Finally booked the surgery!

[crossfit99]

I think without having lipo, you would definitely swell less than if you had it done.  The lipo is pretty aggressive, and does cause alot of swelling, at least it did on me!  I agree with you too about the weight loss making your chest look better afterwards.  I would like to lose a good 40lbs, and definitely feel this would help the overall appearance quite a bit.  I've been doing some push ups over the last couple of weeks, and notice once I'm done 2 or 3 sets, my chest looks pretty good!  It's all pumped, and looks much more full and natural.  Guess I'd better keep at it too LOL!

Definitely!

So I goto the doc and ask about the fatty tissue up at the top, he smirks and POKES my gut (LOL) and says, when this comes off, the chest fat will come off. He had me raise my arms and you could clearly see where the tissue was removed, and there isn't any tissue around my nipple; so if I think its being pushed out, it has to be from fat. I was training hard for the last couple months but stopped about 3 weeks pre-op bc money issues (my gym cost 130/month). In those 3 weeks i definitely ate like crap and sat around.

He told me wait 1 full week from today and I could get back in the gym, I CAN'T WAIT!! After him 'poking' fun, I am extremely motivated. I think I was kinda lying to myself about my bodyfat. I have always been in the gym and kept a nice solid frame, but the last year or so has been spotty and I think it's showing up big time. Time to get the diet in check and get after it in the gym!

[Showtime620]

Hey Crossfit!  Thanks for keeping us all updated with your procedure.  I'm reading this on my work computer so I'm unable to view your pictures, but as soon as I get home, I plan to take a look!

I've got my procedue scheduled for this upcoming Thursday, March 22nd.  The doctor I am using said that he will be doing lipo and the incision so that drains would be required.  To your point, I've been focused more on the surgery that the recovery hasn't really been on the forefront of my mind!    Being that you've successfully made it out of the 'drain phase', do you have any tips or advice around making the drains a bit easier to live with?

[crossfit99]

Hey Crossfit!  Thanks for keeping us all updated with your procedure.  I'm reading this on my work computer so I'm unable to view your pictures, but as soon as I get home, I plan to take a look!

I've got my procedue scheduled for this upcoming Thursday, March 22nd.  The doctor I am using said that he will be doing lipo and the incision so that drains would be required.  To your point, I've been focused more on the surgery that the recovery hasn't really been on the forefront of my mind!    Being that you've successfully made it out of the 'drain phase', do you have any tips or advice around making the drains a bit easier to live with?

Hey man, thanks for following!

re pics: I will take some decent shots when the sterile strips come off, doc said he will be taking photos when I go back in 2 weeks as well. I am getting my diet in check and will be hitting the gym HARD in alittle over a week as well. I think after I shave off 10-15lbs it will make everything look dramatically better. Even now, I am coming around on everything. I had my shirt/vest off for about 30 mins yesterday to give myself a hair cut then shower and honestly it's like culture shock to not have a big hunk of boob and droopy nipple, even leaning over the sink to brush my teeth theres NOTHING 'hanging' down, its crazy!


To your drain question; honestly man just hunker down and CHILL. Get a nice lazy boy/couch set up in the house with some blankets/juice/water/and most importantly channel changer nice and close to  you lol. You aren't gonna wanna be real mobile while they are in. They are a bit uncomfortable, but more than anything just bulky, high maintenance and in the way. I was like terrified of getting them caught on something lol. I wore a zip up hoodie the whole time they were in just to conceal them from catchin on anything. -- Kick back, drink plenty of fluids and take your pain pills. Your body will be pretty beat the first day and sleeping may be a little bit of a pain, so just catch some zzz's whenever you can (throughout the day and what-not).

Don't fear the removal process. I read some guys' posts saying "I can't believe I didn't lose consciousness because the pain", and all this bs. Unless their doc was doing something WAY wrong, I don't see that being the case. I just got on my back, kind of straight my arm out, he told me to take a deep breath in and as I started breathing out he'd pull. He pulled FAST. Feels kinda weird as it goes and then theres a quick pinch as it leaves the hole. He put some neosporin (or whatever) on, then a band aid, then did the other side. It was over quickly and a HUGE relief. You don't realize the discomfort they cause until they are out, but its SO nice when they finally go. -- I just tried to make light and tell myself they are in there for a good cause and it should help with the contour as well as shorten the chances of any hematoma or seroma.


It will all be here and gone before you know it man, there's nothing to fear, truly. It's exciting, you'll be so happy wehn you look down on that flat chest!

[Showtime620]

Noy oh boy, you've got me giddy to get this done and over with!  (assuming there are no complications!)

I'm sensing that our body types are fairly similar (I'm 6' 215 - although not squating/deadlifting nearly as much as you!)so your success gives me hope.  I CANNOT wait to see my entire pec in the mirror, not just the top half.  Can't wait where a plain white t-shirt without goofy looking nipples poking through!  But like you, I can't wait to hit the gym and diet the hardest I ever have in my life and really see what my body can acheive.  I've always played sports and been in fairly decent shape, I suppose, but my chest has always appeared soft which has certainly always played a part in losing motivation, ya know?  My father used to take part in bodybuilding competitions in his 20s and 30s (He is now 54 and still looks AMAZING). It's been on my bucket list to compete in at least one amatuer bodybuilding show in my life, which I'd like to do before I'm 30. (I turn 27 in June)   

For the last year, I've been living by this quote:  "What a shame it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." -Socrates   

Obviously, expectations MUST be kept in check, but I'm hoping for the best. Hopefully scarring is minimal, indentations are few, and skin/contour shape nicely;  BUT, even if complications occur and competing is off the table, I still plan to cultivate my body into the best that it can be.

I am proud of you for going through with the surgey, I thank you for your advice, and I look forward to reading about your progress over the next few weeks and months!

What was your doctor's timeline for scarring and being in sunlight at the beach?   Summer is right around the corner, afterall.
 

[Showtime620]

Boy oh boy*   God dammit, I hate typos.

[crossfit99]

Noy oh boy, you've got me giddy to get this done and over with!  (assuming there are no complications!)

I'm sensing that our body types are fairly similar (I'm 6' 215 - although not squating/deadlifting nearly as much as you!)so your success gives me hope.  I CANNOT wait to see my entire pec in the mirror, not just the top half.  Can't wait where a plain white t-shirt without goofy looking nipples poking through!  But like you, I can't wait to hit the gym and diet the hardest I ever have in my life and really see what my body can acheive.  I've always played sports and been in fairly decent shape, I suppose, but my chest has always appeared soft which has certainly always played a part in losing motivation, ya know?  My father used to take part in bodybuilding competitions in his 20s and 30s (He is now 54 and still looks AMAZING). It's been on my bucket list to compete in at least one amatuer bodybuilding show in my life, which I'd like to do before I'm 30. (I turn 27 in June)  

For the last year, I've been living by this quote:  "What a shame it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." -Socrates    

Obviously, expectations MUST be kept in check, but I'm hoping for the best. Hopefully scarring is minimal, indentations are few, and skin/contour shape nicely;  BUT, even if complications occur and competing is off the table, I still plan to cultivate my body into the best that it can be.

I am proud of you for going through with the surgey, I thank you for your advice, and I look forward to reading about your progress over the next few weeks and months!

What was your doctor's timeline for scarring and being in sunlight at the beach?   Summer is right around the corner, afterall.
 

Absolutely bro! Stories sound very familiar.


Right now, unfortunately I let myself get outta shape a bit so pics look pretty bad. Though, within a solid 9 weeks of training i'll be where I want to be, no excuses.

As far as the scarring, he hasn't REALLY outlined because everyone heals differently. From what I have read I think the first couple weeks are a definitely no-no in the sun and it gets better from there. Personally, I will not go out in the sun till the bitter end, or if my scars look really good. I have a lot of tattoos and know what the sun can do lol.


The white t-shirt thing is crazy man. One of the first things I did when i got my drains out was go home and slide on a couple shirts that I wouldn't wear without a sweat shirt over them..It's truly amazing the difference. I have noticed that I need a little work on my posture because I have developed different shitty ways of standing to conceal the ta-ta's. Being that y ou train, you will look awesome after surgery and recovery.


Where are you located and who is doing your surgery?

[greatlakes]

So I goto the doc and ask about the fatty tissue up at the top, he smirks and POKES my gut (LOL) and says, when this comes off, the chest fat will come off.

So your Doctor is wise ass eh ? (but honest!)

Well the results still look good to me.

I am much older than you, but re-started strength training two years ago. Using a 5x5 program. I am interested to see if I will be able to see any Pecs, once the fat and issue is mostly gone. I can see some muscle elsewhere in my body, but not there.

And yes - I am looking forward to the idea of a white (or light grey) T-shirt late this summer. And in the fall - no swim shirt at the gym pool.

[crossfit99]

So I goto the doc and ask about the fatty tissue up at the top, he smirks and POKES my gut (LOL) and says, when this comes off, the chest fat will come off.

So your Doctor is wise ass eh ? (but honest!)

Well the results still look good to me.

I am much older than you, but re-started strength training two years ago. Using a 5x5 program. I am interested to see if I will be able to see any Pecs, once the fat and issue is mostly gone. I can see some muscle elsewhere in my body, but not there.

And yes - I am looking forward to the idea of a white (or light grey) T-shirt late this summer. And in the fall - no swim shirt at the gym pool.

haha, he's just, frank. He shoots ya straight which I can appreciate. Sometimes its better coming from someone like that; a reality check.


5x5 is a great program for power/strength. Love it.

[Showtime620]

I live in Philadelphia and will be using Dr. Lo.    I went for a consult with the guy in White Plains (I think the post gets deleted if his name is mentioned).  I paid the $150 for the consult, scheduled the surgery, as soon a I got home I began to read some rather crummy stories about him, so I cancelled.

The following week, I had a consult with Lo, which was super convenient as the office is literally 6 blocks from where I work.   He was nice, informative, confident, and seemed like he actually cared.  I did get the impression from Blauu that his office was just a gyne factory where it's purely about the numbers; Lo seems like it will be much more personal and he seems to have a true interest in his profession, and specifically this procedure.

My fingers are crossed for some good results!

[crossfit99]

I live in Philadelphia and will be using Dr. Lo.    I went for a consult with the guy in White Plains (I think the post gets deleted if his name is mentioned).  I paid the $150 for the consult, scheduled the surgery, as soon a I got home I began to read some rather crummy stories about him, so I cancelled.

The following week, I had a consult with Lo, which was super convenient as the office is literally 6 blocks from where I work.   He was nice, informative, confident, and seemed like he actually cared.  I did get the impression from Blauu that his office was just a gyne factory where it's purely about the numbers; Lo seems like it will be much more personal and he seems to have a true interest in his profession, and specifically this procedure.

My fingers are crossed for some good results!

Yea i've heard good and bad about blauuu. Definitely could see how it would seem like the gyne factory lol.. My guy does a lot as well, which was good and bad. Good because it makes you feel more at ease, but at the same time you don't want them overly cocky about it. Also, my doc actually removes the gland first, and if need be does lipo (which he said he RARELY does). Thought that was weird bc going into the op I thought for sure I was getting both lipo and excision. He said he does remove fat via excision though.. If you check out the before/afters on his site www gynecomastia expert dot com, you'll see some dudes that def appear to have fat but under the procedure it says "excision" or "bilateral subcutaneous mascetomy", there's only like 2 with lipo. That's what made me feel better in the end.

[crossfit99]

Man, today around noon under my vest I started getting itchy as HELL. I was scratching away and finally looked and it looks like I have little bug bites on the perimeter of where the vest is. I have been wearing it non stop for a week and a day without a wash, so I am assuming its that. I only have the one vest and was sketchy leaving it off why I wash it because you need to hang dry. Anyone else experience this? I feel guilty leaving it off for a few hours as it hang dries but I had no other option..

[shaknbake]

I wouldn't fret about leaving the vest off for a short while, you should be fine.  I only had one vest as well, but I threw mine in the dryer after washing.  I didn't read the care instructions, but I would have dried it anyway.  If its made of nylon, or polyester / spandex etc, it will be fine.  The dryer could cause it to get those little fabric balls on it,  but who cares?  You don't see all that under your shirt anyways.  Toss 'er in the dryer and see what happens!

[crossfit99]

I wouldn't fret about leaving the vest off for a short while, you should be fine.  I only had one vest as well, but I threw mine in the dryer after washing.  I didn't read the care instructions, but I would have dried it anyway.  If its made of nylon, or polyester / spandex etc, it will be fine.  The dryer could cause it to get those little fabric balls on it,  but who cares?  You don't see all that under your shirt anyways.  Toss 'er in the dryer and see what happens!

I was just afraid that it would come out lookin like it belonged on my 2 year old son lol

[crossfit99]

Ay yiyi this rash is ugly and itchy. No clue whats causing it, gonna re-watch the vest right now in the actual washing machine and take a shower. When I get out i'll put a wife beat on under the vest to see if that helps.. Here are some pics about 9 days post op. Don't mind the nasty red blotches, the darker red is scabbing from where the tube pinched the living hell outta my sides. The first day I came home from OP they had: a foam pad, vest, and 2 ace bandages wrapped TIGHT. The pressure of all that like pushed the tubes into my skin a bit, very uncomfortable lol

Pre op front:


9 days post op front:


Pre right:


9 days post op right:


Pre op left:


9 days post op left:



Feeling better and better..REALLY need to drop some fat and ill be much happier. Not happy with my body as a whole, but chest looks MUCH improved!

[greatlakes]

Looking good.

I am wondering if the vest is giving you a reaction (material?) or maybe the laundry detergent

I was kinda planning on wife beaters as well- to keep the vest clearn. I suppose I could wear the second stage compression shirts I bought as well while washing.

P.S.

....like the refrigerated beer keg tap in the background! Which reminds me I don't know what the rules are on drinking after surgery while healing. I suspect i may want a cold one or two.