Top Surgery Aftercare and Recovery in Istanbul

Good aftercare is as important as the operation itself. After FTM top surgery with Dr. Hakki Izmirli, you stay in Istanbul for about a week for check-ups, and your aftercare continues remotely once you are home. This page explains what to expect, day by day and month by month.

Your Week in Istanbul

Day 0	Surgery under general anaesthesia; you stay one night in hospital
Days 1–7	Rest and check-ups in Istanbul; drains are removed at a check-up
Day 5	After double incision, the tie-over dressings on the nipple grafts are removed
Day 7	Final check before you fly home

Our patient coordinator is available in English throughout your stay. Your hotel and transfers are included in your package. Check-ups take place at the hospital immediately after surgery and at our clinic in Nişantaşı during the rest of your stay.

Recovery Timeline

About 1 week	Return to desk-based work
1 month	Wear the compression binder day and night
2 months	Return to the gym, heavy lifting and upper-body exercise
6–12 months	Swelling settles and scars mature; the final result becomes visible

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the technique; see the double incision, keyhole and periareolar pages for details.

Caring for Your Chest at Home

Wear your compression binder as instructed for one month.
You can shower from the third day after surgery.
Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height and heavy lifting until you are told it is safe.
Keep wounds clean and dry, and follow the dressing instructions you receive before leaving Istanbul.
Do not smoke; smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications, especially with nipple grafts.
Silicone scar tape is usually started 2–3 weeks after surgery, once the wounds have closed.
Protect your scars from the sun for at least the first year.

Remote Follow-Up After You Return Home

Your aftercare does not end when you leave Istanbul. You can send photos and questions to our team, and Dr. Izmirli reviews your healing remotely. We ask you to send photos via WhatsApp at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, so that Dr. Izmirli can follow your result as the swelling settles and the scars mature.

When to Contact Us

a sudden increase in swelling or pain on one side
redness, warmth or discharge from a wound
fever
a nipple graft turning very dark or black
shortness of breath or pain and swelling in a leg

Planning Your Recovery

Every plan starts with a free online consultation. Dr. Izmirli will explain the recovery that applies to your technique, and our coordinator will help you plan your stay in Istanbul. If something still bothers you once you have fully healed, a revision may be an option.

Request a Consultation

Leave your details and our patient coordinator will contact you shortly.

Full Name

Email*

Phone*

Procedure of Interest

Country

Questions or Comments

Age Confirmation and Consent

I am over 18 and I consent to Dr. Hakki Izmirli's clinic processing the information I submit, including any health information, to respond to my inquiry, as described in the Privacy Policy.

About the surgeon

Dr. Hakki Izmirli

Plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience, based in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. Dr. Izmirli trained at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency in Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Kocaeli University. His research on free nipple grafting has been published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and JPRAS.

Professional memberships: WPATH (Full Member) · ISAPS · ASPS (International Member) · TPRECD

Online

consultation

Ready to take the next step? Request your consultation today

Medical disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a personal consultation with a doctor. Every patient is different; results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.