Surgery this week yikes! 30/07/15

[Charlie33]

Hard to see on the pic but the fluid is around my finger :

[ggnail]

Hey Charlie, you're nice and flat mate, way better than mine really. It really looks flat from pics, well done

[Stan19]

Looks good mate congrats do you have any before pics to compare? 

[Charlie33]

Thanks guys, as said the pics  don't really show the indent or fluid on my right side. Some before pics, I didn't think my right side was too bad but Dr Levick was right , there was quite a bit in there!
Just hoping the fluid will disperse without the needle!

[Stan19]

Really good result you gotta be pleased with that at this early stage. Good luck with the fluid

[Charlie33]

R/H side before :

[ggnail]

Charlie, I found this online that advises drinking too much fluids post surgery as it can encourage fluid buildup. Makes logical sense...wish I knew this.

https://westlakeplasticsurgery.com/gynecomastia-recovery

[Charlie33]

Surely you would have to drink a lot to have a negative effect, if any?  I just drank normally but strangely found I had more of a thirst the first week at home? 
I have had a reply from dr Levick this morning after I sent my 2 week pics to him.
He said they look good and I should carry on with compression , I mentioned the fluid and he said if it's persists after another week then maybe see about my GP draining it. I blame my build up on the size of the gland/fat on that side and the fact that I wasn't able to have the binder any tighter during the first couple of days. I was in quite a bit of pain!

[Charlie33]

Almost 5 weeks post op so thought I'd give a little update
I'm now just wearing one of my old compression vests during the day and the Macom compression vest over the top at night times. The initial fluid build up on my right side has disappeared and has not returned, this area now feels firm to the touch.
My movement is good with only slight discomfort at full stretch, still tender below the nipple and rib area. I Don't really feel comfortable with massaging at the moment.

My only concern really is that my nipples have creases, mainly the right one which was a lot bigger than my left. I'm hoping this will change over time.
I think mentally it's a massive relief, I no longer sit in my chair at work rubbing my hand over my chest, I was constantly thinking about it. I still find myself looking in windows, now I just smile to myself instead of hunching or raising my arm if someone walked past.
Hope everyone similar is doing well

[K201]

How are you getting on now ?
Are the creases away ?
Dr Levick is such a nice guy , I had the pleasure of meeting him today 

[ggnail]

That's great Charlie. Yea I have creases too on both sides actually and was worried initially but just taking each day at a time. Mobility is better also. Went to gym for first time since op but didn't do any chest exercises just cardio. Fluids seems to have stopped now after second drainage so all ok at moment at 4 weeks post op.

[Charlie33]

Glad the fluids gone mate, I'm also looking forward to getting in the gym - it's been a while. When I wake up in the morning and take the vest off my chest looks perfect, as the day goes on and I relax the skin goes a little wrinkly on the side that was the biggest. This nipple is also creased the most.
I've just started massaging lightly with Bio oil, to be honest it still feels a little tender so it's putting me off . Still early days as you say so I'll keep trying

[Stan19]

Hi charlie  did u have to get fluid drained and if so how many times?  I wudnt worry if massage is still painfull at this early stage just listen to your body. Easy for me to say though pre op !

[Charlie33]

Hi Stan, no I didn't need to have it drained. I did email some pictures to Dr Levick and he asked me to leave it another week and come back to him. I decided to put a small square lint pad over the area with fluid and the binder over the top. I think the extra compression helped The fluid absorb gradually on its own.

[Stan19]

Cheers charlie  did u go with a macom vest or a veronique?