6 FTM Recovery Tips

When preparing for FTM surgery, you need to remember that this is a significant procedure, and you’ll need plenty of time to rest and recover.

The following are six FTM recovery tips that ensure a successful healing process and maximum results from your procedure.

1. Take Time OffSchedule at least one week off from work. That is the minimum amount of time you should have to recover if you have a sedentary job.

   If your job requires more activity than a standard desk job, take more time off or have your work make accommodations for you. Overexerting yourself too soon can lead to increased swelling and other complications.

   Your doctor can provide documentation to your employer to make sure you get the time off and accommodations that you need. Your doctor will maintain discretion and protect your privacy while submitting any necessary paperwork.

2. Have a HelperAsk a friend or family member to stay with you. This is especially important for the first 24 to 72 hours. A caregiver helps with things like food preparation, mobility, and providing you with the company you need.

   You may not be able to move much after your surgery, so it’s important to have someone who can provide assistance.

3. Prepare Your HomeMake sure that your home is ready for when you return from surgery. Prepare a comfortable place to rest, and clear the path from your resting place to the bathroom so that it’s free of obstacles.

   You may not want to leave the house for a couple days after surgery. Keep your refrigerator full, and go grocery shopping in advance to stock up on the foods you’ll need during your recovery.

4. Eat Healing FoodsThe foods you eat can either help or hinder the healing process. You may be tempted to indulge yourself and just eat snacks, but processed foods can inhibit healing.

   To get the proper nutrition that your body needs, eat plenty of healthy foods, including leafy greens, fruits, and high-quality protein sources.

   These foods have nutrients that help reduce inflammation, rebuild tissue, and promote healing. Try to incorporate as many of these beneficial foods in your diet as possible to speed up your recovery.

5. Hold Off on the Work OutsYou can engage in light exercises, such as walking a few days after surgery, but high-intensity aerobic or weight-bearing exercises will have to wait.

   It’s a good idea to wait six to eight weeks before engaging in strenuous exercise. This is especially true if you’ve had top surgery done. Lifting weights too soon after top surgery can stretch out the incision scars.

6. Follow Your Doctor’s InstructionsThe surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how best to recover. As you start to feel better, you may be tempted to ease up on restrictions. Don’t give in to this temptation.

   Every guideline your doctor gives you serves a purpose. If you don’t understand the reasons for some of your restrictions, just ask your doctor. He or she can explain why they’re necessary.

These six tips will improve the recovery process and ensure that you have great results from your FTM procedures.