User:DianeNguyenn/Gender-affirming surgery

Post-op Care for Bottom Surgery
Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty, or the reconstruction or creation of a vagina, is a common gender-affirming procedure provided for Trans-femme patients. For penile-inversion patients, the reconstructed vaginal canal will typically be around 15cm in depth sourced through skin grafting. Because the canal is unable to self-lubricate, lubrication becomes essential during post-op care and future penetrative sex. A prevalent deficiency for "one-step' penile-inversion vaginoplasty is the potential spacing and symmetry problem that shows up upon close inspection. Many other potential factors might result in unsatisfactory outcomes. But usually these issues (missing the clitoral hood, vaginal webbing etc.) can be addressed with additional surgeries. Dilators are also a pivotal aspect to the post-op care for vaginoplasty. The sizing escalation of the dilators vary by patient and the medical provider. But the dilation needs to begin once the packing comes off.

Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty in GAS refers to the surgery for the construction of a penis. This is a complicated procedure that will require multiple surgeries to tackle.The current most popular option is the radical forearm free-flap(RFF) phalloplasty in which the surgeon constructs a cosmetically appealing penis through skin grafting from the arm. Post-op complications are largely expected and follow-up appointments with the doctor will be necessary. Right after surgery, the patient is required to stay in the hospital for at least four nights to observe potential complications. Walking is highly recommended as mobility is a great determinant for post-op complications and can in fact aid the process of healing. General post-op care for bottom surgeries

Strenuous physical activities are to be avoided for at least six weeks post operations. Sitting or standing might cause discomfort and further pressure to the lower body. (However, mild and short walks are highly recommended for recovery.) This issue can be alleviated with products like donut cushions. Compression garments paired with ice packs is also highly recommended to weaken the pain from the surgical field. Surgeons usually recommend at least two weeks of icing after the surgery to combat the swelling and discomfort. Additional products like pee pads and baby powder might be useful according to individual case.

Showering is usually forbidden and recommended to be avoided for at least one week post operation. The specific time frame depends on the surgeon and the procedure the patient had. Generally the surgical ground (including the grafting areas) needs to be kept dry for the initial stage so the blood vessels can develop and the risk of infection is minimized.

Bibliography

1 “Vaginoplasty Procedures, Complications and Aftercare.” Vaginoplasty Procedures, Complications and Aftercare | Gender Affirming Health Program, 17 June 2016, transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/vaginoplasty#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20week%20post,assist%20in%20relieving%20some%20swelling.&text=You%20may%20resume%20sexual%20intercourse,you%20have%20been%20instructed%20otherwise.&text=Wash%20hands%20before%20and%20after,Shower%20or%20wash%20daily. Accessed 20 May 2023.

2 MacPhee, Dr. “MTF Bottom Surgery Recovery.” Keelee MacPhee, M.D., 8 June 2021, keeleemacpheemd.com/mtf-bottom-surgery-recovery/.

3 “My Doctor Online.” My Doctor Online, mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/structured-content/Procedure_Recovering_from_Vaginoplasty_and_Other_Feminizing_Genital_Surgeries.xml?co=%2Fregions%2Fncal.

4 Osborn, Corinne O’Keefe. “Phalloplasty: FTM Gender Confirmation Surgery Recovery, Complications.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 18 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/transgender/phalloplasty.

5 “Metoidioplasty-and-Phalloplasty-Post-Operative-Recovery-and-Healing.” Kaiserpermanente, thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/eastbay/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/04/Metoidioplasty-and-Phalloplasty-Post-Operative-Recovery-and-Healing.pdf.

6 Clary, Sasha. “Bottom Surgery: Cost, Recovery, Procedure Details, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 11 May 2018, www.healthline.com/health/transgender/bottom-surgery.

7 “Vaginoplasty Procedures, Complications and Aftercare.” Vaginoplasty Procedures, Complications and Aftercare | Gender Affirming Health Program, 17 June 2016, transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/vaginoplasty#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20week%20post,assist%20in%20relieving%20some%20swelling.&text=You%20may%20resume%20sexual%20intercourse,you%20have%20been%20instructed%20otherwise.&text=Wash%20hands%20before%20and%20after,Shower%20or%20wash%20daily.