Dear All,
Because this site helped me a hell of a lot before I went to get the chop I feel it would be bad of me not to share my experiences.
It is three days after my operation and everything seems to be fine. My chest is as flat as can be but there is still swelling. I haven't seen my nipples yet so that is my only worry. But I'm sure they will be ok.
Ok so this will be a little bit of an essay, but I’ll try to answer as many questions as I had before I went under the knife.
I won’t provide photos at the moment because I don’t have pre-op photos (maybe my surgeon will give them to me) and I won’t provide the surgeon’s name until I get his ok.
Reasons:
I have had gyne since early teens, for 15 years haven’t taken my shirt off in public, haven’t worn t-shirts or anything. In fact I don’t think a day went by that I didn’t look at my chest in the mirror and feel terrible.
There was one phase where I did a really physically intensive work and I got very buff and very skinny but still had a chest I didn’t want anyone to see. This convinced me that no matter how hard I worked I couldn’t get rid of it without surgery.
I was against surgery because I thought it was a bit vain and couldn’t justify the money. But I also thought the fact that I couldn’t wear a t-shirt out without freaking out (I did a couple of times thinking it would be ok but practically had to go home just to change), and that I couldn’t change it by going to the gym, meant that I had a valid excuse. I would still be embarrassed if I found out.
Cost:
I was scared of the cost, but thankfully I managed to save some money and it ended up cheaper than I thought. I have no private insurance so I thought that would count me out but it didn’t. It just means that you either pay about $2000 for a private hospital over-night or go to a public hospital for about $200 (you have to check your surgeon operates in a public hospital). I went the public option.
My surgeon charged me around $4.500 for his part in the affair. That seems reasonable. I can’t find the letter but I think I can claim about $500 back.
I’m still waiting for the bill from the guy who puts you to sleep - I think that will be a couple hundred dollars, most of which you can claim…
So you are looking at around 4,500 -5k in a public hospital or with insurance. (Much more for a private hospital with out insurance).
To claim on medicare, you need a referral. Just go to your GP and say ‘can I have a referral to see Dr so and so’ and if you are embarrassed, you don’t have to say exactly why I said ‘I’m not happy with my chest’ I probably could have said ‘don’t really want to talk about it and he would have written the letter. In the letter it just says ‘this patient wants to talk to you about an issue’ it will save you money in the long run.
Day in hospital:
I turned up to Concord hospital at 6.30am on a Thursday. The most pleasant surprise is that people don’t really ask you why you are there until you are in for the surgery. Just learn the word ‘Gynecomastia’ and they don’t ask any more questions. The biggest surprise was how used to it they are. They said they get two a week and it doesn’t raise an eyebrow. I was scared there would be some hot young nurses/doctors and I’d be really embarrassed. But in the end they were either old and understanding or didn’t make you think they knew why you were there. Some of the more understanding explained to me how common the procedure was and that they understood. They will also tell you what they think of your surgeon, but it may be too late. Mine got good reviews.
I went into surgery, got gassed and needled up and don’t remember much more. Woke up in post op in the compression garment, drains and dressing.
Not too much pain. Asked for morphine because I knew it would put me to sleep and I was bored and it is rare you get to take the hard drugs.
Afterwards spent the night in the hospital. I got a private room which was great for a public patient. But there were share rooms so I’m not sure if everyone will get that.
The biggest pain for the next 24 hours was the itching from my dressings. Otherwise things weren’t too bad. Getting up to go to the toilet with two bottles and drains hanging from your chest was a bit embarrassing too.
I was excited to know what it would look like. I got to see the next day when the nurse changed my dressings and took out the drains. Flat as could be, couldn’t tell if they were the same size. Nipples looked pretty screwed up… but so would you if you were cut in half.
They sent me home the next day. If you stay over night, you don’t need someone to pick you up. If same day you will need a friend/relative to get you.
Post-op:
Three days later I’m feeling fine. The dressings are still on and they are as itchy as hell. I’ve snuck a few peeks at the chest and it looks good. But for once in my life I think I’ll look like a weakling if I don’t go to the gym and get some pecks - it is great! I’m looking through my wardrobe at things I can wear now (people have given me tight shirts and jumpers that went straight to the closet never to see daylight). And thinking about going shopping.
I’m not sure when the dressing is coming off. I arranged with the Dr to take it off myself because I have to go back to work Monday, then I will see him Friday. I’m a bit scared, I don’t want to stuff things up… he gave me detailed instructions but I was still coming out of the general and don’t remember.
He used dissolving stiches which is great because I don’t have to go get them taken out. But I don’t know how it all works.
Scars:
My biggest worry of course is swapping big boobs for scars that everyone wants to know about. The doctor showed me photos of guys nipples and I couldn't see the scar at all. He seems to get better results then I've found on the internet. Not only does he cut along the nipple line, he uses a jagged cut so it doesn' stand out.
I hope it works out well for me. But if not the scars can be revised or I can just let my chest hair grow out. I'll post some photos to let you know how it goes later.
I get to take the dressing off today! So I will fill you all in.
Please ask me any questions. I live in Sydney not far from the CBD, I'd be happy to talk to anyone about this in person or telephone if you can find a way to get me your details. I know what a nightmare it can be and want to help anyone with it.
We'll know if it is a success a bit later. I think I had the best surgeon around, so when I can I'll pass you his details and tell you how the nipples work out.
