Can I have surgery without starting testosterone?

Yes, in Spain there is no legal obligation to have started hormone treatment in order to have access to top surgery if you are of legal age. Hormone treatment and surgery are independent decisions. There are people who have surgery before starting testosterone, others during the treatment and others who never undergo hormone treatment. What matters is that the decision is yours and is well informed.

How long do I have to take time off work?

It depends on the type of job you have. For office work or work that can be done from home, most patients can return to work in about 7 to 10 days. For physical work involving arm strain or weight bearing, the usual recommendation is to wait 4-6 weeks. This should be planned in advance and agreed with the surgeon according to your specific case.

Will I lose nipple sensitivity forever?

This is a very common and completely legitimate concern. In the first few weeks, a partial reduction in sensitivity in the nipple and areola area is common. In most cases this sensation is temporary and recovers progressively over the following months. The degree of sensory recovery depends on the technique used and the anatomy of each person, and is something that the surgeon can explain to you in detail in the preoperative consultation.

When can I start exercising again and in what order?

Recovery from physical activity is progressive. Gentle walking can be resumed from the first few days, without forcing. From the second or third week onwards, it is usual to start mobility exercises with a physiotherapist. Moderate aerobic exercise is usually authorised around the fourth week, and strength training or any exercise that involves tension on the pectoral muscle, generally not before the sixth week and always with the surgeon's approval. Returning early to intense exercise is one of the most common mistakes and can seriously affect the outcome.

Is it normal that I don't like the result at first?

Yes, and it is more common than is often talked about. For the first few days, with a bandaged chest, swelling and inflammation, the image you see in the mirror does not represent the real result. It can take weeks or even months for the swelling to go away completely. Many patients who worry about the result in the first few days are very satisfied when they see how the contour evolves over time. If you have any doubts about how it is evolving, ask the medical team: they are there to accompany you throughout the process.

mastectomy trans men - Richard Fakin

Top surgery FTM (mastectomy): what to expect before, during and after surgery

FTM (mastectomy) top surgery is one of the most important surgeries in the gender affirmation process. In this article we explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure, with a practical guide to understanding recovery and making informed decisions.

Pedro HenriquezApril 20, 2026

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Tag: mastectomy trans men

Top surgery FTM (mastectomy): what to expect before, during and after surgery

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