Photo dates: 

1: Day before surgery compared to 3 weeks post-op. I was grumpy yesterday, my frown is not an indication of satisfaction with results! 

2: day 1 post-op

3: day 6 post-op

4: day 10 post-op

5: 13 days post-op

6: 15 days post-op

7: 17 days post-op

8: 21 days post-op

9: left nipple progression 

10: right nipple progression 

Note: I didn't have drains for my surgery. 
My surgeon was Dr. Kathleen Armstrong, in Toronto.

I just passed the 3 week mark, thought I'd share the photos. Definitely feels like the longest 3 weeks of my life, probably because I'm paying such close attention to all these little changes. My right nipple - the one without the tattoo over it - went a little funny on me and I was close to contacting my surgeon, but I tried some antibiotic ointment with the Vaseline and whatever infection was growing was quickly removed. That nipple seemed a lot bigger for a while, but it just took longer to slough off the scabbing. The white underneath is - I am 99% sure - new skin, and the nipple now looks like it'll be about the same size as my left. 

I also had really bad bruising after my surgery, moreso than most people but still nothing to be worried about. Most of it didn't hurt at all and some areas were just sore to the touch. I did feel like I'd be bruised forever, until about the end of week 2 when they really started fading. They're gone now. 

I added closeups of my left (tattoo) and right (no tattoo) nipples.  

As for activities, my surgical team gave me the go ahead to lift above my head after the first week, and I can lift up to 15lbs. I keep it under that, but I can do small grocery runs (our store is across the street), I can do small loads of laundry, and I walk about 2 hours a day, broken up in 30-40 minute walks. I don't cook, but I do make sandwiches and heat up food in the microwave. I probably could cook, but I don't want to. I'm bad at it. 

I also went to the Toronto Pride Parade, and was very, very tired after about 2 hours of standing, but I needed to see friends and wanted to be trans with a bunch of my trans friends surrounded by queers. I live with a bunch of cishet dudes and I needed to get out. 

I found these types of posts helpful before surgery - not just the long-term results but the first few weeks and months after. Figured I'd throw in my contribution in case anyone else is worried about how their recovery is going. As always, if I'm doubt, ask your surgeon. I... Didn't but do as I say, not as I do. 

Feel free to ask any non-medical questions :) 

3 week postop photobomb