Navigating Transmasculine Bottom Surgery Recovery
Your Dedicated Guide to Bottom Surgery Healing
Embark on your transmasculine bottom surgery recovery with confidence and compassionate support. This guide shares foundational insights on catheter care, wound care, and comfort considerations—grounded in lived experience and commonly shared recovery practices.
Recovery experiences can vary depending on procedure type, surgical approach, and individual needs. This page shares supportive recovery tips to help you feel more prepared and informed throughout bottom surgery healing.
This page is designed to support people preparing for or recovering from transmasculine bottom surgery, alongside guidance from their healthcare team.
Supporting Your Body Before Surgery
Many surgical teams recommend reducing or avoiding nicotine before and after surgery, as it can affect circulation and healing. Some providers require a nicotine-free period or testing prior to surgery—be sure to confirm your care team’s specific guidelines.
Gentle movement and hydration before surgery can support circulation and overall wellbeing. Follow your provider’s recommendations for activity levels that feel right for you.
Prioritizing rest and reducing stress before surgery can help you feel more grounded going into recovery. Gentle routines, comfortable sleep, and emotional support all play a role in preparing your body and mind.
A balanced diet with adequate protein and nutrients can help support your body during recovery. Your care team can offer guidance specific to your needs.
Some medications, vitamins, or supplements may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery. Review everything you’re taking with your healthcare team ahead of time so you can feel prepared and avoid last-minute surprises.
Preparing your space, transportation, and support system ahead of surgery can reduce stress during recovery. Small steps—like arranging help, organizing supplies, or planning time off—can make a big difference.
Movement & Comfort
For at least 4–6 weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.
Can help relieve pressure when sitting and support comfort around grafts or sutures — but avoid sitting for long stretches.
Use slow, supported movements when changing positions. Rolling to your side before sitting up can reduce strain on surgical areas and help prevent dizziness.
Slip-on shoes or slippers help reduce bending and strain during recovery.
(Like Charles Archer or mesh-style garments) can reduce friction and support swelling without compressing surgical areas.
Short, light movement as tolerated—such as brief walks—can support circulation and comfort. Avoid pushing through pain and follow your surgeon’s guidance.
Hygiene & Wound Care
Allowing air exposure, when appropriate, can help reduce moisture-related issues.
Help protect grafts without pulling tissue.
Clean hands before touching surgical areas, dressings, or drains to reduce the risk of contamination.
Reducing excess moisture and friction around healing areas can support comfort during recovery. Breathable fabrics and gentle positioning may help.
Until cleared by your surgeon—soaking can increase infection risk during healing.
Are ideal until full showers are approved by your surgeon.
Some surgeons may recommend medical-grade honey products (such as Medihoney®) for certain pelvic or perineal wounds. These products are sometimes used to support healing. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance before applying anything to surgical areas.
Wearing freshly laundered clothing and changing bedding regularly can help keep healing areas clean and comfortable.
Catheter & Drain Care
Keeping tubing connections clean is commonly emphasized to reduce infection risk. Follow your care team’s instructions when handling catheter equipment.
Catheter bags are usually emptied regularly to avoid overfilling. Your care team will advise you on timing and handling based on your setup and activity level.
Suprapubic catheter sites require specific care. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning, cushioning, and dressing the exit site.
Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice increasing pain, reduced urine output, fever, strong odor, or concerns with catheter function.
Drainage bags are typically positioned lower than the bladder to support proper flow. Follow your provider’s setup instructions.
To prevent accidental tugging.
Stay alert for bladder spasms, leaks, pressure, or discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Managing Pain & Spasms
As directed.
Often used to support comfort, relaxation, and circulation during recovery.
Some people find that spicy foods, caffeine, soda, or citrus can worsen bladder discomfort during recovery.
Scar & Skin Healing
Some people find gentle scar massage helps support flexibility and reduce feelings of tightness once incisions are fully healed.
Prolonged sun exposure on healing scars is often avoided, as UV exposure may contribute to darkening or thickening over time.
Often used after medical clearance as part of longer-term scar care routines.
Once the area is healed, some people choose loose, light-colored clothing or sun protection to help protect healing skin when outdoors.
Recognizing Signs of Infection
Changes such as increasing redness or warmth spreading around the incision.
Ongoing or worsening pain, or signs of fever (such as a temperature above 100.4°F / 38°C).
Unusual swelling, strong or foul odors, or changes in drainage (such as yellow or green).
If you notice any of these changes, reach out to your surgeon or care team for guidance. Early check-ins can help address concerns before they become more serious.
Holistic Healing & Support After Surgery
If your surgery involved a skin graft (such as from the thigh, forearm, or abdomen), your surgeon may recommend gentle compression over the donor site—not the genital area—to support healing and reduce swelling once drains are removed. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance on when compression is appropriate.
It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs after surgery. Community-based resources like TransBucket, Transgender Pulse, or T-VOX can offer reassurance, shared experiences, and connection during recovery.
Gentle pelvic floor awareness or relaxation practices—once cleared by your care team—may support comfort and urinary function during recovery.
Healing timelines vary, and it’s okay if progress feels slower or uneven. Giving yourself patience, rest, and grace is part of recovery, too.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your surgeon’s or healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding your recovery.
Trans Recovery Supply is not responsible for any outcomes based on individual use of this information. If you experience unusual pain, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your surgeon or a qualified healthcare provider immediately.