Swelling and numbness are common side effects after gender-affirming surgeries. Managing swelling and numbness is part of post surgery care. Learn how to manage numbness, pain and swelling after surgery to start healing and living in the body you always imagined.
The Post Op Healing Process
After gender-affirming procedures, it’s common to experience pain, swelling and numbness near incision sites. When surgeries are performed, the body goes through major transformations. After surgery, transgender patients may experience swelling. Different procedures have varying degrees of swelling. It can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Post surgery swelling is normal and caused by a number of factors including:
Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation are the body’s first responses to healing. Fluid builds up during the “inflammatory phase.” The body sends healing proteins and immune cells to the surgical area, causing fluid to build up. This aids in the healing process.
Tissue trauma: Incisions made during surgery trigger fluid retention. This helps the body to repair and heal. The longer or more complex the procedure, the longer swelling may persist.
Limited Mobility: Being less active after surgery can result in swelling near the incision site, hands or feet. Fluid can build up in these areas while patients are less active during recovery.
Numbness after surgery is another common side effect. Numbness and tingling can happen when nerves are damaged during surgery. It can take up to several weeks to regain sensation. Regaining full sensation is not guaranteed. Address any concerns with your surgeon and care team during your follow up appointments.
How Long Does Swelling Last after Surgery?
Swelling and post surgery numbness can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The length of healing depends on the procedures performed. For example, top surgery discomfort may subside after a few days. Alternatively, vaginoplasty swelling can occur for 6 weeks or longer. If there were complications during surgery, you may expect a longer recovery time. Communicate any discomfort, numbness or pain with your care team. Your surgeon can provide more information and timeframes for healing.
How to Reduce Swelling After Surgery
Minimizing swelling can help with recovery and the healing process. Compression garments can help with swelling after top surgery. Lymphatic massages can help ease swelling and provide relief and help with drainage. Icing can help reduce swelling at the surgical sites and help with pain management. Proper rest allows the body to heal and recuperate. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet will also help the body to heal.
Staying active post surgery can help aid in recovery. Light stretching, mobility exercises and low impact exercises such as walking or yoga can assist in healing efforts. Consult with your doctor if pain, numbness and swelling persist.
Manage Swelling and Numbness with a Trusted Team
Swelling, pain and numbness are normal symptoms after gender-affirming procedures. Swelling and numbness can be caused by a number of factors. Managing these side effects is part of the healing process. Ice, rest, compression garments, staying hydrated and eating healthy all aid with proper healing. Contact ART Surgical to plan your gender-affirming surgical procedure today.