Navigating Transmasculine Surgery Recovery: Essential Guidance
Your Dedicated Guide to Bottom Surgery Healing
Embark on your transmasculine bottom surgery recovery with confidence and compassionate support. This guide provides foundational insights on catheter care, wound healing, and comfort management to help you recover safely, restore mobility, and care for yourself with confidence—supported by wisdom from community experiences and medical insight.
Prepare Your Body for Healing
Even 4 weeks of nicotine cessation before and after surgery can lower wound complications and promote healing, though 8 weeks or more is ideal. Some surgical teams may perform cotinine testing (a nicotine metabolite test) before surgery—confirm your provider’s policy.
Before surgery — good circulation helps recovery and reduces post-op complications.
Rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc to support tissue repair.
Movement & Comfort
For at least 4–6 weeks or until your surgeon clears you.
Can relieve pressure when sitting and help prevent complications with grafts or sutures — but avoid sitting for long stretches.
Or slippers to avoid bending or straining incisions.
(Like Charles Archer or mesh-style garments) can reduce friction and support swelling without compressing surgical areas.
Hygiene & Wound Care
Air exposure helps prevent moisture-related infections.
Help protect grafts without pulling tissue.
Until cleared—these can increase infection risk.
Are ideal until full showers are approved by your surgeon.
Some surgeons use medical-grade honey products (like Medihoney®) for pelvic or perineal wound healing. Studies show they can help tissue repair and reduce bacteria. Always consult your surgeon before applying any product to surgical areas.
Catheter & Drain Care
Before switching bags to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
According to Cleveland Clinic guidance, empty your leg bag every 2–4 hours while active or when it’s one-third to half full. Keep tubing secured to avoid tugging and reduce UTI risk. Wash your hands before and after handling your catheter or drainage bag.
Cushion the exit site with gauze and clean daily with a wound cleanser and saline rinse.
To allow proper flow and prevent backflow.
To prevent accidental tugging.
Stay alert for bladder spasms, leaks, or discomfort. If you feel pressure, check for kinks or backup in tubing. Persistent pain or urine retention requires medical attention.
Managing Pain & Spasms
As directed.
All reduce post-op pain and improve circulation.
Such as spicy foods, caffeine, soda, and citrus.
Scar & Skin Healing
Scar massage can promote flexibility and reduce tightness.
On scars for at least 12 months—UV rays can darken and thicken scars.
After medical clearance to support softening of scars.
Wear loose light-colored clothing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen once the site is healed.
Recognizing Signs of Infection
Redness or warmth spreading around the incision.
Persistent pain or fever above 100.4°F (38°C).
Unusual swelling, foul odor, or drainage (yellow/green).
For evaluation. Early treatment prevents serious complications.
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 or supportive bandages over the donor site — not the genital area — to reduce swelling and support healing once drains are removed. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions about when compression is safe to use.
It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs post-surgery. Support groups like TransBucket, Transgender Pulse, or T-VOX offer community reassurance during recovery.
Gentle relaxation exercises (when cleared) can support urinary function.
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.