Levick, surgery completed 12/12/12 (pre & post pictures included) & revision

[Pez2]

What are the socks for pez?

They're for prevention of deep vein thrombosis, you have to put them on prior to surgery and keep them on until you leave the next day. They're very tight and abit of a pain to get on but pretty comfortable once actually on. Just make sure they're on properly; over the toes

As for massaging, had my first go today, 20mins with 10 each side and it wasn't actually as bad as I thought it may be. Bio oil and circular motions, chest loosened up quickly and I was able to massage without much discomfort. Hopefully I can keep it up now and get some benefit from it.

[wingman]

Excellent results, get some updated pictures up!

[Pez2]

^^^^ Levick's pre-op pictures





^^^^ Gland's Removed - RHS & LHS

[Pez2]

Update - 4 weeks post op - 09/01/13






^^^^ Front



^^^^ LHS




^^^^ RHS


As you can see from Levick's picture (gland excision) - there was more gland excised from the LHS than the RHS.... which explains why the LHS of my chest is currently still quite swollen and has been worse than the RHS through out this first month's healing process.

The RHS, although looking abit indented at the moment, the nipple is very flat... looks like its healing well, hardly any brusing now. My nipples are currently different sizes as the LHS is larger but I hope/expect that when the swelling goes down that all will be OK.

1 week left of the compression vest - 12 hours a day, although if I can I will probably keep it on longer as it feels weird having it off now and I'm not minding wearing it - there was a time when I didn't think I'd say that  

Just got to carry on with the massaging and let the healing process continue.

[sjwsjw]

All looking good so far mate.

I have a bit of swelling still but expected for a while yet. I'm in for my follow up on Monday 14th Jan so I'll ask my questions then. Duno about you but I feel pretty good after a massage. Thought it would be more of a chore but it's ok 

Told you about the vest I wore mine for bed last night after I'd been to the gym and it felt nice and comfortable.

[sjwsjw]

Out of interest, do you know what weight your gland tissue was each side? I've been told the weight of the tissue that was removed but not seen pictures so it's hard to visualise it.

[Pez2]

Out of interest, do you know what weight your gland tissue was each side? I've been told the weight of the tissue that was removed but not seen pictures so it's hard to visualise it.

Massaging does help, my chest feels quite tight but after massaging it loosens up. I will ask levick about the gland weight and get back to you..He did tell me post op but I really can't remember now, was still drowsy from the anaesthetic.

[adamj]

Awesome results Pez mate, you must be delighted. I wish Karidis did that gland shot .

It's pretty strange but your healing looks almost identical to mine in pretty much every way.

[Pez2]

Awesome results Pez mate, you must be delighted. I wish Karidis did that gland shot .

It's pretty strange but your healing looks almost identical to mine in pretty much every way.

Yeah funny you should say that as I've been keeping an eye on your thread thinking the exact same thing.. The way your nipples were different sizes and one indented and the other not, is just like I've been experiencing. You're chest is looking good now though looking back at my pre photos, it's a big difference and so far, I'm very happy with the result.  I'm finding since ive started massaging that the appearance has definitely improved, the swelling of the LHS has decreased quite significantly in one day since taking the pictures and the RHS is less indented. It's weird but honestly, everytime I see my chest it looks different at the moment but I know that's normal from reading many others experiences

[Pez2]

Out of interest, do you know what weight your gland tissue was each side? I've been told the weight of the tissue that was removed but not seen pictures so it's hard to visualise it.

Just heard from levick:
LHS 22gm
RHS 14 gm

[Pez2]

update - almost 6 weeks post op


I no longer have to wear the compression vest now    I'm not missing it to be honest but have felt abit odd adjusting to a 'normal' tight tshirt as this has been unknown territory since I was 13/14. Hit the sales and bought some new shirts, feels awesome being gyno free and wearing small skin tight shirts!!!

I've been massaging religiously since around 4 weeks post op and will continue to do so, it definitely loosens it all up. Does anyone know the time frame/how often massaging should be done? I'm doing it every night at the moment.

I did some press ups yesterday for the first since since the op. 3 sets of 20 and it felt like I'd been benching big weights this morning as it was nice and sore... I also went to the doctors, for something else, but got a checkup on the chest and.... its all good. She was impressed with the size of the incisions and said she wouldn't have even known I'd had surgery. The LHS of my chest is still abit swollen but my doctor suggested its only noticeable when looking down on it, which obviously I do all the time. From the front I don't think it's that bad at all and will hopefully go down. The RHS is looking less indented now and naturally flat   I'm hoping to go to Birmingham soon for a checkup with levick... I will also post some more pictures when I get around to it.

[sjwsjw]

Cheers for the info pez.

I massage twice a day when I get chance but at least once, normally before bed. I was told at my follow up to keep massaging and to start doing weights. I was asked to return at the start of April so I'll keep massaging til then and ask if I need to continue then, no harm in massaging.

[Ricardo7]

Good to hear you're healing well pez!

I'm 6 days post op tomorrow. Might do what you did and remove the dressings a day early. I'm not in any discomfort, just eager to see my chest

[Pez2]

Will try and massage every day but I guess it won't hurt missing a day here and there. Will just have to do abit extra the day after.

Ricardo.. It's upto you, I took mine off in the morning on the 6th day as I was getting really fed up with them. I Bet you can't wait to look at the result, I know I couldn't either, it's a really surreal feeling. If you can, Soak your bandages in the bath for awhile before attempting to take them off as it'll help.

[Pez2]

2 months post op - 12/02/13




Still got a little swelling on the LHS which Im sure is going down gradually.... Atleast I think its swelling, either that or some fluid but Its nothing major and hardly noticeable unless I squeeze the area. Ive still yet to organise my post op consultation with Levick, just not had the time to get to birmingham unfortunately, but will do soon for his advice on this. Been massaging every day for 25-30 mins and am now doing it every other day.