KARIDIS SURGERY - NOVEMBER 2016 - PHOTOS AVAILABLE

[williamb]

Glad you mentioned about the stinging sensations! My whole chest feels like it's got sunburn! pretty sore to be honest! Probably the worst pain I've had so far... you reckon it's normal?

[Chief Brody]

It's all part of the recovery process mate. I must say my chest has felt somewhat tender and sore today. It has also started to swell a little and fill out without the compression vest in place. It looks bumpy and a bit uneven but the apperance does improve and the swelling subsides after a thorough massage. Just got to keep thinking long term and accept things are going to change dramatically over the coming weeks. This is a 6 month minimum ride, most probably 9-12 months before we'll see the full benefit.

I must say, even if my chest didn't improve a single bit from this day forward, I'd take it any day over the gyno ridden puffy nipples!

[sawyer]

Really good thread, could have done with summat like this before I went in for my op.
Looks like a really good result mate.

[Chief Brody]

Thanks sawyer. Just over 3 weeks post op now and the swelling/scar tissue stage is starting to kick in. I see it's been several months since your surgery - how is the recovery going? Any regrets?

It's a shame some of the original guys like thetodd, chopper or draksus don't log on here any more. It'd been good if they could see just how inspirational they've been.

[Chief Brody]

UPDATE - DAY 28 POST OP

I'm 4 weeks post op today. No pain whatsoever and I've now regained full range of motion in my arms and chest. The swelling on the left hand side has all but gone and there is just a very light tinge of bruising remaining but I reckon this will completely disappear within the next few days. I have a small amount of scar tissue present where the gland was removed but to be honest it is far less than I was expecting at this stage. The incisions under each areola are still visible and look a bit inverted but the post operative instructions state this is completely normal and will flatten out over time.

I've been back down the gym for the past week doing cardio and lifting weights on all body parts other than chest. I did my first chest session yesterday without any issues although I started out using significantly less weight than I was pre-op. I was pressing 40kg dumbells on the flat bench for reps prior to surgery but yesterday limited it to 20kg for 4 sets of 10 reps. I also did some incline barbell presses and finished of with cable cross-overs. My chest was absolutely fine this morning so I will start to add a couple of kilos on subsequent sessions to build up the strength and hopefully get back to somewhere near my pre-op working weights over the next couple of months.

I'm still wearing the compression vest at night and will continue to do so for one more week. I massage with bio oil for 5 minutes each side first thing in the morning and once again before bed.

One thing I still find myself doing occasionally is rubbing my nipples when wearing a t-shirt. This is just force of habit as I've been doing it for the last 20 years to mask the gyno. I guess my mind is still telling me I've got gyno even though physically it's gone and no doubt it will take some time for the mind/body connection to adjust.

Some progress pictures below:

[Chief Brody]

DAY 28 - TOP VIEW

[Chief Brody]

DAY 28 - SIDE VIEW

[Chief Brody]

DAY 28 - NIPPLE CLOSE UP

[ParkedOutside]

Amazing results man! You must be pretty chuffed!!

[GynoThrowaway]

Is there no way you could get the hospital fee on the NHS?

[Mr Man]

Firstly, a big thanks to Chief Brody for sharing your journey. This is greatly appreciated!

This thread, along with many on here is really inspirational and it feels very reassuring to know that I am not on my own facing up to the difficulties of living with gynaecomastia. I am 37 and have suffered with this problem since I was 23. Just like everyone on here, I have struggled with holidays, summertime, wearing certain clothes, taking my top off etc. I have felt so low, so often and yet have never been in a position either financially or mentally to take the plunge and have the op. I have frequently dieted and been to the gym throughout and yet nothing gets rid of the gynae.

Surgery is the only option, but the possibility of being left with inverted nipples or unsightly creases has put me off time & time again. I had a consultation with Dr. Karidis around 8 years ago now, but met a girl shortly afterwards and ended up pulling the plug on the op. Anyway, that's life, but here I am again, still suffering with my gynae and still weighing up having an op with Dr. Karidis.

Below is a photo of my chest and I will post more on my journey as I know they will inspire people just like Chief Brody has done for the rest of us on here. Chief Brody, have you had any issues with inverted nipples or creases since your op? Your results look great so far and I really hope I am as lucky as you with mine. I saw this thread today by a patient of Dr Levick and I was absolutely horrified. This would be my worst nightmare: https://www.gynecomastia.org/smf/index.php?topic=32319.0

Is anyone aware of any similar horror stories from patients of Dr. Karidis?

[LAL4Life]

Hi
I'd like to ask if Dr. Karidis accept payment plans? 
Thanks

[sawyer]

Thanks sawyer. Just over 3 weeks post op now and the swelling/scar tissue stage is starting to kick in. I see it's been several months since your surgery - how is the recovery going? Any regrets?

It's a shame some of the original guys like thetodd, chopper or draksus don't log on here any more. It'd been good if they could see just how inspirational they've been.

Hey, looking flat man! How's the recovery been since christmas?

Mine's been great.. up to the point where I don't even think about my chest anymore. I've worn a load of new jumpers over the winter and it's a good feeling

I agree, but I also see myself less concerned with gyno after around 6 months or so. Once it's gone it just feels like a whole weight has been lifted mentally, and you slowly feel like a normal person, it's weird.

Hope all is well.

[Chief Brody]

UPDATE - 4 MONTHS POST OP

Well I guess this update is long overdue. Life takes over to be honest and I've just been enjoying my new found freedom!

Here is a latest progress picture taken a couple of days ago. I promised the wife I'd get shredded and have a 6-pack for the summer - needless to say she laughed at me. That is all the motivation I need!! So I've embarked on a body transformation and totally cleaned up my diet and been hitting the gym 5 days a week lifting heavy since the beginning of January. Lost 10kg of body fat to date and well on the way to achieving my goal.

To anybody living with gyno and contemplating an operation I'd like to say this. Pick up the phone and book a consultation with Karidis. Do whatever it takes to find the money - bank loan, interest free credit card, family. I can honestly say you will not regret it one single bit. Bar the marriage to my wife and the birth of my two children, having surgery was the best thing I have ever done.

[Gixxy]

Wow latest results look great!

I am just embarking on my recovery journey and its reasuring seeing some amazing results.

I hit the two week mark tomorrow, so i will be wearing my vest for half the day for the next two weeks.  
Do most people wear it during the day or at night?

Thanks for sharing, its been helpfull having threads like this during the whole process.