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What to Expect After Top Surgery: Post-Op Appointments

Top Surgery is a life-changing experience, but the journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Post-operative appointments play a critical role in supporting healing, preventing complications, and ensuring the best possible results. Here’s what to expect during each stage of your post-op care.

Surgery day is often filled with intense emotions, from fear and anxiety to excitement! It’s a major milestone, and feeling overwhelmed is completely normal.

By Day 1 post-op, it’s common to feel a sense of calm or relief. Though some may even feel well enough to go out and about, it’s crucial to rest because your body is in recovery mode.

Day 2 Post-Op: The First Appointment

Timing of the first post-op appointment varies surgeon-to-surgeon. This visit marks the first medical checkpoint after surgery and plays a key role in tracking healing progress. It also provides reassurance: patients begin to see the results of their surgery, ask questions, and receive hands-on care to guide them through the next stage of recovery.

Dr. Javad Sajan in Seattle typically sees his patients on Day 2 post-op, when several key moments in the recovery process take place:

  • Removal of the surgical binder – “The Big Reveal”:
    This is usually the first time patients see their new chest. It’s an emotional and affirming experience and it’s completely normal to shed a few tears as the reality of the transformation begins to set in.
  • Removal of Penrose drains:
    These soft, flexible drains are used temporarily to help prevent fluid buildup (seromas) at the surgical site. While Dr. Sajan typically performs drain-free top surgery, he makes an exception for out-of-town patients who can’t return for frequent follow-ups. In those cases, Penrose drains offer an extra layer of precaution, helping to prevent fluid accumulation during the early days of healing. This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of complications when patients must travel home shortly after surgery.
  • Incision and tissue inspection:
    Dr. Sajan examines the chest for signs of proper healing, checking for swelling, bruising, or early indicators of infection. This early evaluation ensures that everything is progressing as expected and gives patients a chance to ask questions or voice concerns.

One Week Post-Op: Continued Progress

At the one-week mark, Dr. Sajan sees patients again for a follow-up to assess healing and remove remaining post-surgical supports.

  • Bolsters are removed:
    These small dressings are placed over nipple grafts to help secure them during the initial healing phase. Their removal is a sign that the grafts are beginning to settle and integrate well.
  • Binder and drains are fully removed:
    Since binders and drains can cause discomfort, patients often feel a significant improvement in breathing, mobility, and overall comfort once they're taken out at this visit.
  • Healing reassessment:
    Dr. Sajan examines the incisions and nipple grafts to check for healthy tissue integration, early scar development, and any signs of complications. This visit helps ensure that recovery is on the right track.

Three Weeks Post-Op: Virtual Check-In

A virtual appointment at the three-week mark provides another opportunity to check healing progress. These remote check-ins are increasingly common, especially for out-of-town patients. Dr. Sajan reviews scar healing and tissue response, and answers questions—all through telehealth.

One notable benefit of working with Dr. Sajan is his scar care protocol kit that he developed specifically for his Top Surgery patients. This kit includes:

  • Silicone sheets or gel
  • Instructions on scar massage
  • Recommended timelines for when to begin treatments

Proper scar care after Top Surgery can greatly improve long-term cosmetic results, reduce hypertrophic scars, and support smoother healing, leading to flatter, lighter, and more comfortable scars.

Post-op appointments are essential for ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. Dr. Sajan’s patient story highlights how compassionate care and attentive follow-up can make a powerful difference in the recovery journey. Whether you're local or traveling for surgery, understanding what to expect during post-op care can help you feel more confident and prepared going into surgery.

 

Last updated: 11/11/25