Post-Op Care Tips - Summary

[returntocenter]

Hey everyone,

In preparation for a possible implant surgery this year, I've been reviewing older posts on the forum that discuss tips for post-op care. I've collected lots of tips and I want to share them below for others, and also for people to point out if I have missed anything. I want to ensure I don't overlook anything important so my recovery and that of others is as smooth as it can be.

Tips, in no particular order:

1. Put baby socks on the glans of your penis.
Reasoning: Helps manage sensitivity.
- Cut off the elastic for added comfort;
- Buy a bundle so you have a clean one each day;
- Consider putting a paper towel roll over all of it that so nothing touches the glans;
- Cover the inside of the sock in Aspercreme/lidocaine cream;

2. Using Aspercreme in general.
Reasoning: Some implantees report that it helps a lot with the 'achy, uncomfortable feeling' you get post-op.
- Some people apply it on the shaft, for example.

3. Use loose-fitting clothing down there.
Reasoning: comfort.
- Sweatpants
- Robes
- Loose PJ shorts with an open fly with the sock

4. Keep your penis pointing up towards your belly button during the recovery period. Do this for the first two weeks.
Reasoning: It forces the scar tissue forming around the base of the implant to hold it in a more upright angle which will help make your erection point upwards (which most men want).
- You can use jockstraps for this (one brand mentioned was Nasty Pig). Consider getting a size larger than you would normally wear because of the surgical gauze and other material there. I.e. wear a jock strap with a 3" waistband and just wear it a little low so the waistband pins your penis to your abdomen.
- If you don't like the jockstrap, you can use compression shorts instead.
- Briefs are another option. People recommend (for post-op and also long-term) the Separatec brand for this.
-The last option is to tape your penis to your belly with gauze and surgical tape.

5. Pee in the shower, or in a pee bottle like this one: http://tiny.cc/moltvz
Reasoning: Prevents you from having to angle your penis and deal with discomfort.
- You can stand to pee in the bottle and dump it in the toilet when you're done, quick rinse and you're all good. Sit to defecate and still slide it over your penis and pee into it while you make a deposit.

6. Lie down with your feet up.
Reasoning: Reduces swelling, improves circulation, helps manage pain by reducing tension on the surgical area.

7. Ice the area
Reasoning: Manage swelling.
Find specific tips on that here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=21032&p=194869&hilit=baby+sock#p194869

8. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.
Reasoning: back and stomach position hurt.

9. Use a donut cushion for sitting.
Reasoning: It allows you to put your weight down with the curve in the cushion creating space for your package.
Find specific tips on that here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=21032&p=194869&hilit=baby+sock#p194869

10. If your scrotum burns or is uncomfortable, put Aquaphor Healing Ointment on it.
Reasoning: The lubrication takes the burn away.

11. For long-term care, special underwear can be more comfortable.
- Some recommended brands are Separatec, David Archy, SAXX, Stealth, Tommy John, Andrew Christian, Spanx, Obviously Apparel and 2Undr.

Let me know if I missed anything! Thank you.

[satyrum]

Great list. I'm going through recovery period. Here are couple of other things that would make your life easier:

Stock your fridge with healty food (e.g. fresh fruits). This should be done before the day of your surgery.

If you're traveling to be implanted by one of the top microsurgeons, you'll be staying in a hotel room. You better bring books, computer games etc.

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial. You should have enough water supply for a week (roughly 30 liters). There will be restrictions. Lifting more than 3-4 liters of water won't be allowed.

[Gt1956]

1 I didn't need them. But did have them on hand. If you have much foreskin I don't think they're needed
2 Yes, I used almost a whole tube. It does provide some skin softener benefits. Its cheap, consider 2 tubes.
3 Some of this conflicts with #4. If at all possible pay morecatention to #4.
4 I can't emphasize this enough. A jock strap is necessary for the best erect angle. I suggest to NOT buy a size up. That just lets your penis fall over. Consider some wash cloths to roll up to block your penis into position. It'll want to fall over. I bought clip on suspenders. The back was done normally. I clipped the front straps to my jock strap & my underwear. Keep them as snug as you can bear. This method will keep your penis erect better than almost any other method. Before you ask, it does make peeing an event. Plan you toilet visit a few minutes early. Well worth the hassle.
5 I never had any trouble peeing. Stand back a small amount. Lean forward placing one hand on the wall behind the toilet. Guide with your dominant hand. Takes a trip or two to pefect the method. I never used my portable urinal. I took it back for a refund.
6 You can do that. I sat in a car seat for almost 8 hours on day 2. I even pumped the gas. Sat on a couch. If you get tired just lay flat on a bed for awhile. I never felt the need to elevate my feet.
7 Spot on. I used real ice, didn't drain the water for awhile. Ice water seemed to conform to my penis better. Keep the freezer chugging out the ice. Be aware of the time to switch to heat.
8 First few nights I did sleep in a modified back/side position. Slowly went to side sleeping. Between the ice bag & the heating pad. I did use a small pillow but not a lot.
9 Sorry, never felt like I needed that. Close examination might reveal your "package" is more forward than you think.
10 Aspercream seemed to fill this need. I used it almost everywear at one time or the other. Aftervit is absorbed, it seems to leave a slight oily surface.
11 Maybe, but I'm very comfortable in Haines boxer briefs. Same as before the implant.

Honestly, there isn't anything wrong with your list. Just in my case most of it was overkill. By keeping it simple I was more compliant. That is the whole point. Complicated processes can lead to less compliance. Please remember that I did have scrotal surgery. My wifes swears that I have a low pain tolerance. I disagree.

Also, be sure to buy 1 bottle each of generic ibuprofen & acetaminophen. Alternate which you take. Its a life saver as you transition from pain pills to none. Also, two ibuprofen before bed helps you get the rest you deserve.

Good luck.

[ThailandBound]

You’ve really paid attention and consolidated a good bit of knowledge from your predecessors.

For me the keys to my very successful recovery were:

1. Icing. Real ice, in gallon zipplock bags. As mentioned above, as the ice melts it conforms to the contours of your entire package, including scrotum. As much as possible for 4 days. My swelling & bruising were minimal.

2. Baby socks on glans. Also as mentioned above, the uncircumcised may not require these. I’m circumcised. Was helpful.

3. I only pointed mine up while dressed with a jockstrap. Much of the time i just let it hang.

4. Donut cushion was very helpful in the early days. This discomfort will indeed pass.

5. I’m a believer in the healing power of vegetables, which the American diet frequently lacks. I used to juice fresh vegetables but the expense, the time, and the mess were problematic. Instead, i take a daily powdered supplement mixed with water called AG1. Sourced from a variety of fresh vegetables, the boost to cellular repair + the hydration of the water can only be a good thing. Lots of new vegetable powders appearing on the market now, so take your pick.

6. Maintain a positive attitude. Some guys focus on the loss of the dick of their youth and obsess over centimeters of size loss, angles, girth. That will all resolve. Remember that healing is a process that takes time. Cycling is rehab and not playtime. Focus on the renewed sex life you will restore. Lean on the support of the forum when you have a concern.

[returntocenter]

Great list. I'm going through recovery period. Here are couple of other things that would make your life easier:

Stock your fridge with healty food (e.g. fresh fruits). This should be done before the day of your surgery.

If you're traveling to be implanted by one of the top microsurgeons, you'll be staying in a hotel room. You better bring books, computer games etc.

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial. You should have enough water supply for a week (roughly 30 liters). There will be restrictions. Lifting more than 3-4 liters of water won't be allowed.

Great suggestions, thanks for sharing.

[returntocenter]

1 I didn't need them. But did have them on hand. If you have much foreskin I don't think they're needed
2 Yes, I used almost a whole tube. It does provide some skin softener benefits. Its cheap, consider 2 tubes.
3 Some of this conflicts with #4. If at all possible pay morecatention to #4.
4 I can't emphasize this enough. A jock strap is necessary for the best erect angle. I suggest to NOT buy a size up. That just lets your penis fall over. Consider some wash cloths to roll up to block your penis into position. It'll want to fall over. I bought clip on suspenders. The back was done normally. I clipped the front straps to my jock strap & my underwear. Keep them as snug as you can bear. This method will keep your penis erect better than almost any other method. Before you ask, it does make peeing an event. Plan you toilet visit a few minutes early. Well worth the hassle.
5 I never had any trouble peeing. Stand back a small amount. Lean forward placing one hand on the wall behind the toilet. Guide with your dominant hand. Takes a trip or two to pefect the method. I never used my portable urinal. I took it back for a refund.
6 You can do that. I sat in a car seat for almost 8 hours on day 2. I even pumped the gas. Sat on a couch. If you get tired just lay flat on a bed for awhile. I never felt the need to elevate my feet.
7 Spot on. I used real ice, didn't drain the water for awhile. Ice water seemed to conform to my penis better. Keep the freezer chugging out the ice. Be aware of the time to switch to heat.
8 First few nights I did sleep in a modified back/side position. Slowly went to side sleeping. Between the ice bag & the heating pad. I did use a small pillow but not a lot.
9 Sorry, never felt like I needed that. Close examination might reveal your "package" is more forward than you think.
10 Aspercream seemed to fill this need. I used it almost everywear at one time or the other. Aftervit is absorbed, it seems to leave a slight oily surface.
11 Maybe, but I'm very comfortable in Haines boxer briefs. Same as before the implant.

Honestly, there isn't anything wrong with your list. Just in my case most of it was overkill. By keeping it simple I was more compliant. That is the whole point. Complicated processes can lead to less compliance. Please remember that I did have scrotal surgery. My wifes swears that I have a low pain tolerance. I disagree.

Also, be sure to buy 1 bottle each of generic ibuprofen & acetaminophen. Alternate which you take. Its a life saver as you transition from pain pills to none. Also, two ibuprofen before bed helps you get the rest you deserve.

Good luck.

Appreciate your thoughts GT. A question for you on points 2 and 11 - how soon did you start applying the Aspercreme, and should one be worried about infection risk while using it? I'd be worried about getting the cream on the sutures in the early days. Is this not a problem?

[returntocenter]

You’ve really paid attention and consolidated a good bit of knowledge from your predecessors.

For me the keys to my very successful recovery were:

1. Icing. Real ice, in gallon zipplock bags. As mentioned above, as the ice melts it conforms to the contours of your entire package, including scrotum. As much as possible for 4 days. My swelling & bruising were minimal.

2. Baby socks on glans. Also as mentioned above, the uncircumcised may not require these. I’m circumcised. Was helpful.

3. I only pointed mine up while dressed with a jockstrap. Much of the time i just let it hang.

4. Donut cushion was very helpful in the early days. This discomfort will indeed pass.

5. I’m a believer in the healing power of vegetables, which the American diet frequently lacks. I used to juice fresh vegetables but the expense, the time, and the mess were problematic. Instead, i take a daily powdered supplement mixed with water called AG1. Sourced from a variety of fresh vegetables, the boost to cellular repair + the hydration of the water can only be a good thing. Lots of new vegetable powders appearing on the market now, so take your pick.

6. Maintain a positive attitude. Some guys focus on the loss of the dick of their youth and obsess over centimeters of size loss, angles, girth. That will all resolve. Remember that healing is a process that takes time. Cycling is rehab and not playtime. Focus on the renewed sex life you will restore. Lean on the support of the forum when you have a concern.

Thanks ThailandBound - great tips. I've heard of AG1, I'll look into it some more. The positive attitude is indeed really important.

[Gt1956]

1 I didn't need them. But did have them on hand. If you have much foreskin I don't think they're needed
2 Yes, I used almost a whole tube. It does provide some skin softener benefits. Its cheap, consider 2 tubes.
3 Some of this conflicts with #4. If at all possible pay morecatention to #4.
4 I can't emphasize this enough. A jock strap is necessary for the best erect angle. I suggest to NOT buy a size up. That just lets your penis fall over. Consider some wash cloths to roll up to block your penis into position. It'll want to fall over. I bought clip on suspenders. The back was done normally. I clipped the front straps to my jock strap & my underwear. Keep them as snug as you can bear. This method will keep your penis erect better than almost any other method. Before you ask, it does make peeing an event. Plan you toilet visit a few minutes early. Well worth the hassle.
5 I never had any trouble peeing. Stand back a small amount. Lean forward placing one hand on the wall behind the toilet. Guide with your dominant hand. Takes a trip or two to pefect the method. I never used my portable urinal. I took it back for a refund.
6 You can do that. I sat in a car seat for almost 8 hours on day 2. I even pumped the gas. Sat on a couch. If you get tired just lay flat on a bed for awhile. I never felt the need to elevate my feet.
7 Spot on. I used real ice, didn't drain the water for awhile. Ice water seemed to conform to my penis better. Keep the freezer chugging out the ice. Be aware of the time to switch to heat.
8 First few nights I did sleep in a modified back/side position. Slowly went to side sleeping. Between the ice bag & the heating pad. I did use a small pillow but not a lot.
9 Sorry, never felt like I needed that. Close examination might reveal your "package" is more forward than you think.
10 Aspercream seemed to fill this need. I used it almost everywear at one time or the other. Aftervit is absorbed, it seems to leave a slight oily surface.
11 Maybe, but I'm very comfortable in Haines boxer briefs. Same as before the implant.

Honestly, there isn't anything wrong with your list. Just in my case most of it was overkill. By keeping it simple I was more compliant. That is the whole point. Complicated processes can lead to less compliance. Please remember that I did have scrotal surgery. My wifes swears that I have a low pain tolerance. I disagree.

Also, be sure to buy 1 bottle each of generic ibuprofen & acetaminophen. Alternate which you take. Its a life saver as you transition from pain pills to none. Also, two ibuprofen before bed helps you get the rest you deserve.

Good luck.

Appreciate your thoughts GT. A question for you on points 2 and 11 - how soon did you start applying the Aspercreme, and should one be worried about infection risk while using it? I'd be worried about getting the cream on the sutures in the early days. Is this not a problem?

#2 I used it as soon as I needed it. Maybe around day two. A decent coating maybe twice a day. It soaks in quickly. The first application was a light coat. It worked pretty good, seemed to soak in fast. After that I used it generously. Just guessing, my tube lasted a few days. The shaft settled down quickly so I didn't buy a second tube of it. My incision is on the upper part of the scrotum. If I got any on the incision it was a minor amount. Also, per my signiture line. I had a scrotal approach. Pubic might get more aspercream on it. But you do bring up a good point. Read the box, most stuff says to not apply to broken skin. If it has that warning. Ask a pharmacist what happens if you accidently get some on a closed cut?

There is a Walmart neighborhood market about half a mile from where I was recovering. Driving wasn't an issue. So I knew that I could buy supplies in a moments notice so I didn't feel the need to buy too much stuff at a time. But I personally would be willing to buy two tubes of aspercream. As I remember it was cheap & provide relief above it purchase price. Its bang per buck was good.

I don't see a question relating to #11. Best I can say is I always wore my normal underwear. Never had an issue.

Feel free to ask more questions. Be aware that I did buy most of the suggested stuff excpet underwear. I did take a fair amount of stuff back to Walmart. At least in my case, recovery was about what I expected it to be. Pain was manageable. I think days 5 & 6 were the worst. Don't let the ibuprofen & acetaminophen wear off. Once you're in discomfort it takes a higher dose to get it back under control. Just accept them as a preventive form of pain control for 7 maybe 10 days. I believe you should be ok. Just be sure to take your meds.