Questions about binding after surgery

[David27]

I had DI surgery on May 12th (17 days ago). My surgeon told me to bind for 4 weeks. I've looked around and it seems 6 weeks is typical. Is 4 weeks ok? My situation below is why I would prefer not to bind any more than I have to.

I just cut the shoulders off of my 988 binders and pin them together as the garment they gave me was a bra, which didn't have enough compression for my liking. I need help from someone to hold my nipples, so that it doesn't shear off. My mom has been doing it and she is always irritated when she does it (esp if she works that day). She is having a surgery, which will hinder her ability to use her arms next week, so she won't really be able to help.

Also are there any other cheap options that may work? I'd prefer not to use Ace bandages. I don't know exactly what people mean by a waist trimmer or if it is the same as a back support.

[lost.cowboy]

This is something I researched a lot (optimal compression time post-surgery) and I may be wrong but I generally seemed to find the longer the better. I personally continued the compression for 8 weeks, my surgeon had recommended at least 6.

I'm guessing there is a lot of healing going on under the skin plus the nipple grafts.

This is the garment I was given:
https://www.macom-medical.com/products/gynecomastia-bodyshaping-compression-vest/22?c=7

[Kreuzfidel]

Binding for 6 weeks??? That seems excessive to me, but you should do whatever your surgeon recommends.  Did they not give you a medical binder?  What I was given was basically an abdominal binder with velcro strips in the front.

[COS]

My surgeon gave me normal bandages and told me to use them for two weeks, so 4 weeks doesn't sound like a short time at all to me. But in retrospect I wish I didn't listen to him, so do what feels right to you - if you still feel like more binding could do some good once you're 4 weeks post-op, go for it.

[Bimmer Guy]

I would suggest doing what your surgeon says.  Personally, I would use whatever garment they gave me.  Even if it looked like a "bra".  They know better than I do, don't they?

The one thing that I have learned in the last 6 months is that our surgeons may have different approaches to top surgery, but it all seems to come out ok in the end (for example, Garramone says you don't have to bind at all.. all surgeons have their own approach).  Call your surgeon and ask them if it is ok to bind longer if that is what you want.  Don't listen to random people on the internet, for crying out loud! 

[SX0877]

I guess following your surgeon's instruction is the best.
I wore a binder for 2 weeks as I was told too, but I have seen people told by their surgeons to bind for much longer like 2-3 months.
After the 2 weeks, a also chose to wear a athletic compression shirt for a few weeks when I exercised.

[David27]

My surgeon approved of modifying the 988's. The bra did give me a lot of compression (painful) before my drains were removed, but they used some medical padding stuff. The padding stuff was disposed of and I didn't think of anything at the time. I might ask my father to assist with putting it on, but he seems weirded out by my incisions. Also the idea of seeing your "daughter" partially naked may bother him (unconscious thought?). He is trying and I can see where the above sentence makes sense from his point of view.

[Bimmer Guy]

My surgeon approved of modifying the 988's. The bra did give me a lot of compression (painful) before my drains were removed, but they used some medical padding stuff. The padding stuff was disposed of and I didn't think of anything at the time. I might ask my father to assist with putting it on, but he seems weirded out by my incisions. Also the idea of seeing your "daughter" partially naked may bother him (unconscious thought?). He is trying and I can see where the above sentence makes sense from his point of view.

I'm glad to hear that you asked your surgeon first about using a binder different from what he gave you.

I am really sorry to hear that you don't have someone in your household who is eager to help you out.  I do kind of get where your Dad is coming from when it comes to still seeing you as his "daughter".  I sometimes think it is harder for Dads than for moms when it comes to FTMs.  I think that some father are pretty "gendered" in terms of their idea of their daughters...anyway, that is a ramble....

How about buying a post surgical vest?  You could get the one with the most compression. http://www.underworks.com/men/post-surgical-vests

If you can afford it, I would think it would be worth the price ($34.99), if you are going to be wearing it for 4 weeks or more.  Also, I am wonder about how struggling out of a binder of any sort could be good for your incisions.

Good luck.

[aleon515]

The one thing that I have learned in the last 6 months is that our surgeons may have different approaches to top surgery, but it all seems to come out ok in the end (for example, Garramone says you don't have to bind at all.. all surgeons have their own approach).  Call your surgeon and ask them if it is ok to bind longer if that is what you want.  Don't listen to random people on the internet, for crying out loud! 

Dr G wraps you so tight after surgery, it takes months to unbind yourself.
Haha don't listen to random people on the internet. Now those are words to live by.


--Jay