Post-Op Instructions for Gender Affirming Surgery in New York City

Your recovery matters just as much as your surgery. These instructions provide clear, supportive guidance for safe healing, managing swelling, and understanding what to expect after your procedure.

Healing Is a Process, Not a Single Moment

Gender affirming surgery is a major milestone, but the results unfold over time. Swelling, bruising, fatigue, and emotional ups and downs are all normal parts of recovery. The early healing phase often requires rest, structure, and patience, especially after facial procedures.

This page includes general postoperative guidance for many FFSNYC procedures, including Facial Feminization Surgery, Facial Masculinization Surgery, top surgery, and body contouring. Your care team will also provide procedure-specific instructions tailored to your surgical plan. Always follow the instructions given by your surgical team, even if they differ from general guidance.

The First 24 to 72 Hours: Your Main Priorities

The first few days after surgery are focused on safety, comfort, and minimizing swelling. Your body will be working hard to heal, and you may feel tired, emotionally sensitive, or foggy from anesthesia. During this period, prioritize:

Rest and limited activity
Hydration and light nutrition
Pain control on schedule
Keeping your head elevated when lying down
Avoiding unnecessary movement or strain
Monitoring for concerning symptoms

If you are traveling, this is the time to stay as calm and stable as possible in your recovery environment.

Pain Management and Medications

Your surgeon will prescribe medications to manage pain and reduce the risk of infection when appropriate. Do not wait until pain is severe. Consistent pain control often helps recovery feel smoother. General reminders:

Take medications exactly as prescribed
Do not mix medications without approval
Avoid alcohol while taking pain medication
Stay on a schedule, especially for the first few days
Use stool softeners if recommended, since pain medication may cause constipation

If you have nausea, call the office. Anti-nausea medication may be available.

Swelling and Bruising: What to Expect

Swelling is normal after most surgical procedures, especially facial surgery. Bruising is also common. Swelling usually peaks within the first several days, then slowly improves over the following weeks. General recovery expectations:

The face may feel tight, puffy, or uneven early on
Bruising may move downward with gravity
Swelling can fluctuate throughout the day
Some swelling may linger for months, especially in the jaw and chin
This does not mean anything is wrong. Healing is gradual.

Elevation and Ice Use

Head elevation is one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling after facial procedures. Sleep in an elevated position, typically using multiple pillows or a wedge, unless instructed otherwise. Ice compresses may be recommended during the first one to two days for facial swelling, but should always be used carefully:

Apply ice only with a cloth barrier
Use short intervals rather than continuous use
Avoid direct contact with skin to prevent injury

Your surgeon will advise you on the safest approach for your specific procedures.

Incision Care and Hygiene

Incision care depends on the procedure and surgical approach. Some incisions may be hidden in the scalp or hairline, inside the mouth, behind the ears, or under the chin. Your surgeon will provide detailed wound care instructions and cleaning recommendations. General rules for incision care:

Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed
Do not apply ointments unless directed
Avoid picking at scabs or crusting
Wash your hands before touching the area
Report increased redness, warmth, or drainage

If your incisions are inside the mouth, you may be instructed to use specific rinses and avoid certain foods.

Diet and Hydration

Your diet may be modified after surgery, especially after jaw, chin, or intraoral procedures.

Soft foods may be required for a period of time to protect healing tissues and reduce strain. General guidance includes:

Drink water consistently throughout the day
Prioritize protein to support healing
Avoid spicy, crunchy, or hard foods if instructed
Avoid straws during early recovery if recommended
Limit salty foods that may increase swelling

If you are struggling to eat due to swelling or soreness, focus on soups, smoothies, and soft protein sources.

Activity Restrictions

Rest is essential. Even if you feel better, your body is still healing. Pushing too hard too early can increase swelling, delay healing, and raise the risk of bleeding. General activity guidelines:

Avoid lifting heavy objects
Avoid bending over for extended periods
Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared
Take short, gentle walks daily to support circulation
Do not return to the gym until approved by your surgeon

If you had body contouring or top surgery, additional restrictions may apply based on muscle and tissue healing.

Compression Garments and Dressings

Some procedures require compression garments, chin straps, binders, or dressings. These are used to reduce swelling, support healing, and help tissues settle properly. If you are given a compression device:

Wear it exactly as instructed
Do not adjust without guidance
Keep it clean and dry
Report discomfort or pressure that feels excessive

Proper use can significantly affect results and comfort.

Sleep and Positioning

Sleep can be uncomfortable early on. Swelling and tightness may make it difficult to find a natural position, especially after facial surgery. Helpful tips include:

Sleep on your back with head elevation
Avoid sleeping on your side unless cleared
Use a travel pillow to prevent rolling
Keep medications and water nearby

Your sleep may improve gradually over the first one to two weeks.

Emotional Healing and Recovery Mindset

It is common to experience emotional fluctuations during recovery. Swelling can make it hard to recognize your progress, and fatigue may increase sensitivity. Some patients feel anxious or discouraged early on, even when healing is going well. Common experiences include:

Mood changes after anesthesia
Anxiety during swelling peaks
Impatience about results
Emotional relief mixed with vulnerability

These feelings are normal. Healing takes time, and early stages do not reflect final outcomes.

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up visits allow your team to monitor healing and address concerns early. Attend all scheduled follow-ups, even if you feel well. Follow-up care often includes:

Incision and swelling evaluation
Dressing or suture removal when needed
Symptom review and recovery guidance
Adjustments to wound care or medication
Timeline updates for returning to daily life

If you are traveling, your team will guide you on in-person and virtual follow-up options.

Signs to Watch For and When to Call

While discomfort and swelling are expected, certain symptoms require immediate attention. Call the office if you experience:

Fever above the threshold provided by your team
Sudden increase in swelling or pain on one side
Persistent bleeding or drainage
Worsening redness, warmth, or foul odor at incision sites
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Severe nausea or inability to keep fluids down
Vision changes, severe headache, or confusion

If you believe you are experiencing an emergency, seek urgent care immediately.

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Returning to Work and Social Life

Return timelines vary by procedure and healing style. Many patients need time away from work, not only for physical healing, but also to allow swelling and bruising to improve. In general:

Desk work may be possible within one to two weeks, depending on procedures
Physically demanding work may require a longer break
Social events may feel better after swelling improves
Travel home should be planned based on surgical guidance

Your surgeon will help you understand what is realistic for your plan.

Long-Term Healing and Final Results

One of the most important things to understand is that final results are not immediate. Facial tissues settle slowly. Scars mature over months. Bone contouring results refine gradually. It is common to see:

Rapid improvement in the first few weeks
Continued subtle changes for several months
Full refinement at six to twelve months, depending on procedures

Your results will improve as swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new contours.

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