Plucking up the courage - Surgery completed 15.03.12

[zm]

The lines are definetely caused by the compression vest.

Can I just ask, did you pay extra to have the bits done under your arm, sides of your chest as i notice some markings there?

[namsoni]

Cheers guys. I am resolved to get myself in shape to make the most of this surgery, so any tips on that front is much appreciated, particularly as I have never really had the habit of regular exercise before. Yes, ZM, I did pay extra to get my anterior axillaries done. Thinking back, I wish I'd actually had a more active dialogue with Dr. Karidis. From the initial consultation to the seeing him on the day - and only then before surgery - I barely said two words to him. It was my way of not backing out, but it also meant I blindly agreed to everything, including paying for the axillaries. I'm not saying I regret it, but I can't really see what he has done on that front.

[amy123]

How much did you pay in total. Was your process under local /twilight/general

[zm]

I do have to say that consultation was pretty rubbish.  I even had 2. I had to point out the fat on my sides.  I thought he should have advised me on it perhaps..  I also paid extra for the Axilla but just thinking why I have no incisions yet that area feels really sore.  Maybe he went in through my nipples?

Amy123, I'm not too sure about Namsomi but i think we had the exact same procedure. it cost me £5258 in total and it's performed under General.

[amy123]

So overall were you hapy with the experience with Dr. Karidis ? He is the most expensive around so service has to be better than the rest who charge 3k

[zm]

I'm happy with the actual surgery itself.  however, my feeling is that, considering how much we have paid, admin and consulation side of things need hell of a lot of work in my experience.

[namsoni]

I'm happy with the actual surgery itself.  however, my feeling is that, considering how much we have paid, admin and consulation side of things need hell of a lot of work in my experience.

Agreed, though for me, that was partly my fault.

Took your advice re the cotton vest, which along with clouds of talc, has made the vest vastly more comfortable today.

[zm]

Dont wanna rub it in bro but guess who's not wearing the vest right now?  :-p

Only wearing it during the day now for 12 hours

[namsoni]

Haha, fair enough you lucky git! But I am getting used it now, and I'm gaining more mobility. My chest is feeling less alien, but my spare tyre, really looks like a spare tyre now! Anyway, glad to hear you are progressing well mate.

[Dracksus]

Glad you got it done mate

Just relax now and focus on healing properly before worrying about anything else!

[namsoni]

Thanks Drackus. The lack of sleep from sleeping on my back is really catching up with me. I was supposed to be working from home today, but I've barely got anything done.

[zm]

Hi Namsoni,
How is recovery going for you?
i just wanted to ask if you are experiencing any kind of pain?

My chest has really started to hurt now. I can feel really bad scar tissue...very hard in places...

[namsoni]

Hey guys,

Sorry for being absent, I thought it best that I try not to think about the recovery period too much, otherwise it will drive me crazy! However, I am concerned about the amount of scar tissue I have, which is making my chest very bumpy. Should I be concerned about this? Any tips on how I can mitigate or reduce the swelling/scar tissue? I have bought a percussion massager, and I am still wearing my compression vest, as I noticed my chest got worse when I stopped wearing it during the day.

Will post 3 week post op pics soon - just need to upload them.

N

[chopper]

I kept my vest on for pretty much 4 weeks to keep the swelling down as much as possible but that initial scar tissue is really aggressive and takes over everything but it will really ease off and start to go in the next few weeks too. Hang in mate, rough times still to come but it will get a lot better soon

[dexs]

So a daft question, I'm 8 days post surgery.  When scar tissue appears will it feel like the moons are back?  Also with massaging does it make an instant difference ie if you massage through the scar tissue does it ease off?

I'm not worried but slightly apprehensive as to how my chest will look once scar tissue rears its ugly head.