FTM Top Surgery Guide
Please read these instructions carefully before your FTM top surgery at Evita Clinic. Proper preparation helps make surgery safer, recovery smoother, and healing more predictable.
Most Important Notes
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- Follow-Up Visit: You must return to Evita Clinic the day after surgery for your first postoperative check-up.
- Smoking: Stop smoking at least 1 week before surgery and avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks afterward.
- Medical Information: Please inform our medical staff in advance about any medical conditions, allergies, medications, supplements, or hormone therapy.
- GLP-1 Medications: Stop Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Rybelsus®, and similar GLP-1 weight-loss or diabetes medications at least 1 week before surgery.
- Bring Your Passport: Please bring your passport or identification document on the day of surgery.
Before Surgery Checklist
Stop Smoking
Please stop smoking at least 1 week before surgery and avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Smoking may interfere with blood circulation, delay wound healing, and increase the risk of complications.
Blood-Thinning Medications
Please inform Evita Clinic if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.
- Aspirin
- Plavix (Clopidogrel)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
- Eliquis (Apixaban)
Do not stop prescription medications on your own.
If these medications were prescribed by another physician, please inform Evita Clinic before surgery so that we can provide appropriate guidance.
Medical Conditions, Allergies and Medications
Please inform our medical staff before surgery if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or are currently taking any medications.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Bleeding or clotting disorders
- Previous surgeries
- Antibiotic allergies
- Pain medication allergies
- Other medication allergies
- Soybean allergy
- Previous anesthesia-related complications
Please also inform us about any prescription medications, hormone therapy, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, or dietary supplements you are currently taking.
Please inform our medical staff if you are currently using testosterone or any other hormone therapy.
Because IV sedation is commonly used during surgery, it is important to inform our medical staff if you have a history of soybean allergy or previous reactions to anesthesia.
Providing accurate medical information helps us plan your surgery safely and reduce the risk of complications.
Weight-Loss Medications (GLP-1 Medications)
Please inform Evita Clinic if you are currently using any weight-loss or diabetes medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Rybelsus®, or similar GLP-1 medications.
These medications may slow stomach emptying and can affect anesthesia safety, even when surgery is performed under IV sedation.
Stop GLP-1 medications at least 1 week before surgery.
If you use the medication for diabetes, please inform Evita Clinic and the physician who prescribed it before changing your medication schedule.
Menstrual Period
Surgery can usually be performed during your menstrual period.
If your menstrual period is expected around the time of surgery or early recovery, please let our medical staff know in advance.
We may provide additional guidance to help make your recovery more comfortable.
Existing Chest Tattoos May Be Affected
If you have tattoos on your chest or near the surgical area, please be aware that part of the tattoo may be removed, distorted, or repositioned during surgery.
This may be unavoidable depending on the surgical technique and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Please discuss any concerns about existing tattoos with Dr. Jeon during your consultation.
Chest and Nipple Piercings
Please remove all chest, nipple, and body piercings before surgery.
Piercings can interfere with surgical preparation, increase infection risk, and may not be safe during the procedure.
Plan Your Recovery
After FTM top surgery, you may have temporary limitations in arm movement during the early recovery period.
Please plan your work schedule, school schedule, travel plans, and daily activities accordingly before surgery.
If your work or daily activities require frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or overhead arm movement, please discuss your expected recovery timeline with Dr. Jeon before surgery.
Prepare Comfortable Clothing
Prepare loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off without raising your arms high.
Front-button or front-zip clothing is strongly recommended.
Avoid tight shirts or clothing that must be pulled over your head.
Begin Fasting
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, coffee, tea, juice, or other beverages.
On the Day of Surgery
- Bring your passport or identification document.
- Wear loose, comfortable, front-opening clothing.
- Remove all jewelry, piercings, watches, and accessories before arriving at the clinic.
- Remove contact lenses before surgery.
- Do not drive yourself to or from the clinic.
- We recommend coming with a family member, friend, or companion who can assist you after surgery.
- Arrive at the scheduled appointment time provided by our coordinator.
What to Expect After Surgery
- FTM top surgery is usually performed under IV sedation.
- The procedure time varies depending on the surgical technique and extent of correction.
- You may need to wear a compression garment or surgical binder after surgery.
- Drains may be placed depending on the surgical method.
- Swelling, tightness, bruising, and limited arm movement are common during early recovery.
- You must return to Evita Clinic the following day for your first postoperative check-up.
Important Note
Every patient heals differently. Please follow all instructions provided by Evita Clinic and contact us if you have any questions about medications, fasting, allergies, hormone therapy, arm movement restrictions, or your surgery schedule.
Questions?
If you are unsure about any instruction, please contact Evita Clinic before your scheduled surgery date.