What Can You Expect?
Every surgery, and every person, is different, of course, but most patients who have been through FFS report that their recovery was more uncomfortable than painful. In the hours after surgery, there will be a feeling of numbness as the sedation starts to wear off. Also keep in mind that you will be given pain medication to help with any discomfort.
In your first days of recovery, there will be numbness and swelling. There may be heavy swelling around the eyes and around the lips, and it may even be difficult to eat. Your face may feel “tight,” and you may not be able to feel much, which can be strange when you are trying to talk or make a facial expression.
Don’t worry – the numbness and swelling will go away, and there are some things you can do to help reduce your discomfort. Avoid smoking and alcohol before and after your surgery, eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and make sure you take plenty of time off of work to rest and recover. Asking someone to stay with you and help during the recovery period is also a good idea. Finding ways to relax after surgery is important as well – there is a link between stress and pain, and the less stressed out you feel the smoother your recovery will be.
Make sure to follow any instructions your doctor has given you for your recovery period. Take any suggested medication as directed, avoid doing anything too strenuous, and make sure to call your doctor if something just doesn’t seem right.
You probably have a lot of other questions about FFS beyond what to expect as far as your recovery period. Contact Del Rey Face for an FFS facial feminization consultation in Los Angeles. Call the office in Marina Del Rey, California, at 310-823-4444.