Recovery Questions/Help.... 4 Weeks Post Op

[Ross_Mk2]

Hi Guys!

Just been to see the sergeon and he has told me a few things, i just want to run it past you guys and ask a few questions as there is a lot of knowledge here!

Right he says i can start massaging the area now to take the swelling down..... how do i go about this/ how long and what should i use?

He said i can start taking the compression vest off and wearing maybe just at night.... does this sound ok 4 weeks post op, if not what do you recommend?

I think thats about it, he told me i can start trying to drive again and maybe very little work at the gym also, is there anything else you recommend?

Thanks!

[steve21]

Bump

Any ideas anyone? i have the same questions myself

[Johnny Wishbone]

The longer you keep the vest on the better, although it is generally accepted that 4 weeks solid followed by 4 weeks 12 hours a day is followed (I was told to keep it on during the DAY for the 2nd month, all surgeons have different ideas - some do not believe in them at all and just used light bandages, although personally I think this is unwise).

As for massaging I would recommend certainly waiting til any pain has gone and the wounds have healed properly - ?3-4 weeks?.  Get yourself some arnica cream (beeswax free) and vitamin e oil/scar reduction oil and alternate them. I massaged 3-4 times a day for around 5 mins. Basically ensure the skin is moist with chosen product at all times a give it a good rub, you can be quite rough and the area will feel slightly sore/red afterwards. I tended to do circular motions around the nips and occasionally grab the flesh and rub between thumb and forefinger. It's hard to explain - you just do what feels right. You will feel gradua improvement as the scar tissue breaks down - be prepared for it to swell though (sometimes more than others) as you are aggitating it, it's quite normal.

[steve21]

Is massaging absolutely necessary do you think? I don't feel at all confident doing it and my surgeon didn't mention anything about it.

[outertrial]

It helps the skin loosen up and increases blood flow and therefore healing. Some people believe that massage can break down scar tissue or even prevent it forming.

[Ross_Mk2]

I'll give it a try! The surgeon told me that massaging will help take the swelling down as my one side has puffed up a little, i still have a little pain but will give massaging a go tomorrow night!

[Bigdom]

It also i led to believe stops the skin sticking to the muscle during the healing process

[Ross_Mk2]

I couldn't find any arnica cream will i be ok with just bio oil?

[Bigdom]

You should be, although Arnica Cream is readily available in Boots or Holland & Barrett.

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