Bilateral Chest Contouring with Free Nipple Grafting Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Please Read First

This page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for bilateral chest contouring with free nipple grafting. For complete details—including medication management, graft care, and recovery timelines—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below.

General Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video

What to Expect

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. It involves contouring the chest and grafting the nipples into a new position to create a masculine chest appearance. Recovery includes activity restrictions, swelling, and close monitoring of nipple graft healing. Most patients return to non-physical work within 10–14 days, while full healing and final results develop over several months.

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Transportation: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 1–2 days. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, etc.) as directed.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid nicotine for 4 weeks before and after surgery. Reduce or stop alcohol 2 weeks before and after.

Day of Surgery: S

Shower with mild soap the morning of surgery.
Do not apply lotions, deodorant, or skincare products.
Remove all jewelry and piercings.
Wear loose, front-opening clothing (button-up or zip-front).

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Mobility: Begin gentle walking soon after surgery to improve circulation and reduce clot risk.

Arm Movements: Avoid lifting arms above shoulder height or lifting anything heavier than 5–10 lbs for 2–4 weeks.

Sleep: Sleep on your back with head and torso elevated (~30–40°) for at least 1–2 weeks to minimize swelling and protect nipple grafts.

Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity, overhead lifting, or upper body workouts for at least 6 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.

Medications:

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for pain.
Narcotic pain medication may be prescribed; take with stool softeners.
Antibiotics should be taken as directed.
Zofran may be provided for nausea.
Sinnech (Arnica montana) may be used to reduce bruising and swelling.

Incision Care: Incisions are covered with surgical glue or dressings. Do not remove or disturb dressings unless instructed. Stitches are dissolvable. Scar gel may be started once healing is complete.

Nipple Graft Care:

Do not apply ointments, creams, or gels unless instructed.
Avoid friction or pressure on the chest.
Keep surgical dressings in place until your first post-op visit.
If bolster dressings are applied, they will remain for 5–7 days until removed by your surgeon.

Drain Care (if applicable): Some patients receive drains. You will receive instructions on how to empty and record drain output. Drains are typically removed within 5–10 days.

Bathing: Shower 24–48 hours after surgery, with assistance. Avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming until incisions are fully healed (usually ~2 weeks).

Recovery Expectations

Bruising & Swelling: Common for the first 2–3 weeks and gradually improves.

Nipple Grafts: May appear pale or discolored in the first days. This is expected. Your surgeon will assess healing during follow-up.

Sensation: Numbness, tingling, or tightness across the chest is normal and improves with time.

Scarring: Scars are initially red and raised, then soften and fade with time.

Emotional Recovery: Body changes may trigger a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, or doubt. These feelings are normal as you adjust to your results.

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or severe pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of a blood clot, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

For non-urgent questions, email: [email protected].
For urgent matters, call the office at (808) 585-8855 (9am–5pm).
After hours, contact the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Attending all scheduled follow-ups is essential to monitor healing, assess grafts, and optimize results.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on medications, graft care, and activity restrictions, please download the complete documents below:

Download Bilateral Chest Contouring Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)