So, I’m on my way to recovery. Before I get into the nitty-gritty I want to say up-front that this particular step is something I’ve always wanted done for a variety of reasons not necessarily tied to my transsexed journey. I have thought about this since I was about 7-8 years old and the decision to finally do it was still with great thought. I learned about procedures, realistic expectations and benefits as well as dangers (there are always risks with any surgery). I don’t think I’ll get too graphic but if I do, consider this your warning.
So since I began this journey I had been contemplating having, what is referred to in the FTM community as “top surgery”. Basically the removal of my breasts in female design and reconstructing my chest to be more masculine. This means reducing breast tissue, fat and nipple size. For smaller chested trans guys this can be done with two incisions just below the armpits (known as a ” peri”). Since I’m not small (and as the doc pointed out I have a decent sized keg) he would do a double-mastectomy along with a little lipoprotein under the armpit.
That surgery I had yesterday. It took about 3 hours and I went home after enough of the anesthesia wore off. I spent most of the sleeping on and off in my new lazy boy (they are an awesome company) and basically subsisting on water, crackers, bland toast and apple sauce. K was home to help me with the drains. With this surgery there is a fluid buildup of blood and other liquids and the drains have to be emptied regularly. once the fluid stops or becomes clear the drains can be removed. That happened today and I finally got to see my new chest.
Although swollen, it looked awesome. He did say that a lot of my upper back pain will likely be gone as a result of the surgery and that is something I’m definitely looking forward to. I go back in about two weeks to see how my new nipples (men’s nipples are smaller and placed wider on the chest than women’s).
He said I’d be swollen for a little while but that will go. Apparently I “lost” 5lbs as a result of the surgery and that I won’t have a perfectly chiseled chest as it’d look odd against my beer gut LOL but I’m happy nonetheless. I’m off for the week and I think I hear the call of the Horde and some steam punk novels. 🙂