It is very important that you follow all instructions given to you by the surgical team when you return home from the hospital. For several weeks after surgery, you should not lift your arms more than 90 degrees from your body or above your head. You should also not push, pull, or lift objects that weigh more than five pounds during these four weeks. This ensures that your scars heal well and don't stretch or enlarge. Some of the most common questions we receive about the surgery recovery schedule are about limitations in arm movements and upper body pain after surgery.
Generally speaking, we recommend that patients avoid raising their arms above shoulder level for the first three weeks after surgery. Doing so can create unwanted tension in the incisions that could affect healing and the appearance of scars. Keep doing light activities, but in general, you should limit the reach, lifting and raising of your arms above the head. Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery is home to trusted Ohio plastic surgeons who have specific training and experience in gender-affirming surgery.
However, if your job involves physical activity, heavy lifting, or strenuous movements, you may have to wait up to 6 weeks or longer. Later complications can affect the contour of the chest (such as dog ears) or the appearance of scars or nipples and are usually treated with revision surgery. If you have had surgery on your upper neck using FTN or FTM, you can switch from wearing a compression band to a softer and more comfortable garment, as directed by the surgeon plastic. During this time, activities such as strenuous exertion, heavy lifting, or exercise should be firmly avoided.
Surgeons often use bandages or compression garments to facilitate the healing process and protect the nipples. However, patients whose work involves heavy lifting may have to wait at least 3 to 6 weeks after surgery before they can perform their work duties. One way to evaluate shoulder mobility is to lift your elbows above your shoulder and point them upwards, as seen in image 2.Practice basic personal care tasks, such as brushing your teeth, showering once the bandages and drains have been removed, and eating alone, but minimize overall arm movement.
