FAQ

How long should I stay in Ghent after surgery?

When it is an extensive surgery you can fly home 8 days after surgery. For a typical schedule look on this webpage: http://facialfeminization.eu/practical/operation/typical-stay-in-belgium/

What happens with the stitches in my mouth?

They dissolve after a week or two. They don’t have to be removed.

When can I wash my hair?

Almost immediately. Don’t be alarmed if the wound bleeds a little bit while washing your hair. For wound healing it’s very good to remove all excessive blood cloths and crusts, even better when you use shampoo. Just remember to blow-dry thoroughly and dab with a drying antiseptic, like alchohol, afterwards to eliminate any remaining moisture.

Should I sunbathe?

The young scar is very sensitive to the sun´s rays as it contains very few melanocytes. Therefore during the first 6 months after surgery we recommend protecting the scar with a sunblock or to stay out of the sun. During the first week after surgery it’s better to keep out of the sun completely as the risk for infection might be higher if your face and body get too warm.

What about smoking?

As smoking counteracts wound healing we strongly advise against smoking during the 3 weeks before surgery until 3 weeks after surgery. Smoking dramatically increases the risk for skin necrosis and should be avoided at all times.

When should I expect to return to work?

Normally our patients return to Normally our patients return to work after 2 to 6 weeks, according to the extent of surgery.

How long will I have swelling?

About 90% of swelling will have disappeared after 2 to 3 weeks. For a final result you’ll have to wait up to 1 year.

Where will the swelling be?

Immediately after surgery the swelling will be mostly in areas of loose connective tissue (cheeks, lips, around eyes). During the first few days, the swelling will move downwards towards the lower jaw and neck due to gravity.  Swelling and bruising differ strongly from one person to another and can be anywhere. Preferential places are around the eyes and in the lips, but can also involve the lower jaw and neck. Bruising may not appear immediately and will gradually fade over the course of several weeks.

What will the hairline scar be like?

The hairline scar will be irregularly curved for a natural effect. In the beginning it will be red and quite visible, but after about 6 weeks it will become less conspicuous and the hair will start to grow through the fine scar. Maturation of the scar will take approximately one year.

Will I lose hair?

As the incision is just inside the hairline and the mobilisation of the scalp is in a layer deep under the roots of the hair, you shouldn’t lose much hair. Any hair loss is usually minor and temporary.

Will I have numbness?

The treatment areas will feel numb in the beginning. It will take 3-6 months to recover feeling, and you may not regain the same level of feeling as before.

What kind of pain can I expect?

Pain is surprisingly mild, considering the extensiveness of the surgery performed. Many patients don’t speak of pain at all but more of discomfort. With normal pain suppressants and anti-inflammatories, any pain and swelling can be well managed.

How do I clean the extra-oral incision areas? What should I do and for how long?

If there are steri-strips covering the wound or you have a bandage you should not touch it and keep it dry. If there are no strips or bandages, extra-oral incision area’s should be cleaned carefully on a daily basis by bathing the area as advised and patting it dry carefully. After about 2 weeks the wounds will be healed enough to begin applying a special ointment to improve the scars. For this we recommend Dermatix gel, which you can buy at any pharmacy. Use this ointment with gentle massage for about 3 months until the scar has matured.

Will I be able to eat?

If you haven’t had any treatment involving your teeth or orthognathic surgery, you’ll be able to eat normally quite soon. Due to the effects of general anesthesia, you should only feel nausea for the first few hours. You may prefer to eat softer or pureed foods initially if you have intra-oral sutures. Patients should prepare accordingly in advance and purchase juices, yoghurt and soups to have during for the first few days after surgery.

Will I be able to get up and walk around?

In the hospital, once the catheter has been disconnected, you should gently work up to getting out of the bed and walking around a bit, unless your doctor advises differently. Listen to your body carefully and get plenty of rest, but don’t stay in bed all day. After a few days you’ll like to go outside, which you should do.

What happens if I need to see a doctor when I return to my home country?

We would advise you to see your GP or the doctor that is on call. We would then discuss the problem with this doctor once you’ve been seen, and recommend the appropriate treatment. In extremely rare cases it might be necessary for you to come to Ghent.

Any other question?

Please contact us with the box on the side. We will answer your question as soon as possible.