I had my first Bottom Surgery starting in 2015, which consisted of an Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Phalloplasty.  My skin graft donor sites were from both thighs, one of which came straight down to my muscle, which was definitely a vulnerable and sensitive wound.  My postoperative (post-op) instructions included using Xeroform on this site daily for a certain amount of time.

     Xeroform is a recommended product for postoperative (post-op) wound care of a skin graft/donor site as it is a fine mesh gauze that includes ingredients that protects wounds and reduces the risk of infection;  prevents loss of body fluids;  and retains moisture while collecting drainage.  It could be cut to fit and conform to donor sites of all sizes and shapes, does not stick to wounds while the dressing is moistened, and is easy to remove from the donor site when used as directed.

     During my post-op recovery using Xeroform, drops of fluid/blood would seep through it and I would have to use a blow dryer to help keep the wound dry.  It was amazing to see my donor site heal with each dressing change and to eventually see my skin regenerate through time.

     Another type of non-adherent wound dressing I found to be effective for post-op wound care is the Sytagenix Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressing.  It contains other ingredients and acts just like Xeroform.  Sometimes during dressing changes using Xeroform, the dressing would end up being a bit dry and I would have to use gauze soaked in saline to loosen up the dressing.  What I found about Sytagenix Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressings is that it sticks less to the wound and is easier to remove from the donor site.  I haven’t had the opportunity to use this dressing yet.

    For Gender Confirmation / Affirmation / Non-conforming surgeries, non-adherent wound dressings such as Covidien Xeroform Petrolatum Gauze Dressings or Sytagenix Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressings could be used for MTF Vaginoplasty procedures;  FTM phalloplasty surgeries, such as Radial Forearm (RF), Anterolateral Thigh (ALT), and Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi (MLD);  or other surgeries where these non-adherent dressings are recommended.

     Sytagenix Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressings are part of TRS’ Post-op FTM / MTF / Gender Confirmation Bottom Surgery kits, which can also be used for Gender Non-Conforming surgeries. Find these kits here.

     Covidien Xeroform Petrolatum Gauze Dressings can be found when customizing your post-op Bottom Surgery recovery kit for FTMs, MTFs, or other Gender Confirmation / Non-Conforming surgeries.

     Sytagenix Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressings and Covidien Xeroform Petrolatum Gauze Dressings can also be found when customizing your post-op Bottom and Top Surgery recovery kits under our Build Post-op Recovery Kits drop-down menu above.

     Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to share your experience with these non-adherent wound dressings or any other dressings.

-Anen

     P.S. *Unless noted on your recent post-op instructions, please consult with your surgeon prior to using Xeroform gauze dressings, Adaptic non-adhering dressings, or any other non-adherent wound dressings for your wound care. 

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