Re: the day my life changed forever. *post op day 50 pic*

[joltera]

I am now two weeks post op. I have taken some pictures, as I promised I would, and would like to hear your opinions/ comments. I decided to use a higher resolution camera, instead of my phone as I did before. It looks pretty good I guess. I definitely notice now, upon seeing the pictures, that the upper part of the right side of my chest is still pretty swollen. My biggest concern is the incision scars are very noticeable due to the pigmentation of my skin. I've been applying coco butter to them, as I read it's helps, don't know if this is true or not. I know I should be happy, it looks a hell of a lot better, but I guess I'm just experiencing post-surgery depression. I just keep reading about people having problems like puffyness when they're further into recovery and it worries me.
 
relaxed


side angle


arm up 1


arm up 2


flexed



Please let me know what you think.

[joltera]

How long did the whole process take?

well, it took me a good two years to build up the courage and acquire the money I needed to do this, upon discovering the true diagnosis of my condition thanks to this forum. I had seen an endo and some doctors two years ago, but became discouraged due to a lack of money and a fear of surgery. I remained depressed and in hiding, accepting my condition for that time. Once I made the decision to do it earlier this year in may, the whole process took about 2 months. After my consult, which was free, I was very hesitant to book the surgery. I finally found the courage and  gave my deposit, so had I been a little more hasty, it probably would have taken less. I would imagine it really depends on how busy the doctor is though. It was about 5 weeks from when I called to book until the actual surgery date.

 

What part of va, Lola good

Thank you for the kind remarks. I'm in the northern part of Va, very close to Washington D.C. I have provided the name of the surgeon I chose in an earlier post on this thread. He has a couple of offices in the area. The information about his specific addresses are easily attainable using Google or any other preferred search engine.

[jacksonpoint]

How long did the whole process take?

well, it took me a good two years to build up the courage and acquire the money I needed to do this, upon discovering the true diagnosis of my condition thanks to this forum. I had seen an endo and some doctors two years ago, but became discouraged due to a lack of money and a fear of surgery. I remained depressed and in hiding, accepting my condition for that time. Once I made the decision to do it earlier this year in may, the whole process took about 2 months. After my consult, which was free, I was very hesitant to book the surgery. I finally found the courage and  gave my deposit, so had I been a little more hasty, it probably would have taken less. I would imagine it really depends on how busy the doctor is though. It was about 5 weeks from when I called to book until the actual surgery date.

 

What part of va, Lola good

Thank you for the kind remarks. I'm in the northern part of Va, very close to Washington D.C. I have provided the name of the surgeon I chose in an earlier post on this thread. He has a couple of offices in the area. The information about his specific addresses are easily attainable using Google or any other preferred search engine.

Just out of curiosity, did you consult any other plastic surgeons?  I am located in the same area as you and have done a lot of research.  I've found some doctors with impressive CVs, but I can't find any single doctor who does a large number of these surgeries every year.  I realize that I'm probably just scaring myself out of the thought of surgery, but I want to try to the find the best person in the area. 

[joltera]

Just out of curiosity, did you consult any other plastic surgeons?  I am located in the same area as you and have done a lot of research.  I've found some doctors with impressive CVs, but I can't find any single doctor who does a large number of these surgeries every year.  I realize that I'm probably just scaring myself out of the thought of surgery, but I want to try to the find the best person in the area. 

Yes, i saw a couple others. The whole process of searching for a surgeon gave me a lot of anxiety and stress though. I got to a point where I just had to trust my instinct. I chose my doctor because in my gut it seemed like the most logical choice for me. Everyone's situation is different though. I'm happy with my results so far and I'm hopeful that I will only become more satisfied as time goes on. Life is all about taking risks. Surgery with any doctor is a risk, and that's something you have to be willing to accept.

[jacksonpoint]

Just out of curiosity, did you consult any other plastic surgeons?  I am located in the same area as you and have done a lot of research.  I've found some doctors with impressive CVs, but I can't find any single doctor who does a large number of these surgeries every year.  I realize that I'm probably just scaring myself out of the thought of surgery, but I want to try to the find the best person in the area. 

Yes, i saw a couple others. The whole process of searching for a surgeon gave me a lot of anxiety and stress though. I got to a point where I just had to trust my instinct. I chose my doctor because in my gut it seemed like the most logical choice for me. Everyone's situation is different though. I'm happy with my results so far and I'm hopeful that I will only become more satisfied as time goes on. Life is all about taking risks. Surgery with any doctor is a risk, and that's something you have to be willing to accept.

Thanks for the reply.  If I could just ask one more question: was Dr. Bitar the most experienced surgeon (in terms of gynecomastia operations) that you saw, or are there others who have performed more? 

[joltera]

Yes, at least one doctor was more experienced with these types of surgeries. More experienced in the sense that he probably does more on a yearly basis. I have reasons for not choosing him which I will not give publicly in detail. If you have severe gyne, I think it is imperative that you see a very good, experienced doctor. If your case is mild like mine was, there are many doctors who are very qualified to do the procedure. It is important to not just choose any doctor, but don't let the constant advertisements and business tactics distort your logic.

let me ask you a question-- you've seen my pre-pics. do you agree or disagree that in this early stage of recovery, I have achieved good results?

[jacksonpoint]

Yes, at least one doctor was more experienced with these types of surgeries. More experienced in the sense that he probably does more on a yearly basis. I have reasons for not choosing him which I will not give publicly in detail. If you have severe gyne, I think it is imperative that you see a very good, experienced doctor. If your case is mild like mine was, there are many doctors who are very qualified to do the procedure. It is important to not just choose any doctor, but don't let the constant advertisements and business tactics distort your logic.

let me ask you a question-- you've seen my pre-pics. do you agree or disagree that in this early stage of recovery, I have achieved good results?

I would definitely say that your results are good.  I don't have a severe case either, and another surgeon I went to (one of Washingtonian's "Top Doctors") actually reduced the fee because he said it would be a very simple procedure.  However, he also mentioned how he often uses drains after surgery and that did not sound very appealing to me.  Your pics and story are swaying me toward scheduling an appointment with Dr. Bitar.

[joltera]

I would definitely say that your results are good.  I don't have a severe case either, and another surgeon I went to (one of Washingtonian's "Top Doctors") actually reduced the fee because he said it would be a very simple procedure.  However, he also mentioned how he often uses drains after surgery and that did not sound very appealing to me.  Your pics and story are swaying me toward scheduling an appointment with Dr. Bitar.

Thanks, it's really good to read that, I really need some reassurance. It's worth a shot, I'm pretty sure his consultations are free, mine was. He also was voted by his peers in Washingtonians mag as best surgeon in 2010, named among best plastic surgeon in America by US airway magazine 2011, and named a top doctor by Northern VA magazine 2011. Not really sure if all that really means much of anything, but I suppose its worth being noted, nor am I trying to promote him in anyway, just stating the facts. I would say his fee's are average for this type of work, but he saved me a lot of money by doing the procedure under local anesthesia right in his office. However, he told me I was a rare exception because I had such little fat and small gland. (my gyne was my motivation to work out, but I couldn't have done it without my pitbull running partner, and my loud controversial rap music.) He claimed he noticed the difference in the two year period from when I had seen him last.  If the procedure was done in the hospital, it would have cost me over 5k

I will post more pics when I am 4 weeks post op.

[joltera]

I just waned to add one more note till I recede till my four week point.

After a late night at the bar ( it was my friends 21st, I'll also add I proudly wore a plain colored T with no graphics and no undershirt shirt for compression) I decided to take some "mirror pics" for a girl I'm trying to talk to. I have to say, this is the first time since I was a small boy I've taken a picture with no shirt and actually be happy with what I see, first time I've taken a picture without my shirt and sent it to a girl EVER. Don't give up guys, especially to you young folks, I'm 22 and I feel like I just received a new life. The wait was really hard a depressing but it was definitely one worth waiting for.

[corvette09]

You're looking good brother..  What kind of lipo did your surgeon use?

[dallasguy12]

Thanks for communicating with me via PM about your procedure. I have my consultation with Dr. Bitar booked for Monday, August 15 at 2PM due to the feedback I received from you and another member.

Let me help assuage your post-op worries. You're looking great man, and I'm not just saying that. I also think you're rapidly forgetting about how bad things used to be (which is both a good and a bad thing). I see you questioning your results and wondering if they're going to get better or stay the same. I think they're only going to get better. Many doctors have told me the full effect of the surgery isn't realized for 6 months to a 1 year and in spite of this information, you're looking exceptionally well. You should relish being able to put a t-shirt on now without stooping your shoulders or wearing a tight fitting undershirt to minimize the visibility of your breasts. That's a thing of the past. Now your body is just undergoing its recovery and it looks like you're right on track.

Please keep us "abreast" (haha) of your progress. Based on what can be discerned from your photos you look like a new man.

Can you clarify one thing: Did Dr. Bitar both perform lipo AND excise the glad for $3,800? I spoke to his surgical coordinator Stacey over the phone and she lead me to believe that the $3,800 was a price for lipo only and that glad excision would need to take place in a hospital which consequently would increase the price to $5,500. Thanks.

[joltera]

Thanks man. yeah you're right, I'm so happy, it's like I can't really grasp mentally that this is finally over, like I'm in shock or something,  it's just really hard not to worry. Ha, went to a friends house today wearing only wife beater shirt. First time I've ever done that.

Stacy just does most of the desk work, probably was a misunderstanding. I had lypo and incision done in the office. The doctor's fee was 3800 to have both lypo and incision in his office under local anesthesia. I still have the quote. If you do not have much fat in your chest, you'll most likely have that option as well. I think otherwise, the lypo is too painful.  I was under the impression that my degree of gyne is less common, I estimate i was at least 90% gland. He also put me under the impression that this would make the operation simpler, despite what I've read on here. I wish you the best of luck and keep me posted on how it goes.

[dallasguy12]

You're welcome. I'm sure that was a liberating feeling. I do have more chest fat than you did but I'm hoping Dr. Bitar decides that the $3,800 procedure sans anesthesia is suitable for my condition. $5,800 is borderline cost prohibitive for me.

Can you describe what the procedure felt like since you weren't under anesthesia? Was there any pain during the operation? What sensations did you experience? Just pushing, pulling, pressure, that sort of thing? How long did that actual operation last and do they cover your chest while they work? I'm just trying to determine how bad of an experience I'm in for if I skip on the anesthesia and opt for the local instead.

I appreciate your help. I will certainly keep you up to date on my progress. I'm excited for you. You leaned out and once you can start working out again you'll have the perfect frame to start packing on lean body mass.

How is your recovery going? Does your recovery inhibit you from regular daily activities or are you just experiencing some mild soreness?

[joltera]

I could not see my chest as they worked. Honestly I took a lot of Valium before the operation so my memory is a little fuzzy. The lypo was slightly uncomfortable. It felt like a rod or something was being pushed up into my chest then the pressure relived and then that process was repeated. The incision wasn't painful at all. It took about an hour maybe an hour and a half. I swear though, it only felt like 30 minutes. I couldn't believe what how much time had actually passed. I just closed my eyes the whole time and thought about how this very second in time was going to be the event that would shadow most that came before it. I was proud of myself to be in the operating room. I just kept my mind occupied, the Valium really helped the anxiety. I took more than suggested. I had tears of joy, I even apologized to the doctor while he was operating for being emotional haha. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected it to be, that's for sure. Definitely worth saving the money to me. I make decent money for what i do, but I'm not financially stable or independent so money was a huge factor. If the doctor gave you the option and you chose not to because you fear a little pain and discomfort, I'd call you a pussy. I've had bicycle wrecks that were more painful then the operation was. Bottom line, It wasn't bad.

After the operation, I felt like a zombie. Like I had no emotions. I was not in very much pain. I just stayed in my bed for the first three days. I was still able to function normally and be around my family members without them even knowing. (happened to have relatives over at the time) I was just careful not to lift or do anything that would strain those muscles. I had to sleep on my back and pretty much just layed in bed with my laptop propped against my thighs for the first 72 hours. I never really felt sore for the first three days because of the pain killers. I stopped taking them on the 4th. I never really felt sore after this unless I physically touched my chest. Occasionally I would experience mild pain almost a tender feeling but only for a short period of time, usually in bed. By the 5th day I was able to drive without any discomfort or feeling like I was jeopardizing my healing. I was able to go hang out with friends I just had to be very careful with my motion. I would stray away from things like opening doors, lifting anything, and I would use my feet to aid me as much as possible. 7th day the incision wounds were closed up and I no longer needed any dressings. I was able to drive open doors and do anything that wasn't too strenuous with no issue. The 11th day I returned to work, I do auto detailing so I have to use my arms constantly. I had no problem doing my job, I just moved slow and took things easy. I was still able to go out and do stuff like go to the mall or hang out with friends. At this point the recovery seemed to be getting faster and faster. I'm now on day 20 and I feel like I'm getting better exponentially everyday.. my nipples are still tender when I touch them, that's the only pain. I'm able to work full force and it doesn't bother me. Still I do not do anything as far as exercise other than walking my dog. I was told not to lift anything over 15lbs but I had to lift some containers at work that probably weighed about 35 or 40 a short distance and was fine. I still wear the compression binder, At first I wore it 24/7 but now I will take if off for a few hours at a time. My nipples are still very sensitive to temperature and touch, as they should be. When it's hot they will get puffy but it looks normal, they do not protrude out or increase size, they just become soft. When I get a chill or I rub coco butter on them they will become hard and tight. Sometimes they are in between.

My right side the incision is almost unnoticeable at this point. There is a ridge but no discoloration from new skin. On my left side it is more noticeable because there is an area of new skin that is pink because the wound did not close up as tightly. In time this will fade because it looks just like a scar I would have anywhere on my body. They're definitely noticeable to me, but I think to anyone else they couldn't really tell cause nipples always look different. You have to be realistic. I no longer have the chest of a 12 year old girl, that was the main goal. I'm happy because my chest still has some definition, but it doesn't look feminine, which is exactly what I wanted. Now that's it over, If anyone in the future were to notice scars, I really wouldn't even be ashamed to tell them I had surgery cause they probably wouldn't even understand or care. Tomorrow I will be 3 weeks. Four weeks I will post more High res pictures. Hope this serves as being useful.

[dallasguy12]

That was a very useful reply, thank you. Was the Valium provided by the doctor or did you already have it? I'm pretty sure I can endure the discomfort of the surgery just fine... especially if it's going to save me 2k if I go with only a local anesthetic. I'm a little worried about recovery as I work in a restaurant and need to be active. That means taking orders, running food, cleaning tables, moving boxes, etc. I suppose if I'm careful I can manage my recovery ok and I plan to take the first 5 days after the surgery off.

I'm looking forward to seeing your 1 month progress photos. Thanks for all of your help so far. Does the doctor have a referral program? Will you get a little kickback if I mention your name?

Also, would you kindly rate the doctor on a scale of 1-10 in the following areas; 1 being bad and 10 being the best.

Knowledge: Did he seem well versed and informative? Did he display a willingness to answer your questions thoroughly?

Bedside Manner: How were his manners? Did you notice a genuine interest in your wellbeing and comfort or did the consultation and procedure seem perfunctory to you?

Office: Did you go to the Manassas or Fairfax location? Was the office nice, new, old?

Staff: Did they ingratiate themselves with you and convey a real interest in accommodating your needs as a patient?

Sorry for the verbosity of my questions but I'm sure you can appreciate being circumspect before committing to something like this - you've been there.

Thanks man.