Recovering from Facial Feminization Surgery: What You Should Know

Recovering from Facial Feminization Surgery:
What You Should Know
If you’re scheduled for facial feminization surgery, there’s a very good chance you are experiencing an excitement unlike
anything else you’ve ever felt before. This is your opportunity to become the person you’ve always been and feel happy
about the woman staring back at you in the mirror. Despite this excitement, it’s vital that you take the time to prepare
yourself for the recovery. Though it’s different for everyone, here are a few things to keep in mind.
You’ll Go Home Fairly Soon Afterward
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you will likely go home very soon after your surgery – either later the
same day or the very next day. This depends primarily on the doctor you choose and the facility where your surgery is
conducted. Some doctors prefer to keep their patients in the hospital or clinic for a day or two afterward, but others
prefer to allow their patients to rest at home. Talk to your doctor about his or her expectations regarding your
scheduled procedures.
Bedrest is a Must
Things won’t go back to normal for you as soon as you get home. You will likely be advised to stay in bed for the most
part for a period of at least two weeks depending on your procedure. You may be able to get out of bed to perform
simple tasks, such as walking to the restroom, taking a bath, or pouring a glass of water. You will not be able to return to
work or lift anything weighing more than five pounds until your doctor gives the okay during your FFS recovery period.
There Will Be Discomfort
You will likely experience some discomfort after your surgery due to the procedures themselves and the bruising and
swelling that follows. Your surgeon will prescribe you medication to help you stay as comfortable as possible during this
period. Be sure to be honest with your surgeon about your pain and take your pain medications as needed and as
prescribed. Keep in mind that pain medications often work best when you take them before the pain is overwhelming.
Your surgeon will also advise you on how to use heat or ice to reduce swelling, which can also alleviate pain.
You Won’t See the Results for a While
A few days after surgery, your swelling will be at its maximum and you will look absolutely nothing like yourself. This is
normal, and it is to be expected; remember this is not an accurate reflection of what your results will look like. In fact,
most FFS patients won’t realize their actual results for about three months after the surgery until all the redness,
swelling, and bruising has dissipated.
You Should Have a Support System
Finally, it is important for you to have a friend or family member on standby to help you for the first couple of weeks
after your surgery. You may need reminders to take your medication or someone to help steady you as you walk. You
will need someone to drive you home after you are discharged, and it never hurts to have someone around to help keep
an eye on your well being after any surgical procedure.
There’s little doubt that facial feminization surgery can change your entire life for the better, but it’s important that you
go into it with the right set of expectations. To learn more, talk to other women who have undergone FFS in the past to
learn about their experiences, but remember that no two experiences are ever exactly the same.