How to Successfully Recover After Sex Reassignment Surgery

Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative Instructions for SRS

no_smoking-before-and-after-sex-reassignment-surgery

1. No Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited for at least the first 2 weeks after sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, particularly nicotine and carbon monoxide, can reduce oxygen and nutritional blood flow to the skin. This can lead to tissue ischemia, impaired wound healing, and even skin necrosis.

2. Activities

For optimal recovery, it is essential to stay in your hotel room for sufficient rest during the first 2 weeks post-surgery. Our affiliated hotels offer room service for breakfast without extra charge, and we recommend using room service for lunch and dinner during this period. After 2 weeks, light activities inside the hotel, such as dining or chatting in the lobby, may be possible. However, please consult our nurses to ensure you are fit for these activities.

3. Medication

We provide all necessary medications throughout your recovery in Thailand and for home use without additional charges. It is crucial to follow the medication instructions strictly and complete the prescribed course of prophylactic antibiotics. Potent pain relievers like Tramadol are provided for comfort. Do not take estrogen hormones during your recovery in Thailand to avoid the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). You can resume HRT (hormonal replacement therapy) upon returning home, but delicate adjustments should be managed by your hormone specialist.

4. Type of Food

4.1 Skin Graft Technique

During the first week of recovery, a full liquid and soft diet is recommended. Examples include cream soups, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, tuna, chocolate milk, and canned fruits. Regular food can be resumed after the first week.

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

A clear liquid diet followed by a full liquid diet is allowed step by step during the first week. After resuming bowel movements, a soft diet is recommended,

Dr. Chettawut’s vaginal dilator set (5 sizes)
Dilator no. 0 (Ø 20 mm)
Dilator no. 1 (Ø 23 mm)
Dilator no. 2 (Ø 26 mm)
Dilator no. 3 (Ø 29 mm)
Dilator no. 4 (Ø 32 mm)
The length of each dilator is approximately 8.5 inches

QC water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly

&

Anesthetic water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly for vaginal dilation

A soft donut pillow (For displacing the pressure away from the site of SRS) to utilize when sitting

Baby wipe
(Disposable cloths used to cleanse the sensitive skin)

One pack of disposable bed sheet pads
(Under-buttock bed sheet) & Sanitary pad

A stand mirror for giving you a better view of the dilator’s direction during dilation

usually in the second week. Regular food can be resumed once you are back in your country.

Nursing Care at the Hotel & Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative SRS Care Kit

Our highly qualified surgical nurses, who assisted Dr. Chettawut during the operation, will visit you daily at our affiliated hotels. They will provide necessary aftercare and supervise your vaginal dilation routine. This continuity of care from surgery to recovery promotes a good nurse-patient relationship and efficient care.

Upon discharge from Chettawut Plastic Surgery Center, you will receive:

Two SRS certificates with Dr. Chettawut’s original handwritten signatures.
All necessary oral medications with detailed instructions.
A set of SRS care kits.

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

A clear liquid diet followed by a full liquid diet is allowed step by step during the first week. After resuming bowel movements, a soft diet is recommended,

Dr. Chettawut’s vaginal dilator set (5 sizes)
Dilator no. 0 (Ø 20 mm)
Dilator no. 1 (Ø 23 mm)
Dilator no. 2 (Ø 26 mm)
Dilator no. 3 (Ø 29 mm)
Dilator no. 4 (Ø 32 mm)
The length of each dilator is approximately 8.5 inches

QC water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly

&

Anesthetic water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly for vaginal dilation

A soft donut pillow (For displacing the pressure away from the site of SRS) to utilize when sitting

Baby wipe
(Disposable cloths used to cleanse the sensitive skin)

One pack of disposable bed sheet pads
(Under-buttock bed sheet) & Sanitary pad

A stand mirror for giving you a better view of the dilator’s direction during dilation

usually in the second week. Regular food can be resumed once you are back in your country.

Nursing Care at the Hotel & Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative SRS Care Kit

Our highly qualified surgical nurses, who assisted Dr. Chettawut during the operation, will visit you daily at our affiliated hotels. They will provide necessary aftercare and supervise your vaginal dilation routine. This continuity of care from surgery to recovery promotes a good nurse-patient relationship and efficient care.

Upon discharge from Chettawut Plastic Surgery Center, you will receive:

Two SRS certificates with Dr. Chettawut’s original handwritten signatures.
All necessary oral medications with detailed instructions.
A set of SRS care kits.

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

A clear liquid diet followed by a full liquid diet is allowed step by step during the first week. After resuming bowel movements, a soft diet is recommended,

Dr. Chettawut’s vaginal dilator set (5 sizes)
Dilator no. 0 (Ø 20 mm)
Dilator no. 1 (Ø 23 mm)
Dilator no. 2 (Ø 26 mm)
Dilator no. 3 (Ø 29 mm)
Dilator no. 4 (Ø 32 mm)
The length of each dilator is approximately 8.5 inches

QC water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly

&

Anesthetic water soluble vaginal lubricant jelly for vaginal dilation

A soft donut pillow (For displacing the pressure away from the site of SRS) to utilize when sitting

Baby wipe
(Disposable cloths used to cleanse the sensitive skin)

One pack of disposable bed sheet pads
(Under-buttock bed sheet) & Sanitary pad

A stand mirror for giving you a better view of the dilator’s direction during dilation

usually in the second week. Regular food can be resumed once you are back in your country.

Nursing Care at the Hotel & Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative SRS Care Kit

Our highly qualified surgical nurses, who assisted Dr. Chettawut during the operation, will visit you daily at our affiliated hotels. They will provide necessary aftercare and supervise your vaginal dilation routine. This continuity of care from surgery to recovery promotes a good nurse-patient relationship and efficient care.

Upon discharge from Chettawut Plastic Surgery Center, you will receive:

Two SRS certificates with Dr. Chettawut’s original handwritten signatures.
All necessary oral medications with detailed instructions.
A set of SRS care kits.

How to Plan for Recovery at Home After SRS

Rest is crucial during the first 2 months after surgery. Avoid stress, heavy lifting (over 5 pounds), and long walks. Short, regular walks are preferable. A gradual return to work with light duties or reduced hours is recommended.

Activity Restrictions During the First 3 Months After SRS

To ensure complete healing, avoid activities that may cause wound complications. Forbidden activities include:

Stretching or spreading the labia to clean, view, or photograph.
Sexual intercourse.
Strenuous activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, or motorcycle riding.
Sports or exercises that may overstretch the genital area, including yoga, aerobic dancing, and pilates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is smoking prohibited after SRS, and why?

Smoking is strictly prohibited for at least the first 2 weeks after surgery. Chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce oxygen and nutrient flow to the skin, which can lead to tissue ischemia, poor wound healing, or even skin necrosis.

What's the recommended activity level during the first two weeks of recovery?

Patients are advised to rest in their hotel room during the first 2 weeks, using room service for meals. After that, light activities like dining in the lobby may be possible, but only after checking with the nursing team.

Can patients resume hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during recovery in Thailand?

No. Estrogen hormones shouldn’t be taken during recovery in Thailand, due to the added risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). HRT can be resumed once the patient is back home, with adjustments managed by their hormone specialist.

What kind of diet is recommended after surgery, and does it differ by technique?

For the skin graft technique, a full liquid and soft diet is recommended during the first week, with regular food resuming after that. For the colon graft technique, patients start with a clear liquid diet, move to a full liquid diet, then a soft diet once bowel movements resume – usually in the second week – with regular food resuming only after returning home.

What activities should be avoided during the first 3 months after SRS?

Patients should avoid stretching or spreading the labia to clean, view, or photograph the area, sexual intercourse, strenuous activities like hiking or bicycling, and exercises that overstretch the genital area such as yoga or aerobic dancing.

Book your consultation

Ready to learn more, or need support with your dilation routine? Contact Dr. Chettasak’s team at WIH International Hospital.

WhatsApp: +66 95 650 3892
info@wihhospital.com

How to successfully recover after Sex reassignment surgery

Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative Instructions for SRS

1. No Smoking

2. Activities

3. Medication

Dr. Chettawut’s Post-Operative Instructions for SRS

1. No Smoking

2. Activities

3. Medication

1. No Smoking

3. Medication

4. Type of Food

4.1 Skin Graft Technique

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

4.2 Colon Graft Technique

How to Plan for Recovery at Home After SRS

Activity Restrictions During the First 3 Months After SRS

Frequently Asked Questions

Book your consultation

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WIH International Hospital, Bangkok Thailand

WIH International Hospital, Bangkok Thailand