Many patients report that the emotional recovery process after any kind of bottom surgery is more difficult than the physical recovery process. This is especially the case if complications arise. The most common complications, like wound openings, resolve with time and proper home care. Even then, it is normal for complications to result in temporary feelings of frustration, sadness and even regret. It is hard to experience delays in the healing timeline: prolonging when you can get back to work, sit comfortably without a supportive pillow for long periods of time, or engage in sexual activity. We encourage you to be patient with your body as it heals from surgical affirmation, lean on your support network (friends, family and/or mental health professionals) and trust that any pain, discomfort and inflammation will eventually subside with the proper care.

Any patient who undergoes urinary lengthening is expected to experience a certain level of discomfort––such as bladder spasms––while they use a catheter. The most common urinary complications that arise usually resolve on their own. We encourage you to share any concerns that arise around irregular urination––like the presence of blood, increased straining, urinary retention, frequent urination or a urinary tract infection––with your surgical team and local provider(s). No concern is too small for us. We are committed to doing everything in our power to support you through the difficulties of your recovery process.

Additionally, wound opening, however slight, can occur when patients make harsh movements early on that stretch the groin. Wound opening can delay the amount of time required to heal, which can cause frustration and sometimes worry in patients as they experience prolonged discomfort and delays in returning to their normal life. We especially encourage scrotoplasty patients to be mindful of this risk. Thankfully, simple wound care should resolve the issue over time. We do not suture reopened wounds from bottom surgery due to infection risk. We encourage you to practice patience, compassion and trust with your body as it does its best to heal.

To help manage and prevent complications, we will present you with recovery guidelines before your operation––such as mobility limitations, exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and addressing your other medical conditions. Know that you can always count on our dedicated staff for support if any issue arises.