After surgery, it is normal for patients to experience swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort – this is the body’s natural reaction to surgery as it heals.
Your surgeon will do everything possible to make sure you are well prepared and cared for post-surgery, including providing prescriptions for pain medications, compression garments, dressing and drains, depending on the surgery you undergo. However, there are some things you can do to make your time at home more comfortable to help ensure a smooth recovery.
How to set yourself up for success:
- Recruit someone to help with chores and childcare while you are in surgery and recovering.
- Ask someone to be your ride home from surgery – you won’t be able to operate a vehicle or take public transportation after going under anesthesia.
- Move your sleeping arrangement to the first floor if necessary and position furniture to make it easier for you to navigate your home during recovery.
- Stock up on essentials (check with your surgeon before making these purchases – they can help guide you on what will be helpful during recovery):
- Books, magazines, movies
- Ice packs & warm compresses
- Extra underwear
- Loose clothes (sweatpants, full zip hoodies)
- Lap desk
- Thick pillow or medical donut to minimize discomfort while sitting
In addition to the care you receive from your surgeon and loved ones, you may desire additional support. There are a number of organizations and support groups that can help you navigate post-surgical recovery:
- Lymphatic massaging: Lymphatic massaging can serve as an adjunct to compressive therapy for healing after Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), body contouring, liposuction, and many other surgical procedures. The lymphatic system is disrupted after an operation causing fluid to accumulate in the form of tissue swelling. A specialized lymphatic massage therapist will help your body drain this fluid as you heal. This will significantly reduce inflammation, swelling, pain and bruising; prevent scarring, fibrosis, and contour deformities, and help facilitate the healing process. It is important to go to a lymphatic massage therapist who has experience and knowledge about this specialized type of treatment. We recommend Luciana Andrus in San Francisco and Harmony Lymphatics in Los Angeles.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): In a unique therapeutic environment, you’ll breathe 100% oxygen (compared to the 21% we normally breathe) for up to two hours as you relax and watch television. The oxygen infusion will help speed your recovery immensely by stimulating the growth of new capillaries, reducing swelling, and enhancing the immune system. This procedure is entirely nonsurgical and noninvasive. 8th Element in Daly City is a great option for patients undergoing surgery in the Bay Area and Younique provides HBOT for those residing in Southern California.
- Support groups & well-being: Support groups offer invaluable resources and a sense of community. These groups provide a safe and affirming space where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences, struggles and triumphs. Trans Families, Trans Family Support Services, SF LGBT Center and LA LGBT Center all offer social support among other services. Additionally, transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse individuals may face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health – there are several mental health support groups that are knowledgeable about transgender issues that will provide a safe and affirming environment for those seeking support, such as Trans Lifeline, The Warm Line, and Gender Wellness of Los Angeles.
For a full list of gender-affirming care resources, please visit our Resources page. We wish you a safe and speedy recovery!