How To Prepare For Your Top Surgery

If you are scheduled to have top surgery, you are probably wondering how you can get ready for it. Below, you’ll find a timeline outlining what steps to take and when to take them, so that you are prepared for your top surgery procedure.

General Preparation

If you are seeing a therapist, continue your sessions as normal. It’s important to continue working with your psychologist or psychiatrist as you transition. They will equip you with coping skills and can help ease your mind of any concerns you may have with top surgery. Your surgeon will also help you understand the surgical process, to help rid you of any worries that come up. In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you should also make sure to eat a balanced diet and exercise.

One Month Before Surgery

A month before your surgery you should cease smoking.Smoking hinders the healing process and it is imperative that you stop. You should be smoke-free while you heal from top surgery as well.

Two Weeks Before Surgery

Two weeks before surgery you should limit the amount of caffeine you ingest daily and reduce alcohol consumption. You will also need to stop taking certain medications. Your surgeon will advise you on which ones. You do not need to stop taking testosterone, but depending on your injection schedule, you may have to stop a day before or the day of your surgery.

One Week Before Surgery

In the week leading up to top surgery, fill any prescriptions for painkillers and antibiotics that your doctor has given you. You should also prepare your home for the recovery process a few days before your top surgery. Keep items that you’ll need close by. Anything that you use regularly that is on the top shelf of your medicine cabinet or closet should be moved to a more reachable place, because you will not be able to lift your arms fully until at least a week after your surgery. You can also make food in advance so that you don’t have to worry about cooking while you recover. Casseroles and soups are great because they only need to be reheated.

The Night Before Surgery

The night before your procedure remember that you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight, so ensure that you eat a balanced dinner. You should get as much sleep as possible, which may be hard considering you will probably feel a combination of nerves and excitement. Do not take any sleeping pills. Trim your beard but do not shave any chest hair.

The Morning of Your Surgery

The morning of your surgery you can shower and use soap and shampoo as normal, but no creams, lotions, colognes, deodorant, and scents. You can still brush your teeth, but try to avoid swallowing any water or toothpaste. If you wear contacts, today you will need to wear your glasses and ensure that you bring them with you to your top surgery. Remove any piercings either the night before or the morning of your procedure.