Going through a gender-confirming surgery is a big step and can be emotionally and physically draining. However, advancements in medicine and plastic surgery have made it possible for transgender and intersex people to realize their gender expression and take the right path. Visit Millennial Plastic Surgery if you are considering MTF or FTM genital surgery and seek expert opinion. Dr. David Shokrian understands the goals you have in mind for your transition and comes up with a personalized set of procedures to help you achieve the most satisfying outcomes.
Post-operative bottom surgery is a complex and comprehensive procedure for gender-affirming transformation. This surgery is certainly not easy and requires a combination of procedures to achieve the desired results. However, only going through the procedure is not enough. What you can expect post-op bottom surgery, how soon you can see the results, and what you can do to ensure successful healing are concerns that must be addressed beforehand.
Before talking about post-transgender genitals surgery, it is essential to first find out a bit about bottom transgender surgery and the procedures used.
Read on to learn what the recovery process is like and how you can achieve the results you seek.
Genital Surgery For Transgender Or Gender Reaffirmation Surgery
Genital surgery for transgender individuals is also known as gender confirmation surgery or gender reassignment surgery. It refers to surgical procedures that play a key role in altering the physical appearance and function of an individual’s genitalia to match their gender identity.
These procedures are performed on individuals who are identified as transgender or non-binary and strive to affirm their gender identity. Deciding to undergo genital surgery and the choice of procedures is a highly personal matter and an individual’s choice. However, it should be made in consultation with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure transgender health and desired outcomes.
It is also essential to note that genital surgery is just one aspect of transitioning. Not all transgender individuals may undergo these procedures.
MTF transgender genitals procedures
Several types of genital surgeries are performed on transgender individuals who want to transition from male to female (MTF). These procedures help to alter the physical appearance and function of the genitalia to match the individual’s gender identity.
Some MTF genital surgery procedures include:
- Vaginoplasty – During this procedure, the surgeon will construct a vagina using skin and tissues from the penis or other sources. It may also include constructing a clitoris by taking sensitive tissues from the penis glans.
- Labiaplasty – In this procedure, the surgeon shapes and reduces the size of the labia.
- Clitoroplasty – This procedure is all about altering the size and shape of the clitoris.
FTM Transgender Genitals Surgery
Transgender individuals seek genital surgery to transition from female to male, which is commonly known as FTM. It is a surgical procedure that alters the physical appearance and functions of an individual’s genitalia to match it with their gender identity.
These procedures include phalloplasty, penile transplant, and many others, and can be performed on individuals who identify as transgender or non-binary and seek to affirm their gender identity through these procedures.
Some FTM genital surgery procedures are:
- Phalloplasty – It involves constructing a penis using skin and tissue from the labia or other sources. The surgeon may also construct a scrotum using skin and tissue from the labia.
- Metoidioplasty – This procedure is about lengthening and strengthening the clitoris, which has been naturally enlarged due to hormone therapy, to create a small phallus.
- Hysterectomy – The surgeon will remove the uterus through this procedure.
- Oophorectomy – Through these procedures, the ovaries are removed from the body.
For most patients, hysterectomy and oophorectomy are performed in addition to genital surgery as a part of the transgender transition.
After the procedure, it is time for you to wait for the recovery and result. You can look forward to post-op transgender genitals that reaffirm your gender transition.
What To Expect After Post-Op Transgender Genitals?
After their transgender genitals surgery, patients may go through a range of physical and emotional changes that include improved body image and self-confidence, increased comfort with their gender, and enhanced sexual satisfaction.
As each individual is different, the emotions and feelings experienced by every patient will be different as well.
How Soon Do You Start Seeing The Results?
Healing and recovery can take time, and results depend on the type of surgery that has been performed. If you have been through a vaginoplasty or construction of a vagina, you will typically need several weeks or even months for the swelling to go down and for incisions to heal before you can see the outcome.
In case of a procedure like a phalloplasty or the construction of a neophallus, you may have to wait several months or more before you see the final results. It is because the neophallus healing and tissue expansion require some time.
Are The Results Permanent?
It is important to note that bottom surgery results for transgender individuals are usually considered permanent, but they come with problems. Like any other surgical procedure, the risk of complications is there, which means you may have to go through a touch-up or revision surgery to set things right.
The outcome, as well as the duration of a particular surgery, depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the procedure being performed, and the experience and skill of the surgeon.
The Success Rate Of Transgender Genital Surgery
The success rate of transgender genital surgery varies. It depends on certain factors, including the overall health of the patient, the expertise of the surgeon, the specific techniques used during the procedure, and how well they work on a patient.
You can prevent relapse by following the surgeon’s instructions and giving your body sufficient time to heal.
Tips To Ensure Successful Transgender Genital Surgery
You can look forward to the best possible outcomes and long-term results after your transgender genitalia surgery by keeping the following tips in mind:
Pay Attention To Your Post-Operative Care Instructions
You must listen carefully to your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative care, including any restrictions on activity, wound care, and medications. The better you follow these instructions, the better results you can enjoy in the shortest possible time.
Care For Your Incisions
Keeping the incisions dry and avoiding soaking them in water is necessary to ensure they are fully healed. Avoid excessive strain on the incisions and stay away from lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise.
Practice Good Hygiene
Proper hygiene is essential to prevent infections and ensure overall good health. It includes washing the incision site with soap and water, keeping the area clean and dry, and refraining from sexual activity for as long as the surgeon advises.
Take Your Medication As Prescribed
You must take all your medication exactly as directed by the surgeon. Finish your course of antibiotics to prevent infections and ensure timely healing.
Get Plenty Of Rest
Your body needs time and rest to heal. Get plenty of rest so that your body has a chance to recover. Avoid overexerting yourself and take breaks as needed to prevent complications.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your body recover quickly after the surgery. Make sure to increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins for long-term wellness.
Stay Hydrated
You must drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Hydration ensures smooth circulation of blood in the body, which helps in timely healing.
Keep up your follow-up appointments
You must not miss any follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is important as on each visit, the surgeon will be able to check your progress, see how you are recovering and also address any problems you may be having.
Remember, every individual is different. Thus, recovering and healing varies for everyone and also depends on how well you follow the instructions provided by the doctor.
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With the best surgical options and awareness, it is now possible for transgender individuals to be more prepared and head toward bottom surgery. Consult Dr. David Shokrian if you are looking forward to improving your self-confidence and self-image with transgender genital operation. He is an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon and has helped thousands of individuals achieve the identities they sought with the most suitable surgical procedure, improving their quality of life.