best case scenario
hi friends!
i got double incision with no nipple grafts on december 9th, 2025. in preparation for it, i watched/ read a lot of people’s stories online. i notice how a LOT of the rhetoric around top surgery is fear mongering and pessimistic, which was the complete opposite of my journey. i understand some people feel a lot of pain, dysphoria, depression, etc after surgery, but i wanted to share my completely positive experience to help anyone else preparing for surgery who may be spiraling about what they’ll feel like post-op.
i had Dr. Thakar as my surgeon in pdx. she was very kind and had a great, warm and supportive energy the whole time. the nurse who took care of me was also super kind, and made me feel so comfortable in the morning leading up to surgery. my mom was an anxious mess, but the entire time i was in the hospital pre-surgery i felt this sense of calm and ease. i was ready for my new life.
i got a little nervous when it was time to get wheeled to the surgery room and have anesthesia, but the entire team was great and had me picture somewhere relaxing while i went under.
i woke up as if no time had passed; i literally forgot it had been hours until my mom mentioned it. i felt no pain, just some tension and soreness. i was able to walk around, use the bathroom and use a small set of stairs at the hospital.
my doctor allowed me to shower after a few days because of no nipple grafts, so that was easy. i felt pain mostly in my drains, and barely had to take the prescription pain killers they gave me. i am a college student but planned recovery perfectly during winter break, so i just slept, played video games and slept some more. i was able to eat regular food after a day or so, day-of surgery my stomach was a little more sensitive from the anesthesia.
the worst part of recovery for me was the drains and binder. i had my drains for about 2 weeks, and they were very uncomfortable because of where they sat in relation to my hips. i had a binder for 4 weeks, 24/7 except for showers or changing clothes. both were very uncomfortable, but easy to get through when i knew i could have a flat chest after.
i had no post-op dysphoria or depression after. now, after 5 months, i can say that surgery was the best decision of my life. people say that surgery won’t cure your dysphoria, but it sure as hell got rid of mine. i am so grateful for everyone who allowed me to have a smooth recovery :,)
how was your recovery process? anyone have an unusually smooth experience like me?
also if anyone wants tips / advice on making recovery so smooth let me know!