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

Clear preparation guidance to help you feel organized, informed, and confident before surgery, with practical steps that support safer healing and a smoother experience.

Preparing Well Makes Recovery Easier

Preoperative preparation is one of the most important parts of your surgical journey. What you do in the days and weeks leading up to surgery can impact safety, comfort, healing time, and long-term results. Good preparation also reduces stress because you are not trying to solve logistics while you are tired and recovering.

These instructions provide general guidance for most FFSNYC procedures, including Facial Feminization Surgery, Facial Masculinization Surgery, top surgery, and body contouring. Your care team may provide additional procedure-specific instructions based on your plan.

Confirm Your Surgery Plan and Timeline Early

Before surgery, you should have clarity on your surgical plan, your scheduled dates, and your expected recovery timeline. If you are traveling, this includes confirming lodging, transportation, and follow-up appointments. Before surgery, confirm:

Your surgery date and arrival time
Whether you have any pre op appointments scheduled
Your follow-up visit schedule
How long should you remain in NYC after surgery
Whether a support person is required or strongly recommended
Being clear on timing early helps you plan work, travel, and recovery without rushing.

Complete All Required Medical Testing

Your surgical plan may require preoperative medical clearance, labs, imaging, or additional testing. Your team will provide instructions on what is needed, when to complete it, and how results should be submitted. Common pre op requirements may include:

Bloodwork and basic labs
Medical clearance from your primary provider
Imaging, such as CT scans, when applicable
Additional testing based on health history
Complete your testing as early as possible to avoid last-minute delays.

Medication and Supplement Guidelines

Certain medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk or interfere with anesthesia. Your surgical team will provide a detailed list, but in general, many patients are instructed to stop medications such as aspirin or blood-thinning agents before surgery. Common pre op guidelines include:

Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs before surgery unless your surgeon approves
Discontinue herbal supplements that increase bleeding risk
Inform your team of all prescriptions, hormones, and supplements
Do not stop prescribed medications without guidance

If you are on hormone therapy, your surgeon will advise whether any adjustments are needed. Do not make changes on your own.

Stop Smoking and Nicotine Use

Nicotine impacts blood flow, wound healing, and tissue survival. Smoking and nicotine use significantly increase the risk of complications, including infection, delayed healing, poor scar quality, and tissue damage.

If you smoke or use nicotine, you must inform your team. Patients are typically required to stop nicotine use before surgery for safety reasons, including vaping and nicotine replacement products. Your surgical team will provide specific timing requirements.

Alcohol and Recreational Substances

Alcohol and recreational substances can interfere with anesthesia and recovery and may increase bleeding risk. In the weeks leading up to surgery, it is recommended to reduce alcohol intake and avoid recreational substances entirely. Before surgery:

Avoid alcohol in the days leading up to surgery
Do not use recreational drugs
Inform your surgeon if you take any substance that may impact anesthesia

Honesty is critical. Your care team is not judging. They are protecting your safety.

Maintain Good Nutrition and Hydration

Good nutrition supports healing. Your body needs protein, vitamins, and hydration to recover from surgery, reduce swelling, and rebuild tissue. In the weeks before surgery:

Focus on balanced meals with strong protein intake
Stay hydrated daily
Avoid extreme dieting or weight changes
Discuss any supplements with your team before using them

For patients undergoing body contouring, stable weight supports better contour outcomes. For facial surgery, hydration and nutrition can support smoother healing.

Plan for Recovery Support

Recovery is easier when your environment is organized before surgery. Whether you are local or traveling, you should plan for assistance, rest, and basic needs. If possible, plan:

A support person for the first few days
Transportation to and from surgery
A calm recovery space with minimal stairs
Easy access to food, hydration, and medications
Time away from work and social obligations

If you are traveling, confirm hotel arrangements that allow you to rest comfortably and maintain head elevation.

Prepare Your Home or Hotel for Healing

Before surgery, set up your recovery area so you do not have to search for supplies while tired. A calm, supportive environment can reduce stress and make healing easier. Many patients prepare:

Pillows or a wedge for head elevation
Soft foods and hydration options
Gauze, gentle cleansing supplies, and any instructed wound care items
Ice packs or cold compresses, if recommended
A small table or organizer for medications and essentials

If you are recovering in a hotel, consider asking your support person to set up the room in advance.

What to Pack if You Are Traveling

If you are coming to NYC for surgery, pack for comfort and ease. After surgery, you may have swelling, limited range of motion, and fatigue. Common items include:

Button up or zip up clothing
Loose, soft pants and layers
Slip-on shoes
Lip balm and gentle skincare products
Neck pillow for travel
Light snacks and hydration
Any prescribed medications and instructions
Phone charger and headphones

Avoid packing heavy bags you will need to carry alone.

The Day Before Surgery

The day before surgery should be focused on rest, hydration, and final preparation. Avoid last-minute errands if possible. The day before surgery:

Confirm your arrival time and location
Review fasting instructions from your care team
Shower and remove nail polish if instructed
Avoid alcohol
Prepare your recovery space
Get a full night of sleep if possible

If you feel sick, develop a fever, or have symptoms of infection, notify the team immediately.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Reitzen is just simply severely competent - not to mention she has impeccable active listening skills coupled with a bed side manner that makes you feel like you’re speak...

Dr. Bastidas is a great Doctor who explained everything to me. He put me at ease about my reconstructive surgery on my face and that I will look like myself. I totally trust him....

Dr. Reitzen is fantastic. She was consistently incredibly respectful and professional from the very first appointment. All my friends want to have their surgeries done with it beca...

Dr. Bastidas is very kind and did a fantastic job with my procedure, as well as my daughter’s procedure. The office is very quick to reply as well! Highly recommend!

Dr. Reitzen was incredible and so kind. I always felt comfortable at our appointments and the surgery was done perfectly. Her and her staff were communicative, responding rapidly t...

I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Bastidas. Highly recommended!

Dr. Reitzen is extremely knowledgeable & confident in what she does. Her bedside manner is incredible and she made me comfortable throughout my process of getting a rhinoplasty...

Amazinggggg team!! I love Dr Bastidas! He did my FFS surgeries.

Dr. Reitzen is an exceptional doctor, possessing all the qualities one would expect: caring, compassionate, empathetic, thorough, skilled, and knowledgeable, with excellent bedside...

It’s very comfortable and very clean place. the people are incredibly, friendly excellent service. I am very happy to have decided on this specific place and to visit Dr Bast...

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Reitzen and the exceptional care I received. From my very first consultation, she was incredibly attentive, taking the time to listen...

Excellent service and great experience. I am very happy to have decided to visit Dr Bastidas, he is an excellent surgeon. Thank you very much Dr Nicolas Bastidas and nurse Robin!...

Excellent doctor and physician assistants. Amazing results! Highly recommend"

Dr. Bastidas and his staff are amazing. The personal care and attention is unmatched by any doctor or office. Normally you have one or the other where the doctor is nice and staff ...

The Day of Surgery

Follow all fasting rules provided by your surgical team. Eating or drinking too close to anesthesia can be dangerous. Your team will give exact instructions, but most patients are advised not to eat or drink after midnight. On surgery day:

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove
Do not wear makeup, lotions, or perfumes
Bring photo ID and insurance documentation if needed
Bring a list of current medications
Arrive with a support person if required
Plan to remove piercings and jewelry in advance
If you wear contacts, bring glasses instead.

Final Safety Reminders

Preoperative honesty and preparation directly impact safety. Always inform your team about:

Recent illness
New medications or supplements
Smoking or nicotine use
Alcohol or substance use
Allergies or anesthesia history
Pregnancy or possible pregnancy

Your care team is here to support you. There is no such thing as too many questions.

Schedule a Consultation With FFSNYC in New York City

If you are preparing for gender affirming surgery or want to better understand what your surgical process will involve, schedule a consultation with FFSNYC in New York City. Our team will guide you through every step and ensure you feel informed and supported before surgery.