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How To Prepare For MTF Top Surgery

If you have decided to undergo male-to-female top surgery, you probably have some questions about how to best prepare for your upcoming surgery. For many years, Dr. Delgado and his team have been helping trans women achieve a body they better identify with. During this time, they have created a process to help their patients prepare for surgery and ensure a fast and healthy recovery.

Pre-operative appointment

A few weeks before your surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Delgado at his San Francisco or Novato office to discuss your surgery. During your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Delgado will discuss your surgery and review incision approaches with you to determine which one will best suit your unique needs. He will provide you specific instructions to follow in the weeks and days leading up to your surgery, which will be customized based upon your medical history. If you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Delgado may advise you to stop taking your medications for a short time before and after surgery to minimize the risk of blood clots. Additional laboratory tests may be required to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.

How-To-Prepare-For-MTF-Top-Surgery

Criteria for Breast Augmentation (Implants/lipofilling) in MTF Patients:

  1. Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria;
  2. Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment;
  3. Age of majority in a given country (if younger, follow the SOC for children and adolescent);
  4. If significant medical or mental health concerns are present, they must be reasonably well controlled.

Although not an explicit criterion, it is recommended that MTF patients undergo feminizing hormone therapy (minimum 12 months) prior to breast augmentation surgery. The purpose is to maximize breast growth in order to obtain better surgical (aesthetic) results.

2 weeks before TOP surgery

About 2 weeks before your MTF top surgery, Dr. Delgado will ask you to observe the following recommendations:

  • Stop taking medications, vitamins, and supplements that are known to thin the blood. This may include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), certain herbs such as Gingko Biloba and St. John’s Wort, large doses of Vitamin E, and diet pills.
  • Stop smoking cigarettes
  • Minimize your consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
  • Maintain good health by eating well, getting plenty of rest, and taking a daily multivitamin.

1 week before surgery

In addition to the recommendations given above, about one week before your surgery you should also:

  • Stop drinking alcohol and caffeine
  • Contact us if you get a cold or the flu, so we can advise what medications are safe and decide whether your surgery should be rescheduled.
  • Prepare for your recovery from top surgery. Most of our patients choose to remain at home for the first week following surgery, so it’s a good idea to get your home clean and comfortable in advance. Get some new books and movies so you have some quiet activities to enjoy during your recovery. Make sure your fridge is stocked with healthy food and prepare meals in advance so you won’t have to cook during your recovery.
  • Organize a ride home and ask for support during your recovery. You’ll need someone to drive you home after your surgery and should plan to get some help with routine tasks during the first few days.

Night before surgery

There are a few things you should do the night before your surgery, including:

  • Eat a healthy dinner, but do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • Go to bed early so you’ll be well rested.

Morning of surgery

The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here! Before you head over to our surgical center, we ask that you do the following:

  • Shower and wash your hair.
  • Do not use any body products, including lotion, cologne, or hair gel, after you shower.
  • Remove any piercings and jewelery.
  • Wear your glasses, as contact lenses should not be worn during surgery.

 

We’re here to help you prepare for top surgery It’s perfectly normal to have questions or feel anxious before any surgery. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or doubts before your top surgery. Our experienced team is here to help and provide reassurance as needed Virtual Consultations. Click to Learn More
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