Let me begin by saying that this forum has been immensely helpful when researching gynecomastia. It's a great resource and I hope that I can contribute by adding my own little surgery experience.
After consulting with several doctors I finally made my decision to go with
Dr. Cruise. He seemed extremely knowledgeable about the procedure, had gotten a lot of good reviews and his before and after pictures were great. He suggested that for best results an excision of some extra skin would be necessary to reduce sagging down the road. This is the one part that actually scared me, as I have heard a lot of negative commentary regarding donut lifts on this board, but nonetheless I went for it.
Some stats: 29 y/o, 205lbs, pretty active when it comes to sport.
Note: Added a space after the http for the images. Forum would not let me post otherwise.
(Before Pic) http ://www.filedump.net/index.php?pic=201105271343271307849655.jpg]
I am about an hour away from Newport Beach, so I booked a hotel for one night after the surgery, so I could go to the post OP. Also I was told that I would be able to drive myself home the next day, which worked out just fine.
Day of surgeryThe operation itself was under local anasthesia. I was on 3 Xanax, but the pricks did hurt a bit. The surgery itself was pretty much a breeze though. No pain, just a feeling that someone was rummaging around down there. I even held a nice convo during some parts of the OP. Definitely been though worse times at a dentist. After the surgery was I was able to see the results it was amazing to see a flat chest. I was quickly wrapped in a compression bandage and sent on my merry way. Took a cab back to the hotel, had some dinner, and pretty much took it easy.
I took one Xanax before bedtime and was able to fall asleep quite well. A bigger problem was sleeping at incline. If anything hurt in the morning it was my back. OUCH!
Day 1 Post OPHad some breakfast at the hotel buffet and then made my way over to see
Dr. Cruise. He undid my bandage and I was amazed at how little bruising I had. No real swelling, just an overall really nicely contoured chest. Still no pain. Never took a Vicodin (and it turned out that I would not need any throughout the course of my recovery).
My drive back home went pretty smoothly, although if I had a manual I am sure it would have been very challenging. If you want to drive yourself the day after surgery, make sure you got an automatic.
Day 2 Post OPSo my second night went fairly well. I woke up a couple of times, once again because I could not find a decent sleeping position. I hope I do not have to sleep at an angle for too much longer.
After my shower I squeezed into my underarmor vest (no bandages underneath), and put the compression vest on top. Now I am all set for the day. Tip: Move slowly when doing all this. I made a jerky movement and was rewarded with a pins and needle sensation in my nipple. Ouch...
(Day 2 Post OP pic) http ://www.filedump.net/index.php?pic=201106040934461307849655.jpg
Day 4 Post OPSo day 4 of my recovery. First day back to work as well. Obviously I have a desk job or I don't think it would be possible. I was also able to drive my stick shift car to work today.
But yeah, all smooth sailing. Still no pain, just the occasional pinching sensation. I was told it's the nerves growing back. Whatever it is, the pain only lasts for 5 seconds and then subsides.
I took some more pics of my chest this morning. Looks really good, no bruising as far as I can tell, and no bad swelling either. Like I mentioned earlier, my biggest issue is actually my back. I am hoping that I can reduce my incline sleeping position tonight by a few degrees. That may actually help.
Well, looks like it is all downhill from now on. I hope those scars will heal well. That is my remaining final concern.
(Day 4 Post OP pic) http ://www.filedump.net/index.php?pic=201106060839541307849655.jpg
Day 9 Post OPMy chest is feeling better every day. I think as far as pain is concerend, this surgery has to be one of the easiert there is. As long as one takes it easy and avoids jerky movements everything is 100% tolerable. So for anyone considering this, and being worried about pain: DON'T. The OP under local anastesia as well as the recovery are very bearable.
The vest I have to wear is slighty annoying, but I am getting used to it more and more. Sleeping elevated although difficult at the beginning has also become second nature. It is always amazing to see how adaptable the human body actually is. I think tonight I'll try sleeping at a lower incline, maybe 20 degrees. My concern is actually not so much the swelling, as I have never really had any to begin with, but the fact that I may roll over unintentionally and pop a stich or something. I think maintaining a slight incline would combat this nicely.
A big problem for me is the fact that I can't work out. If you are an active person, being sedetary all day is really the biggest torture. I can't wait until I can start some activities. Biking, light running before I start to hit the gym or play some basketball. Maybe another week until I can commence with the easy activities.
I have also posted a pic of what my chest looks like on day 9, just in case anyone is interested. Funny though, day 2 looks just like day 9. Externally I have barely showed any signs of bruising, swelling, unevenness. Or maybe my untrained eye simply can't tell.
(Day 9 Post OP pic) http ://www.filedump.net/index.php?pic=201106111447311307849655.jpg
I will post more updates as they become available. At this point my only concern is really the scarring, but I am hoping that with good scar care and once the hair grows back that it will be hard to see. In any event harder to see than the gyne that was blatantly obvious.
Topic: Surgery (incl. donut lift) with Dr. Cruise (Read 6223 times)
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