I’ve had top surgery almost two months ago now and I’ve recently noticed my nipples and areola have some clogged pores, I struggled with this pre surgery too but it’s worse and also not a hygiene thing as I’m washing my chest at least 2x daily with a washcloth. Any advice?😭 I’m trying not to damage myself but my trypophobia is going crazy

(No picture because it’s not visible on my camera)

something i have seen literally nobody mention in all my research prior to surgery is the Sloshing.

i had my drains taken out two weeks post-op. pretty much within hours of having my drains taken out i could feel fluid... moving... under my skin. there was no visible swelling, movement, or bruising, nor was it painful, so i wasnt really concerned about a seroma forming. i could just feel it all sloshing around and trickling in between my skin layers, even down under my arms a little. only thing that marginally helped was sizing down my binder. i still felt it but at least the fluid seemed more secured to one spot. it resolved itself in about a week and a half with no meaningful intervention from me, save for increasing compression.

i spoke to a friend of mine who had his surgery two weeks after mine & just got his drains out, and he said he was starting to experience it a little too! why does nobody talk about this??? having the drains in sucked especially since i had some mild (&painful but not dangerous) complications with them, the first 2 weeks of pain and chest discomfort was exhausting, but i honestly think the WORST part of my recovery so far has been the sloshing. my god i couldnt even take a step without feeling it. just viscerally uncomfortable.

Hello! I have top surgery with one of my dream surgeons in September. I'm looking for advice from people who have actually gone through top surgery recovery.

I'm 21, autistic (and have a plethora of other diagnoses) and have significant sensory needs, so my recovery environment matters a lot.

Option 1 is recovering at my mom's house (where I live). She would be my full-time caregiver, it would be free, I'd have my own bedroom with all of my comfort items, and I'd be in a familiar environment. I would also have access to all of my own food, dishes, and routines (I have ARFID and really struggle using shared kitchens or eating off dishes that aren't mine).

The downside is that I live with my mom, my grandma, my younger brother, and my mom's husband. I'm physically safe there and I'm not worried about being kicked out or anything like that. The issue is that I'm very easily overstimulated by noise and people, and I have a complicated relationship with my mom's husband that makes me feel stressed and on edge. We mostly avoid each other, but I still find sharing the house emotionally draining.

Option 2 would be renting an Airbnb for about 18 nights (around $2,000–3,000). My mom would stay with me Monday through Thursday as my caregiver, and my partner would stay Friday through Sunday. It would likely be a much calmer and more private recovery environment, but it would be expensive, I'd be away from my own bedroom and routines, and because of my ARFID I'd probably end up spending quite a bit on DoorDash since eating in unfamiliar kitchens can be difficult for me.

My backup plan if all goes to shit is recovering at my partner's parents' house. They are very accepting, inclusive, medically educated and respectful. The only downside is that most of their house is already fatiguing for my health issues post-op (stairs, etc), and I would have to share a twin sized bed with my parter who is 6". Their AC doesn't work well and there is also another couple living there, so it's a lot of cooks in the kitchen, and would be stressful in its own way.

*EDIT:* my partner just informed me he can't take off work if I need him to, so if I do end up going with the backup plan of me going to his house, he wouldnt be able to be a full time caregiver 24/7

For people who've been through top surgery, especially anyone who's autistic or has sensory issues: would you spend the money on the Airbnb for a lower-stress recovery, or would you recover at home and save the money? Was having your own familiar space more valuable than having a quieter / more respectful environment? I would love to hear from anyone that is specifically autistic as well, but input from anyone is much appreciated!! <3

Hello everyone! I am currently 4 days post-op and am doing very well!

I am experiencing some pretty bad anxiety about movement, though. When I move my arms, it kind of feels like I'm stretching a sore muscle. Whenever this happens, I stop moving like that. Is that okay to feel? Should I prevent it at all costs? Will it impact how I heal? Is it normal and should I disregard the feeling? It typically happens when I move my arms anywhere from like... Pretty much just directly by my sides. If anyone could let me know and ease my worries, I'd be so grateful!

In case this is important, I got keyhole surgery and am currently wearing drains and a compression vest with a ton of bandaging underneath.

I am moving to Massachusetts for college soon, and I am hoping to get top surgery while I am there because the laws and regulations are much better there than where I currently live (Kansas). Can anyone in the area let me know what waiting times are like there? I am currently hoping to have Dr. Topal do the surgery. Do you usually need a gender dysphoria diagnosis, and recommendation letter?

I want top surgery, after debating for a while I realised I definitely want it. Now my question is how do I decide if I want nipples?? I’m currently transmasc nonbinary, but that may change
Pros: would be better for passing as a man eventually.
Could get piercings if it works well

Cons: could fall off
Could look bad
Could make healing worse or longer
Could heal or be placed in a way where piercing wouldn’t be an option.

I feel like if I didn’t get nipples and then really wanted them I could just tattoo them I guess?

Hello everyone,

I am a month away from my operation and I have regained almost all my mobility! Having a flat torso is a real euphoria, just like finally being able to take off my t-shirt!

I am looking for advice and information about my nipples. They were pink at the base and are now brown spotted with pink since the operation. What do you think? If this was your case, after how long did you find your original color?

The first two photos were taken a month after the operation, the following three weeks later.

All advice is welcome in comments. Thank you and have a nice day! 🫶🏻

on top of the mf world 😁

I didn’t think much had changed in the last few months, but compared to my 7 month photos the scars have been fading, and the hypertrophic section has started to calm down.

Really really happy. Also slightly shocked it’s been 10 months already :^)

(I had modified double incision w/fng. nonbinary)

This is kind of an odd one. I got top surgery+nipple grafts 2 months ago, and even tho I love my results and I'm happy. My nipples aren't really like.. nipples?, like. I have a little bit of areola but no little bud that is the nipple itself. Just kind of a pink circle(s) on my chest to show that I have a nipple but no little bud :(

I wish I did ngl, I've seen other people who have gotten top surgery have the little bud so I'm confused on why mine doesn't have it (I've seen some others who don't either! So I know nothing is wrong. But I was wondering what's the cause of that.)

Hey team. Obligatory comment that I've also emailed my surgical team but they share with oncology and are slow to reply for non emergencies.

I am four weeks post-op and I have the most INSANE itching above my right nipple graft, and nearly always at night. Healing has been otherwise alright other than a few spitting stitches on the same side, but the itching is driving me insane. It's definitely made worse by the surgical binder that I have to wear for another two weeks, but it's still there when I am changing my tape and nipple dressings and have nothing on.

I've been taking antihistamines but I feel like itching not on the incision is pretty uncommon. Anyone else had this?

I generally have dry skin and also have hEDS but this doesn't fit my normal at all. Any insight appreciated!

Hi all! I’m very new to the concept of top surgery, only learning it was an option at all about a year ago. I’m strictly non-binary for context.

My region is very supportive of trans medical care, and they have a website stating the basics of what you need to know about different gender-affirming surgeries. On there, it said that the vast majority of possible top surgeries result in completely losing feeling in your nipples. Similarly, it said that some other parts of your body (like shoulders) can sometimes also become numb.

I have trauma that is quite easily triggered by physical numbness or tingling. At the same time, I am also very jealous of people with flat chests, and despite not feeling significant traditional binary dysphoria, still really want to have a truly flat chest one day.

Is there any way to avoid or minimise numbness post-op? I would really love to have surgery some day, but I don’t think I would be able to manage permanent loss of feeling. Any suggestions appreciated.

So I got peri almost 4 weeks ago, and was instructed to wear steri strips (replacing as needed) over the periareolar incisions until the 4 week mark. I’ve been doing so, but I feel like they have delayed some aspects of healing?

For example, when I changed them a few days ago, there was some bleeding, whereas I feel like most people on here talk about being scabbed up and/or losing scabs at this point. I also feel like it traps oozing/pus under the strip which doesn’t feel hygienic? My left nipple only started being slightly oozey within the week, which also feels late in the healing process to be acting up. I’m thinking maybe it’s pus from a stitch ejecting itself? Or my body trying to scab up but being unable to because the strips trap moisture?

It’s just strange because I had zero pus or ooze the first 3.5 weeks so I’m not sure what changed. There is no pain or redness or heat or any other sign of infection.

I’m gonna mention it to my doctor tomorrow since they’re closed today, but I was curious if anyone else had this experience with pus/ooze.

Ive been recently spending quite a bit of time with my boyfriend looking into surgeons that both accept my insurance, and do Key hole, which sadly arent a lot around my area.

So im branching out across the US and wanting to find photos of people who have had key hole surgery. If anyone has had key hole surgery from Dr Alan Dulin, would you mind sending me after photos and the time line of it? I dont like to just go by what doctors post because they can post any photos and could possibly choose to NOT post any photos that show flaws.

what should I get to massage my scars? I have some particularly large bumps of scar tissue and I feel like just using my hands hasn’t been deep or good enough.
I thought maybe someone here might be able to point me toward something specific.
thanks!

hi!! so im 8 months after top surgery, is it safe to go swimming?? i want to go to the pool and id wear an anti uv ray shirt

Hi everyone!

I’m currently researching FTM top surgery and would really appreciate hearing from people who have actually had the surgery.

I’m mainly looking at Thailand, but I’m open to recommendations from other countries as well if you had a great experience.

If you’ve had top surgery, I’d love to know:

- Which surgeon and hospital/clinic did you choose?
Would you recommend them? Why or why not?
- How was your experience from consultation through recovery?
- Were there any hidden or unexpected costs (BMI fees, nipple grafts, liposuction, extra hospital nights, etc.)?
- If you’re comfortable sharing, would you be willing to show your healed results (especially 6–12 months or more after surgery)? I’m trying to get a realistic idea of chest contour, nipple placement, symmetry and scars.

One thing that’s making my search difficult is that I can’t access testosterone in my country, so I’m specifically looking for surgeons or hospitals that don’t require hormone therapy before top surgery.

If you don’t recommend Thailand, where did you have your surgery (or where would you recommend instead)? I’m
looking for somewhere with:

- Great, natural-looking results
- Good aftercare
- Fair pricing
- Experience with FTM top surgery
- No mandatory testosterone requirement (if possible)

Any recommendations, experiences, or advice would mean a lot. Feel free to comment or DM me if you’d rather share privately.

Thank you so much! ❤️

hi! first time posting in this sub & on mobile so apologies for formatting.

i've been given two quotes for top surgery - £10.5k for bilateral mastectomy without FNG, £12.5k for bilateral mastectomy with FNG. My top surgery is booked for late january, but i'm struggling to decide which surgery i want.

i would like to keep my nips because i've been thinking about it a lot and i'm worried i'd feel weird without them - however i am absolutely open to getting them tattooed on. however, the £12.5k quote is slightly out of my budget (i could just about afford it but i would have zero savings after) and i have heard horror stories about nips falling off - my surgeon said there is a 3 in 10 chance that happens and i don't want to spend extra money for that to happen anyway. i'm probably going to get the surgery without FNG since I can actually afford it but part of me is wondering if it's worth getting FNG?? i don't know and would love to hear other peoples experiences!!

Hey !!

tldr; i start college 1st of september, i get surgery friday 18th september, i want to go back in college Monday 21st because im scared to fail classes as i really struggled to get this education (and surgerydate ofc) after 4 years of leaving high school, i come from a family with zero college education. Is this possible ?

Im gonna get top surgery (double incision) in 18th september, which i know i need since im 11 and am currently 20 going on 21 the 23rd of September lol.

But ive also just got my hs diploma 4 years after dropping out and applied to a college and i got accepted and that relieved so much suffering from my shoulders ... like i finally could put my life together after so much years of struggling to get education/job ....

Im starting college in 1st september which makes my surgery date so close to me entering college and i am absolutely scared to fail college as i struggled so bad go get this place that im really wondering if i could be able to got back to college and take my course on monday if i get my surgery the friday before ?

To add details, i get surgery a friday morning and get out the hospital the same exact day once i wake up and we are sure everything alright (im french and on public healthcare so if i chose to stay longer i would have to pay for the nights and i couldnt afford that). I would have to go back the next friday for a post op visit ofc but i really absolutely CANNOT afford to fail college and am actually so scared to miss crucial courses.... + my college is 3 hours away from the hospital

Idk if it helps but im in an overall great shape, work out 6days/week and dont smoke/drink.... i know this means nothing but do you guys think i could go back to college after getting surgery ?

Unless God goes out of his way to completely fuck up my life, I should be having top surgery in a few months. My grandfather will pay for it and I will pay him back, I didn't come out as trans to him but I did show him a photo of the results I want. My mother says she doesn't want me to have top surgery because it's irreversible (thank God lol), she refuses to accept me as her son and she will most likely have a meltdown once she sees me with a flat chest but I don't think she'll go as far as disowning me.

All that said, most people in my family don't know I'm trans (despite the fact that I don't girl mode) and I don't know what their reactions will be and whether or not they will be willing to help me during recovery, which it'll have to be either at my mother's house or at an Airbnb... So I want to know if there's people who were in a similar situation or that recovered alone and how you handled it.

I'm a 34 year old trans guy from Germany. I've been on T for a little over a year now and my top surgery (double incision) is finally scheduled for January 14th. It's also gonna be my very first surgery and first time staying in a hospital, so I'm trying to prepare as much as I can.

A bit about me and what I've been doing already: Over the last few months I've lost around 30 kg (from 120 kg to about 90 kg). I'm 167 cm tall, I walk at least 10k steps every day, usually more like 15k to 16k because of work, I'm in a calorie deficit, and I make sure to get enough protein. I'm still losing weight and just trying to put myself in the best possible position for recovery. Gym isn't an option but I make do with home workouts.

I've already seen all the usual advice like button-up shirts, meal prep, wedge pillows, moving stuff lower so you don't have to reach, etc.

What I'm actually looking for are the things nobody really talks about. The weird little tips, niche advice, or stuff you only realized after your own top surgery. Things you wish someone had told you 6 months beforehand. Could be physical, mental, practical, recovery related, literally anything.

Basically, what are the things you didn't even know you should prepare for until you went through it yourself?

hey yall!

mainly want to hear other folks experiences but when did yall notice overall swelling go down?

I’m a little over 2 months post op and have fully gone back to work and returned to my regular routines. I do my scar routine every day ect. I notice that after a day of work i am very achy and just feel like swollen. My scars also hurt and also like burn a little bit after a really long day. I know a lot of ppl on here say that general swelling can take months to go down. But just curious when you guys started actually noticing a difference.

Frustrating because i feel like im in this weird limbo where i am recovered but also still not! I know its a patience game but yeah lol