8 Must Have Essentials for Your Postoperative Vaginoplasty Kit!
Are you planning or getting ready for vaginoplasty? Then you must wonder what essential supplies you’ll need for postoperative care.
Vaginoplasty surgery is often the last procedure on your way to physical transition. That’s because it’s a more complicated surgery, and you need to make sure you are adequately prepared for it.
And trust me! You want to make sure you are prepared because the last thing you want is to find yourself in need of essentials after the surgery and not be able to physically go to the store.
When it comes to big surgeries, preparation is often the key. Being prepared:
Helps decrease any anxiety you feel before surgery.
Helps you feel more in control.
Increases positive thoughts you feel associated with the surgical outcome.
Decreases worries and fears you have associated with potential complications.
To find out just what kind of essentials should be in your preparation kit, I reached out to one of my top two gender-affirming surgeons in California.
Dr. Thomas Satterwhite, the founder of Align Surgical Associates Inc., is a plastic reconstructive surgeon serving the Bay Area. Highly regarded in the transgender community, Dr. Satterwhite is well-spoken for his surgical skill, individual attentiveness to each patient, and his passion for working with transgender people.
Dr. Satterwhite suggests the following eight essentials in your postoperative kit before undergoing vaginoplasty.
#1 MASSENGILL A NON-SCENTED DOUCHE OR PLAIN WHITE VINEGAR
Douching is an important part of postoperative care.
It helps remove dead skin cells and prevent bacterial overgrowth.
You will need to douche with Massengill, a non-scented pre-mixed douche.
Or make your douche mixture by mixing one tablespoon WHITE vinegar (5 ml) with 1 cup tap water, and place into an enema/douche bottle.
Your doctor should provide you with douching instructions.
#2 MAXI PADS OR INCONTINENCE DIAPERS (brands: Always or Depends)
One of the common postoperative issues is drainage.
Especially for the first six weeks.
For this reason, it is essential to have Maxi pads or incontinence diapers handy.
Make sure to buy more than one pack as you may have to change Maxi pads every 2 hours initially or more frequently to ensure the surgical site is dry.
#3 COMFORTABLE COTTON UNDERWEAR
You want to feel comfortable after the surgery.
For this reason, ensure your underwear is not tight or has a tight waistband.
To avoid yeast infections in the first three months, ensure your underwear is not silk or synthetic.
#4 SPRAY BOTTLES & BABY WIPES
After urination or bowel movement, rinse the genital and rectal areas with soap and warm water.
If you find difficulty in rinsing yourself, use a spray bottle with water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap.
Alternatively, you can use baby wipes, a moistened towel, or a cloth to cleanse the area.
If you are traveling, baby wipes are essential to have on hand.
#5 BACITRACIN ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
You want to avoid Neosporin (Neomycin) because this can cause allergic reactions in many people.
You will need to apply BACITRACIN antibacterial ointment to the incision lines and the clitoris to avoid bacteria.
Your doctor should provide instructions on how often you should apply ointment.
#6 DONUT RING
Sitting for extended periods may be uncomfortable for the first month after the surgery.
For comfort, it is recommended you purchase a donut ring before your operation.
Dr. Satterwhite even suggests bringing it with you to the hospital.
This will help relieve pressure on the surgical site.
#7 GAUZE 4X4
After being released from the hospital, you will be instructed on properly caring for the surgical site.
To help you care for the site, you’ll need gauze.
#8 WATER-BASED JELLY LUBRICANT
Your doctor should instruct you when you need to begin dilation.
Remember, dilation is an incredibly important part of postoperative care.
You will need to apply water-based jelly lubricant to the dilator before insertion (your doctor should provide you with a dilator set).
Only use water-based lubrication.
Avoid silicone-based lubricants.
Dr. Satterwhite recommends K-Y Jelly or Surgilube.
I recommend McKesson, a brand liked by many of my clients.
Remember that your surgeon may require other items not listed in this kit. Discuss postoperative care with your doctor to ensure you have the essentials.
