Body Contouring
Body contouring recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, with most patients wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and support reshaping. You may feel soreness, tightness, or minor bruising in treated areas. Some patients benefit from post-operative lymphatic massage to enhance results and ease discomfort. We’ll guide you through resuming movement safely while supporting the emotional shifts that come with a newly aligned body shape.
Bottom Surgery
Recovery from bottom surgery is more involved and typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks. Depending on your procedure, you may have a catheter for 1 to 3 weeks and begin dilation or packing protocols shortly after surgery. Our team provides step-by-step instructions, pain management plans, and pelvic-floor therapy referrals. Expect a blend of in-person and virtual follow-ups tailored to your body and goals.
Chest/Top Surgery
Depending on the technique used, most patients recover from chest surgery in 2 to 6 weeks. You’ll wear a compression vest to minimize swelling and support your new contour, and your care team will guide you through scar-care protocols. We monitor sensation closely, especially for patients who undergo nerve-sparing techniques. You’ll also receive support for any emotional shifts as your reflection begins to match your identity.
Facial Surgery
Facial procedures usually require 2 to 4 weeks of downtime, during which you may experience swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social settings or work around the 3-week mark. Post-op care includes gentle wound cleaning, sleeping at an incline, and activity restrictions to support healing. We also offer tips for managing visibility during recovery and addressing emotional reactions to changing facial features.
Non-Surgical Services
Most non-surgical treatments, such as laser hair removal, injectables, and microneedling, involve little to no downtime. You might experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment site for a day or two. Results are often cumulative, and we’ll work with you on a long-term plan to maintain and refine your features. These treatments can be an empowering step between or after surgeries, helping you feel more affirmed day-to-day.
Revision Surgery
Revision timelines vary significantly based on your prior procedures and the complexity of your case. Healing may involve multiple stages, with added focus on restoring sensation, correcting scarring, or resolving complications. Our team is known for its microsurgical expertise and offers a trauma-informed care pathway to support your physical and emotional needs. We’ll work closely with you to set expectations and build trust.
Your Aftercare Plan
Your care team will work with you to provide a clear, compassionate roadmap for your healing. Here is an overview of the support we offer:
- Discharge instructions on the day of surgery
- First-week care tips, including movement, rest, and hygiene
- Virtual check-ins to monitor healing and answer questions
- In-person follow-ups with your surgical team
- Long-term support like scar management, therapy referrals, and sensation tracking
You’ll also have access to a dedicated patient navigator and optional peer mentor to ensure no question goes unanswered.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Health Maintenance
Annual follow-ups
We recommend yearly visits to assess surgical healing, discuss any functional changes, and ensure you're satisfied with your results. These check-ins also allow us to catch emerging concerns early and align your care with your evolving goals.
Hormone therapy coordination
If you're undergoing hormone therapy, we’ll collaborate with your prescribing provider to monitor physical changes and manage lab values. Coordinated care helps support both surgical outcomes and long-term gender affirmation.
Mental health resources
We connect patients to affirming therapists and peer-led groups before and after surgery. Whether you’re processing transition emotions or navigating post-op identity shifts, ongoing mental health support is a core part of our care model.
Emotional Recovery
Gender affirmation surgery can bring immense joy and relief. However, many are not prepared for unexpected fatigue, anxiety, or sadness when recovering from these procedures. These emotions are normal, and to help ease your mind and body during recovery, we offer:
- Affirming therapists
- Peer-support circles
- Space to share, grieve, and celebrate
Your emotional healing is just as important as your physical recovery.
When to Contact Us
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Warning signs to watch for:
- Fever, bleeding, or unusual discharge
- Intense pain not managed by medication
- Numbness or swelling that worsens over time
Urgent concerns? Call us directly or use our 24/7 care line or secure portal.
