Surgery Mr Levick (25/06/14) ONE YEAR UPDATE (including 'gym' pics)

[AchillesUK]

Yeah I emailed him about it, I know I'll have to go get it drained to be fair which is a pain and  I live in the East Midlands so yeah it's about an hour or so from Birmingham, just didn't think fluid really builds up after the op cause I've not exercised or anything like that but yeah, I'll see what he says, he hasn't got back to me but I emailed him yesterday.

Yeah I think I'm gonna finish mine today to be honest, cause my bruising has pretty much gone but just the swelling on the upper chest, and what does he do to drain the fluid out? Does he just get a needle and poke it through and get it out?

Hey Jack. Did you get a reply from Mr Levick at all?

[KarlUK]

Hi mate, is the chest healing any better now the fluid has been drained? Is it looking any leaner?

[AchillesUK]

Hi mate, is the chest healing any better now the fluid has been drained? Is it looking any leaner?

Hey man. Well after initially being drained, yes I looked completely flat again, like day one after surgery. However, despite all the padding and pressure, there's been some fluid accumulated, especially in my right side. No where near as bad as before, but it's still definitely fluid. When I wear a close fitted t-shirt I still look perky.

I received a reply from Mr Levick within hours of emailing him last night and he recommended coming in again to have it drained. I'm still not worried as I know I'm in good hands. I will ask this time whether he thinks my overall recovery will be prolonged and how often can I expect to have fluid build up.

Anyway, how are you doing? Not long till your surgery. Taking all your Arnica tablets etc?

[KarlUK]

Ahh thats a shame was hoping that would be the end of it for you. Hopefully you won't have to repeat this too many times, its a good job your local otherwise it would be an even bigger pain.

I'm currently going through pre-surgery jitters and wanting to back out all the time, I keep wondering whether its really needed. The thing is I've not touched a weight for over a year (something I used to enjoy) because it makes my chest look out of proportion. At the moment, most people would think I work out (its all gyno and little muscle unfortunately!).

Anyway, I can't believe its in a few days time. Just wish I could fast forward a week!

I've not been taking Arnica but have ordered some bromelain for after surgery.

I wonder how Jacky is doing?

[JackY16]

YeAh sorry guys been away for several days! But I'm back, yeah I got an email from mr Levick about the fluid what's built up under my nipple, I got a bit worried and wanted to go in to get it drained like other people have on the site.... Achilles and donut, but he told me not to worry and to put hankies where my nipple is under my vest to compress it, to see if any of it improves,  (leave it till this Thursday) and if not go get it drained out, was hoping that this Thursday which I'm 3weeks post op, I'd be wearing my vest just at night,  but not everything goes right as this process is a lengthy recovery just have to be patient because in the end the result is life changing so can't go wrong!  I've started to go out now even though the vest is so noticeable,  I've started to lightly get into things like picking things up, and walking a lot so yeah getting on track atm:)

How you doing Achilles? You still got fluid under after all that compression?

[AchillesUK]

Ahh thats a shame was hoping that would be the end of it for you. Hopefully you won't have to repeat this too many times, its a good job your local otherwise it would be an even bigger pain.

I'm currently going through pre-surgery jitters and wanting to back out all the time, I keep wondering whether its really needed. The thing is I've not touched a weight for over a year (something I used to enjoy) because it makes my chest look out of proportion. At the moment, most people would think I work out (its all gyno and little muscle unfortunately!).

Anyway, I can't believe its in a few days time. Just wish I could fast forward a week!

I've not been taking Arnica but have ordered some bromelain for after surgery.

I wonder how Jacky is doing?

Yeah I guess I'm lucky it's only a half hour drive away for me. I hope this is the last time I have to be drained.

Dont worry, I think you'd be abnormal NOT to have any pre-op jitters. I think most people have the 'what if I dont wake up' fear, but that's never happened to any of Mr Levick's patients. There's more chance you could die on the way to the hospital than from the operation is what he told me! It's also a relatively simple operation. The doctors are all experienced, they dont do night shifts so they'll be fully awake. In worst case scenario they have intensive care unit facilities on site.

You'll be fine. Dont worry about the Arnica, I didnt buy mine till day after surgery.

[AchillesUK]

YeAh sorry guys been away for several days! But I'm back, yeah I got an email from mr Levick about the fluid what's built up under my nipple, I got a bit worried and wanted to go in to get it drained like other people have on the site.... Achilles and donut, but he told me not to worry and to put hankies where my nipple is under my vest to compress it, to see if any of it improves,  (leave it till this Thursday) and if not go get it drained out, was hoping that this Thursday which I'm 3weeks post op, I'd be wearing my vest just at night,  but not everything goes right as this process is a lengthy recovery just have to be patient because in the end the result is life changing so can't go wrong!  I've started to go out now even though the vest is so noticeable,  I've started to lightly get into things like picking things up, and walking a lot so yeah getting on track atm:)

How you doing Achilles? You still got fluid under after all that compression?

Dont worry, I think that's standard procedure from Mr Levick, to ask patients to wait a few days. Both times I've contacted him about fluid, he asked me to wait a few days to see if it clears up with pressure. On Saturday he replied to my latest email and said to wait till Monday (today). There was no improvement so I informed him of that this morning, he replied in the afternoon saying to come in tomorrow. He said if I'm late for any reason, he'll even wait for me! Such a nice guy.

Hopefully your's clears up with the pressure, but if it doesnt he'll drain it all out. Yours doesnt sound as mine initially was (are you still not able to put pictures up?), so hopefully at most you'll need to go in once. I think Donut only had to go in once. Are you travelling from far?

My fluid build up is a lot less than last time so I hope this is the last time. I've also got strange sensations/low level pains in my chest, almost like stabbing pains which come n go. I hope the needles tomorrow dont cause any pain.

[JackY16]

Hey guys! Karl you don't need to worry at  all! Your in the hands off probably the best Gyno surgeon who uses if not the best technique there is, your surgery is in two days! I brought 125 tablets of arnica,  took one in the morning and one at night, 7 days before surgery and 2 weeks post op. I've stopped taking them for a few days now. It goes so fast, they're the most genuine people at the priory hospital, I can imagine you are excited and nervous about it at the moment!

Achilles, yeah dude my PC has been playing up, i need a new one tbh but I haven't got round to uploading photos as it's different on my ipad, I shall sort it out tho, I'll eventually get round to it! Anyway, got an email yesterday evening from Mr Levick and he told me I can pop in tomorrow (today) to have the fluid drained and says if I'm late for any reason he'll wait for me, I'm so pleased I went to someone as genuine as him tbh! Anyway, I went today and got it drained, 15ml of fluid under my left nipple, I've not long got home, but I've put 2 handkerchief folded up over the left nipple,  hopefully that's enough to keep the fluid from NOT coming back what so ever! With that fluid drained my chest looks exactly how I want it, and I'm only 19days post op! Haha, he obviously told me to keep the pressure on and to obviously relax and everything! He told me someone else is going in today to get fluid drained which I take it, it's you Achilles! Let me know how it goes:) p.s I've been getting all these sharp pains etc, it's just the nerves coming back in the chest, nothing to worry about.

[AchillesUK]

Hey guys! Karl you don't need to worry at  all! Your in the hands off probably the best Gyno surgeon who uses if not the best technique there is, your surgery is in two days! I brought 125 tablets of arnica,  took one in the morning and one at night, 7 days before surgery and 2 weeks post op. I've stopped taking them for a few days now. It goes so fast, they're the most genuine people at the priory hospital, I can imagine you are excited and nervous about it at the moment!

Achilles, yeah dude my PC has been playing up, i need a new one tbh but I haven't got round to uploading photos as it's different on my ipad, I shall sort it out tho, I'll eventually get round to it! Anyway, got an email yesterday evening from Mr Levick and he told me I can pop in tomorrow (today) to have the fluid drained and says if I'm late for any reason he'll wait for me, I'm so pleased I went to someone as genuine as him tbh! Anyway, I went today and got it drained, 15ml of fluid under my left nipple, I've not long got home, but I've put 2 handkerchief folded up over the left nipple,  hopefully that's enough to keep the fluid from NOT coming back what so ever! With that fluid drained my chest looks exactly how I want it, and I'm only 19days post op! Haha, he obviously told me to keep the pressure on and to obviously relax and everything! He told me someone else is going in today to get fluid drained which I take it, it's you Achilles! Let me know how it goes:) p.s I've been getting all these sharp pains etc, it's just the nerves coming back in the chest, nothing to worry about.

Hey man, no worries about computer/pics. Glad to hear you got the fluid drained today. Yep it was me who came later, he also mentioned to me there was another guy who came in earlier to get drained, thought it might have been you.

I had 70ml drained from the right hand side this time (compared to 160ml last time), and 'teaspoon' or so from the left side lol. That's what Mr Levick described it as anyway.

It's 3 weeks tomorrow, time has flown by. But Mr Levick requested to keep the compression up as I've had fluid built up:

1 more week with all 3 layers - binder, vest and handkerchiefs.
1 more week after that of wearing the vest 24/7
Then to just wear the vest at night (I cant remember for how long, but I'll wear it for a few weeks, I dont mind).

He also said another 2 weeks before I can hit the gym, and to take it easy when I do. After this surgery, I'm really looking forward to getting into good shape.

He said there may be a small amount of fluid which may come back but it should go away over time with compression or if I'm very worried I could go back to him.

Glad yours was only a small amount to drain away Jack, compared to mine, hopefully that means thats the first and last time you have to be drained!

[JackY16]

Ah good! It only took 10mins and was totally painless, I'm glad I went into get it drained because it just plays on your mind otherwise, touch wood my fluid hasn't came back this morning! Have you checked if yours has? And he said to me there is a chance of it coming back but like you say I had a tiny bit of fluid compared to yours, it's a pain in the arse but at least we can get it drained whenever! I'm not wearing my binder for compression as it just slips down if anything but suppose you need it really, must be horrible with 3layers because summer is just getting better but always got the long term result in my head!

Yeah mate, I look forward to getting back into shape, just gonna take it easy! Has anyone noticed your layers? Because the vest is pretty much see through- through the tshirts-_-  to be honest though I think you should be fine cause your doing all you can with compression.time has flown by I'm 3weeks post op tomorrow, what has he said in terms of massaging your chest? Told me 3-4 weeks but obviously I had my chest drained yday don't know if it effects it.

[AchillesUK]

3 weeks post op

So today is exactly 3 weeks since the operation, time has flown by. I've given updates as I've gone along so I wont repeat everything. For the majority of these 3 weeks I've had fluid build up, despite being very diligent with the compression, so I've not really seen the chest I've wanted for the most part.

Mobility - 95% of normal. Slight twinge in deltopectoral region when I fully extend/abduct my arms (think chin-up position). Reading other peoples' experiences too, this seems to be the last area of discomfort and probably the exercise I'll probably have to leave the longest. Shame, as I love chin-ups.

Appearance of chest - well after my second drainage yesterday for excess fluid, I am finally able to say I'm getting happy to see the appearance of my chest. I've also lost over a stone in weight since surgery (mainly cos I'm fasting), which I'm happy about as I was overweight at the time of surgery.

Some pictures:

 

View from right side. The scar is visible, but the chest is flat:

 

View from left side:

 

Left side again. Flat, but visible scar and more prominent on this side:

 

When I put my arms down, however, the scar is not visible at all:

 

In t-shirt:

 

I was pretty thrilled with finally wearing a t-shirt and not looking perky from a side angle:

 

Scars - I'm really not fussed about these. They are quite prominent with my arms raised but for some reason they dont bother me. I know over time they will fade anyway. I also know that had these scars been in a more visible area near my nipples I would have been very unhappy. Another reason why I'm so glad I went with Mr Levick.

[AchillesUK]

Ah good! It only took 10mins and was totally painless, I'm glad I went into get it drained because it just plays on your mind otherwise, touch wood my fluid hasn't came back this morning! Have you checked if yours has? And he said to me there is a chance of it coming back but like you say I had a tiny bit of fluid compared to yours, it's a pain in the arse but at least we can get it drained whenever! I'm not wearing my binder for compression as it just slips down if anything but suppose you need it really, must be horrible with 3layers because summer is just getting better but always got the long term result in my head!

Yeah mate, I look forward to getting back into shape, just gonna take it easy! Has anyone noticed your layers? Because the vest is pretty much see through- through the tshirts-_-  to be honest though I think you should be fine cause your doing all you can with compression.time has flown by I'm 3weeks post op tomorrow, what has he said in terms of massaging your chest? Told me 3-4 weeks but obviously I had my chest drained yday don't know if it effects it.

Awesome Jack. Great to hear your fluid hasnt come back today. For me, I've just posted some pics, its not come back so far. Although last time the fluid returned after 3-4 days, but hopefully neither of us experience that. Particularly as yours was a small amount, hopefully it definitely wont come back for you.

I am actually wearing all 3 layers - pads of gauze which I collected a few off at the hospital, the vest and the binder. It is a bit of a pain but I'm not spending much time outside at the moment because I'm low on energy anyway due to fasting, but when I do go out I wear a baggy t-shirt. I think it is probably visible with all 3 layers underneath my t-shirt, but if anyone has noticed anything they havent said anything. Even if they have I really wouldnt care because I know in a couple of months I (and all of us) will have the flattest of chests and will be in great shape!

It's bizarre, the week before my surgery I was almost intentionally wearing tight t-shirts. I was perky (from the gynecomastia) and generally overweight but I kind of wanted people to make fun of me cos I knew it was all going to disappear very soon!

Even if people havent really been into the gym, this surgery must send everyone's confidence through the roof and make them determined to get training and in the best possible shape.

Good point regarding massage - he did tell me day after op to start massaging after 3 weeks, but with all the fluid, drainage and compression I dont know when I should start now, wish I'd asked him yesterday. I'll probably start when I get down to vest only in a week's time. Have you starting massaging? I'm not even sure for how long, what technique etc to use.

[JackY16]

Yeah dude well I'm gonna keep the hankies compressing my left side until  Monday I think, and then take the vest off 4weeks post op and then wear it at night I think! I checked this morning and it looked like it was puffy but didn't feel like there was fluid there so maybe it's just my nipple playing up!

I see!  It's better to wear the binder but in my case don't think it's needed compared to you, and wow haha a stone? I've probably put that on... Eating through boredom and lack of exercise! Hahah I'm gonna start dieting today anyway want to get into good shape and get my self in the gym! Our confidence will be sky high it's gonna be amazing if everything goes right!  Because I know I'd see results going to the gym it just makes me more determined that ever!

Yeah it's just a palm into the chest he showed me, quite hard but not too hard so it hurts, two times a day for a couple of minutes, just said it's like brushing your teeth! Yeah probably gonna leave massaging till best Wednesday or so! What's your plan with the vest etc?

[AchillesUK]

4 Weeks Post Op

So it's exactly 4 weeks today since my surgery. It's been a bumpy (fluidy?) ride so far to say the least. I just had my 3rd drainage yesterday, after fluid had built up again. This time it was only the right side however and the fluid build up is decreasing.

Fluid drained from the right side:

1st time: 160ml
2nd time: 75ml
3rd time: 30ml

Also Mr Levick when he saw it this time he said it probably would have gone away on its own this time with the pressure. He also thought there was maybe a 'drop or two' in the left side but he didnt aspirate that as he felt it would go away on its own.

He asked that I keep on all 3 layers for another week again. So I'll effectively be doing 5 full weeks with - gauze, vest and binder.

Massage - he said definitely DONT do massage, for at least another week, as this could encourage the fluid to return.

Advice to anyone reading this - if possible, avoid surgery in the summer for two reasons:

1. Wearing 2/3 layers is a pain in this weather. The binder in particular is visible under t-shirts.

2. Mr Levick commented that for some reason, his patients in the summer tend to have more fluid build up.

Mobility - pretty much 99% maybe 100%, I can move my arms in all directions without any discomfort.

Pain - oddly I've had some pains in the night, which has woken me up a few times. Usually this happens when I extend my arms overhead in my sleep This is probably just the sensation returning, or perhaps was the fluid build up.

Anyway, my 'target' for a reasonable appearance has always been the two month mark. One bumpy month down, one more to go.

[JackY16]

Been waiting to hear from you Achilles!

I've had the same problem, I went for my second drainage this Monday, he only got 5cc, but it feels like some fluid has came back, but I've kept compression! doesn't look bad and I know it will go I'm pretty confident. Yeah Mr Levick told me it must be a summer thing with the fluid coming back. He told me not to massage for 2weeks also.

Personally I think you'll have one more drainage and that will be it for you, I'm going to go out without the vest either tomorrow/friday, can't wait personally. This heats been horrible with this vest on, causing me too sweat a lot!