but Dr. Delgado takes great care to minimize scarring as much as possible.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS DURING YOUR RECOVERY
Our experienced team is here to support you during the recovery process. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns while you are recovering. If you experience any of the following complications, please contact us ASAP:
- Signs of infections (fever, pus)
- Pain that is not responding to your prescribed pain medications
- Excessive bleeding
Dr. Delgado will see you in his San Francisco or Novato office for follow up appointments in the weeks and months following your surgery. He will continue to meet with you until you are fully recovered to ensure that you achieve an optimal result.