topsurgeryrecovery

[topsurgeryrecovery]

Hi, I’ve got a friend across the country having top surgery soon. Any advice on good includes for a care package?

Sorry for the late reply, I forget I get messages here. 😅

Some items:

Neck lanyard for drains

Any games, movies, or shows that don't require much concentration

Masectomy pillow

If your friend is the sort who'd welcome a cleaning service, having the chores done helps a ton

Silicone scar strips

[topsurgeryrecovery]

Your recent post reminded me about this blog, thanks again for sharing so much here! Also you look great!! I had top surgery about a year ago, mine was a kind of keyhole so my scars are small but I can def feel the scar tissue underneath. I also have more issues with sensation than I'd like. I didn't do a lot of massage because it was uncomfortable and have been feeling like I missed my chance to do anything about the scar tissue. So it was really encouraging to hear that you're still doing massage - maybe I can still work on it! If you have any advice on doing massage / being consistent about it, I'd love to hear. I've watched some videos but it's always helpful to hear first-hand stuff. Thank you!!

My pleasure, and thanks!

Scar massage still helps, even years down the road. You want to apply firm pressure, where it's even a little uncomfortable, but not outright pain.

I try to make a habit of it when I'm idle. While watching TV, playing a turn-based video game, or winding down in bed. I might even go at the worst of my scars at red lights, ha ha.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

Another timeskip, felt the need to post as a minor act of resistance.

Not much has changed in 3 years, 7 total now since surgery. Some of the wandering pink scar tissue around my nips has vanished, and the long incisions continue to slowly white and soften. They almost feel like normal skin for a while after a long, hot bath.

Divots have improved a tad with absolutely no attempt at exercise. 😅 One day, oh, one day...

My right scar still twinges and I have to remind myself to continue to massage it to break down the tissue.

Verdict remains the same: annoyances, yes; regrets, no.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

An update!

I had intended to document at least my first year and, well... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm just shy of 4 years, so here's the rundown:

My scars continue to flatten and lighten. Massage helps. They will always be large (I rejected a TON of sutures), but I'm surprised they aren't as red anymore.

My scars don't ache as much, though they still do from time to time. It's more a tightness than anything else.

I've still got some divots in my chest where I feel the surgeon took too much out. I haven't really worked out much, so am not sure how much exercise will help.

Nips are still kinda weird (they also scarred badly), but I don't mind as much and have better things to spend $$$ on than a revision.

All in all, top surgery still remains one of the best things I've done for myself. :) I'm glad I took the time today to acknowledge the progress I've made.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

hi, i just found your blog because i was searching for top surgery healing photos. i had surgery 11 days ago and i am very anxious about the healing process, but this blog really helped me understand the process better and be less nervous about it all. thank you for putting so much energy into this, it's very informative and i appreciate it, thanks! <3

I’m glad you’ve found it useful! I wish you the best for an easy recovery. :)

[topsurgeryrecovery]

I’m thinking of either getting a major breast reduction (I’m a DD-DDD like, no thank you) and one problem that I have is I’m very worried about the pain because I have to act normal and as if nothing happened post op because of an extremely transphobic family (don’t worry I’m safe and in college)

Heya, Anon, I'm glad you're safe. :)

Even a reduction is a major surgery and it's something difficult to hide for the first two months because it will affect your posture and your range of motion.

You will absolutely need someone to help you the day of, and possibly a few days into recovery. So, plan any surgery dates accordingly. I'm sorry you can't do this more openly. <3

[topsurgeryrecovery]

I've asked several people already but id like to ask as many people as possible: did you have to change any bandages during the week/2 weeks post-op? So far, everyone I've asked has told me that they did not have to change anything. They were told to leave them on the whole time, and the doctor changed them or removed them during the follow-up appointment. After that, people seem to switch to guaze pads or low-tack bandaids and a compression vest. What was your experience? Public posting is ok.

What you describe was roughly my experience. Immediately post-op, I had on an ace bandage. The doctor removed this a day or so later, leaving me with surgical tape on my incisions and bolsters on my nipples. I believe I still wrapped up with an ace bandage, but that was to protect my bolsters more than anything else to give me peace of mind. I did not have to wear a compression vest, perhaps because I was small to begin with.

Typically, the only thing you are changing the first 2 weeks are your drains, assuming you have any. Dressings afterwards are for nipple care, assuming you got grafts.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

A little late on my 6 months, here you go!

The indents in my chest are slowly filling in and my scars are starting to go white in places. I noticed they are flatter in the morning and get raised by the end of the day. This isn’t unusual. They still feel a bit tight and achey, but that is also part of the healing process.

I missed my last followup with Dr. Mast due to a busy work schedule, but I don’t really care to reschedule. I would like some things tweaked, but not by him. So, I am going to focus on having at least a year of healing under my belt before investigating getting my nipples and contour tweaked. I may investigate a little lipo, too, at my love handles and under my pits.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

wow it is interesting to see people going through about the same process as I am. I just recently had my spleen removed due to a major trauma so I have like a 10" scar down the front of my abdomen. You can try using scar-away to reduce redness and scarring. it really does work. :) Good luck recovering!

Yeah, there's a lot of overlap with surgeries, at least when you get to scar care!

Ngl, I'm lazy, cheap, and not super concerned about appearing as cis anymore. BUT, my raised scar does ache more than the flatter one, so I think it's in my best interests to be more diligent about scar care. Thanks for the tip! Scar Away is good stuff, it just takes a little time and patience. :)Good luck to you as well! <3

[topsurgeryrecovery]

One of Mast's recent patients reached out to me about sub-par results and showed me photos. I'm sorry to report that Mast is having big problems with nipple placement and size these days. Definitely do not recommend. I thought my nipple size was lack of communication, but it's clear he is having problems with them.

If you are looking for a provider in Florida who takes insurance, I have heard good things about Sassani.

So, I learned today via a Facebook group that Dr. Bruce Mast w/UF Shands requires one to be on T and living full-time for a year. This does not align with WPATH standards. As it stands, I cannot recommend him due to being so out of touch with the realities of transition, as well as lack of understanding for non-binary people.

I am very disappointed.

I will continue to document my recovery, however.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

Alright so, I've been looking up pictures of top surgeries, and I'm nervous that when I get mine they'll look like mashed down versions of their former selves. I saw your post about 3 months later and I was like, "woah!" Because these are the first ones that didn't. Is their any reason to that or is it just magic?

It boils down to a few factors:

1) Surgeon skill. Related: many people have to go to surgeons who do not specialize in trans surgeries, so they end up with something that has more in common with a breast reduction or a cis woman's masectomy.

2) Post-surgical swelling. Swelling will last for months, especially for procedures like peri.3) Nipple placement & size. If nipples are kept in the same spot, the end result can look more like deflated breasts vs a masculine chest. Nipples are a very personal thing, and I’ve noticed a lot of variety in the community, so don’t assume their appearance is an accident. That being said, they are a topic you should discuss in detail with your surgical team.

4) Patient size. Larger folks are going to have fat in their chest, which should remain for a more natural appearance. I don’t have much fat above my waist, but if anything, I think my own surgeon took out a bit too much breast tissue - I am a little concave, but that is sorting itself out with time and activity.

Chest contour is definitely something to talk about in detail with your surgical team during the consultation stage - so, I advise folks to bring photos of what they like!

[topsurgeryrecovery]

5 months + a few days! No more sutures popping, though my right incision still is much more raised and aches to massage. Left incision is starting to go white in places. Both incisions have lost most of the puckering at the edges. Nipples are kinda blobby, but whatever. I'm not sure how they are doing on pigment coz I'm pale as fuck, lol. There are lots of minor improvements ever week, so, there's still room for progress over the next months.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

24 hours post op

My left side is giving me lots of complications no matter how I lay feel like I’m ripping my stitches pain just woke me up I came out of surgery and was rushed back hours later cuz I was internaly bleeding just alot right now. --------------------------------- NOTE: This is a follower submission. I hope you’re continuing to be monitored, friend, that sounds scary!

Followers: It’s important for our community to remember that top surgery *is* a serious procedure, and to be mentally prepared for the possibility of complications. 

Always ALWAYS communicate with your medical team and don’t feel like you’re being an inconvenience if you feel something is wrong. Your top surgery care extends beyond your time on the surgical table! We’re a big community, though, and no one needs to feel like they are alone if things get tough. If you are on Facebook, feel free to DM me for information on how to join a top surgery support group, where you can share stories, both the good and the bad. The more we learn from one another, the better prepared and more confident we can be on this particular road.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

This is probably a good time to point out that I work with several trans healthcare providers outside of a client-patient relationship. I am also an ongoing research reference for trans healthcare stories for my local NPR station. Just gonna put that out there.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

A little late to post my 4 month update due to Dragoncon and Hurricane Irma. So, yeah, 4 months! Things I have noticed: Right scar raised and redder, due to rejected sutures preventing scar care. Scar sheets helping, now that I can use them again. Itching around scar and nipples. Not too bad, but it is annoying every now and then. Nipples still get a bit puffy around the areola; massage reduces the effect. Weird. I have some achiness and pain along my right incision, which is to be expected. But it is much duller than last month. The concave effect in my pecs is starting to even out and I imagine will improve with more exercise. I see my surgeon for a followup next month. Until then!

[topsurgeryrecovery]

So, I learned today via a Facebook group that Dr. Bruce Mast w/UF Shands requires one to be on T and living full-time for a year. This does not align with WPATH standards. As it stands, I cannot recommend him due to being so out of touch with the realities of transition, as well as lack of understanding for non-binary people.

I am very disappointed.

I will continue to document my recovery, however.

[topsurgeryrecovery]

I just spent about an hour reading through every post here, and I feel much less fear about top sugary now. Thank you so much for sharing your experience ♡

My pleasure, anon! Best wishes to you for a good surgery and a speedy recovery. :)