Surgery with Levick COMPLETE (29-08-12) <pre and post op pics posted>

[darkstar]

7 days post-op today. Feeling better everyday. Last night I started pulling at some of the bandages and it's going to be a nightmare removing them. My dad got me some plaster removal spray from Boots today, so I'll see if that helps at all. I've decided to keep them on until tomorrow morning. I may as well, as one more day really isn't an issue. then if I do have a lot of swelling later, at least I won't be angry at myself for taking them off early.

Dazzo, in regards to anaesthetic. This was my first operation as well. Had never been put under before and I was not nervous at all. Look at it rationally. The odds of it going wrong are so small, it's barely worth considering IMO. If you worry about things like that, then you could apply it to driving, flying, crossing the road etc. So long as you're reasonably healthy, then you will be fine. I wasn't offered anything to calm me down, but I didn't ask either, so you could enquire if you feel you need something.

[Ricardo7]

I'm not bothered about anything going wrong, I'm just a wuss ha ha. The mere thought of lying on a hospital bed getting prepared to be put under makes me feel a bit anxious. Guess I'll just need to grit my teeth and get through it when the time comes, it'll be one of these things that I'll feel stupid after the operation for being so scared no doubt.

Best of luck for tomorrow, here's to a nice flat chest!

[darkstar]

I suppose you wont know how you feel until you're walking down to surgery. there are two rooms directly next to each other, the first you sit on a bed, have a few photos taken, a few lines drawn on your chest by Paul. You're then asked to lie down, there are about three people in the room at this time, they ask you a few questions about your life, to keep you occupied. You feel a slight prick in the top of your hand and before you know it, an icy liquid goes up your arm and you feel sleepy.

[darkstar]

BANDAGES REMOVED

OK, I woke up quite early this morning. As I was lying in bed last night, I was pulling at the tape securing the bandages, to get a bit of a head start for this morning (not loosening them though). For the most part, the tape isn't actually too bad. It's just when it gets stuck on hairs it's thr worst. Fortunately I don't have many chest hairs, just the odd single one here and there. But if you do, make sure you shave your chest and part of you back (each side). I bought two packs of "Plaster Removal spray" from boots, which made the process a lot easier. I didn't bother getting in the bath or anything, it's not that bad. I just wanted to get them off ASAP!

First impressions? Flat. Thankfully. The RHS is great, very happy with it. Little bit of swelling and a few yellow bruises, but the shape is good. The LHS, which is the side I had a lot of swelling above the bandages, is concave. I'm not too worried about this, as the swelling above it is causing the worst of it, and it should fill itself out over time (hopefully)

The nipples are smaller than they were, which is great. And no puffiness. This may come back with scar tissue, but at least I know it will eventually be normal.

So overall I'm very happy. Straight after taking the bandages off, I had a shower (felt strange) being careful not to touch the chest too much. Some of the skin where the tape had been was a bit sore. Some skin may have come off on the back. Then after drying I took a few pictures and put the vest straight on. I don't want to be looking at my chest too much, otherwise I'll study it too much and find 'issues'. The compression vest is very comfortable compared to the bandages.

Pictures to follow...  It would be good to get everyones opinion.

[darkstar]

Side

[darkstar]

Left side

[darkstar]

Head-on

[darkstar]

You can see the concaved side

[darkstar]

The RHS looks a bit better.

[darkstar]

..

[improving]

Looks great man, i'm sure that concaved side will sort itself out and you'll have a great final result. 

[Ricardo7]

Looks great to me darkstar, congratulations

[Dom]

Looks great

[darkstar]

Thanks lads. It was a very surreal feeling looking down at the chest for the first time. I honestly can't remember having a flat chest, and it's not a natural feeling to see such a huge change in such a short timeframe. It's hit me now that thats it (all going well) for my gyno, it's gone.

I've been in the compression vest all day and it's allowed me to go and get back to a normal-ish life. I drove for the first time since the op, had lunch in town then went and sat in a pub garden for the whole afternoon. We were in direct sunlight but I didn't feel too hot, hardly noticed the vest. I've been having to put on a bit of pain all day, as I've said I broke my ribs last week. I'd feel comfortable going back to an office job now. But a job involving heavy lifting would be a step too far.

[enom]

Looks great darkstar mate.