Virtual FTM/FTN Top Surgery Support Groups
Great for researching surgeons, asking questions, sharing experiences, and finding support.
- Facebook: Top Surgery Support (removal/reduction)
- Facebook: FTM Top Surgery Support / Questions and Answers / Safe Space
- Reddit Top Surgery
- TopSurgery.net
Great information, but featured surgeons are paid advertisers so keep that in mind. - Transbucket
Probably one of the first, if not the very first, community website to get photos of surgery results and reviews on surgeons. It's well organized to filter search by country, state, surgeon and specific surgery. -
Trans Atlas - Downloadable Surgical Support Cheat-Sheet
Includes some areas you can fill in yourself for important contacts and tracking sensation/general expectations for surgery.
Drain Care
Some folx recommend holding the tube with one hand close to the chest and lubing an alcohol swab with some antibacterial gel and holding that with my fingers to squeeze down.
Nipple Care
Callen Lorde's surgery doula said to Keep ‘em moist, don’t worry if they get scabby, they are supposed
to, and follow surgeon's directions. Disclaimer: A thin layer of bacitracin or vaseline. Not TOO moist.
Click here to see
one example of how to care for your nipples.
-
Xeroform Petrolatum Gauze, Sterile, 2" W x 2"
If you are allergic to some metal composites here's the alternative: ADAPTIC -
Gauze 4 x 4
-
Tape 2 x 2
-
Bacitracin
If you are allergic, ask you surgeon if Vaseline is the alternative they want you to use. - Q-tips
- Gloves
- Alcohol Prep Pads
- Surgical Scissors
- Body Glide Anti Chafing Stick OR Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
After nipples are healed:
Post Surgery Physical Therapy
- Cirque Physio Free PDF
This was created with Dr. Mosser's seal of approval and is on his website. - 40 Day Case Study by same folx
It has extra info that adds to the PDF above. - Heal & Restore by QT
A Transmasc led 60-Day Post Top Surgery Mobility Guide ($150 as of July 2024) - Decolonizing Fitness
Decolonizing Fitness offers a zine with exercises for patients, including scar massage and general chest mobility and stretching, which are typical components of PT. Please note that access to the full series may require a membership if the resources are not available on YouTube (some subscriptions are $3 per month as of July 2024). - @the.queertrainer on insta
aka Mal James CPT
Scar Massaging Tips
Supplies
Scar Care
- Cica-Care Silicone Gel Adhesive Sheet (5" x 6")
- CicaTape Soft Silicone Tape (1.57in x 59in)
- Kelo-Cote Gel
- Alternatives other folx use: Mederma, Bio-Oil, Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil.
Sleep and Comfort
Most of the things listed are not 100% necessary. They make healing easier. You just need to find a way to not roll onto your chest the first month. That's important, however you do it. Same with compression and keeping swelling down.:- Zero-Gravity Chair (29 inches wide) If you toss and turn in bed, or sleep on
your chest this will prevent that while keeping your back healthy and torso elevated while healing.
It's worth having the pad for comfort and tray for all the water you'll be drinking.
Here's the X-large 33inch wide version
- Wedge pillow
- Neck Pillow
- Pregnancy Pillow
- 14.5 inch Straws
To make drinking easier the first week or so. - Ice Pack
- Mastectomy Pillow
(with Icepack and seatbelt pad)
It's extra protection in the car if someone hits the brakes, and at a crowded airport signals people to stay away or can act as a buffer if they don't. It comes with an icepack which I used multiple times a day. If you drive the seatbelt pad is great.
Compression Garment
If you don't have someone to help with the Ace Wrap, everyday for a month, these will be necessary. I think the Marena is totally worth it and has better adjustments and more coverage. I used the cheap one while washing and hang drying the Marena vest.
Post-Op Physical Therapy
- Massage Stick
I used this for scratching itches I couldn't reach and getting knots out of my back. A two-fer! ;) - Peanut Massage Ball
- Jade Roller for Scars