Consultation with Levick booked 08/10/12 .Now with pics (pre/post)

[jmdc]

Hi, you're circumstances are similar to mine (only my mom and sister know anything about this!) I was married for nearly 10 years and my wife knew nothing of my condition or how it affected me either.

Well after itching like crazy for days and the bandages starting to really dig in I decided this morning they were coming off! (only 24 hrs short of a week). Managed to get them off fairly easily without too much bother. After 10 minutes or so they were off ( took a couple of minutes to relax before taking a look!).

Ive heard many people use the term 'flat as a pancake' and have been slightly sceptical about that, as after 20+ years of this Ive found it hard to believe it was possible. Well they're flipping right!!

IT'S GONE!!.......... Totally flat !! 

I've got some bruising but much less than expected. I'm also still fairly numb! My nipples are slightly creased from the bandages but they are flat. They certainly don't feel like they belong to me at all. Overall a very surreal but euphoric feeling I must admit. Compression vest has gone on now ( opted for black) and will stay on for 2/3 weeks until switching to nights only.

Let me know how it goes when the bandages come off dude. Swimming and the beach is right around the corner for u my friend!!

 gl !!

[tpuk]

Nice...., you must be over the moon - esp as you worried about fluid & stuff ! nice one, congrats.

I am sitting out another 24 hours - kinda like this bandage now in a sick kinda way lol. its like a bizzare gyn security blanket !!!

I just missed the delivery of my compression vest anyway so I need to pick that up later...

I'm still very nervous......................... ill post 2mor

Cheers.

[tpuk]

Just picked up my new compression vest and decided to remove the bandages - approx 12 hours earlier than 1 week post op.

Jumped in a bath, soaked for 5 mins & began gently peeling away....not sure what I would find...

Bandages came off easily with no pain when taken slowly.

The result underneath is very good. Hardly any bruising only a little around the nips.

My chest is flat. Much flatter than expected I have to say. I stood for 5 mins checking from all angles & I would go swimming like this without feeling self-conscious (even though I have a belly).

Its crazy. He must have taken alot of fat from me - I kinda expected to be black & blue.

At the moment I have a tremendous feeling of relief more than happiness & euphoria etc. I aim to keep a level head, play it carefully & hope its stays OK.

My new compression vest fits & now I'm gonna chill !!!!! its gonna take a long time to sink in.

Will celebrate tomorrow by purchasing a T-shirt that isn't XXL & black !

all the best.

I'll keep you posted - do likewise !

[jmdc]

Great news! I'm glad you're pleased with the result. I think keeping a level head is important as the final results take a while to come. I've got some scar tissue already forming and bruising is coming out now. However it's not as bad as I anticipated.

Totally with you on the new t shirt thing. Really nice to have options now. I'm thinking a bonfire of my old oversized black t shirts is in order! Enjoy chillin out bud, I've earned it.

Cheers

[tpuk]

OK - I read that every OP will have scar tissue....I am expecting some. Hopefully it will go away...... there is alot of info on this site about injections that are meant to work well........

Have you contacted Levick or spoken to him?

I will prob send an email asking about what to expect re; scar tissue & what/how to message etc? do you know what to do?

I've been walking (1 hour) today, dunno if its good to move alot or not at this stage....

I took photos to keep a log of things & they are there if I want Mr Levick to see them.

These vests are a pain in the arse to sleep in though eh ?



Cheers.

[jmdc]

Hi I'm going to try and contact Mr Levick today or tmrw re massaging and scar tissue. I think it's the liposuction part of the op that stimulates scar tissue formation. I did massage yesterday for around 15 mins and it felt fine, albeit very strange! My main concern being whether it's too soon to start?! I applied gentle but slightly firm pressure with first two fingers in small semi circular movements. My chest did feel quite nice afterwards so I'm fairly sure it's ok but would like to check first. I'm using bio oil as it seems to go quite far.

As for the vest, it's defo a pain to sleep in! Do you feel you could massage yet or are you still too tender?

Cheers

[jmdc]

Hi just spoken to Mr Levick. It's too soon really to massage. Firstly bleeding could occur if massage is too vigorous. Any lumpiness that can be felt is due to swelling and is not scar tissue at this stage. Scar tissue doesn't form until at least 3 months. Any lumpiness/fluid is due to swelling because the lymphatic system responsible for drainage isn't working properly as a result of the procedure. He said give it another 3 weeks before massaging and basically ignore any lumpiness at this stage. As for walking, it's fine as long as it doesn't hurt. He did however say that running/light weights should be avoided for another couple of weeks. I went for a walk myself last night (half hour) and it felt fine.

So in short just keep walking when you feel like it. Keep compression vest on. Start massage in 3 weeks and don't get too hung up on lumps at this stage. Hope that helps dude 

[tpuk]

OK - cool.

Lol @ running / weights..... not a chance.

Cheers for the info & gl.

[jmdc]

Lol no prob. Started sleeping on my side now. So much better!!

Gl mate

[tpuk]

soooooo bored

I need a run or a days hiking !

Anyway - things are lookin good still, but having to take it easy is not easy. Got some soreness - but also alot more movement back. Still impressed everytime I shower/bath.

Sleeping in this vest is madness, but its nice as you said to be able to sleep on your side...

My head-doctor says I 'look more confident'. I deffo feel lifted. Bought a nice jacket/t-shirt (not black). Looks good.

Cant wait to get swimming......

[jmdc]

Totally mate boredom is a killer. Back to work tmrw for me! Glad you're feeling good! Have you noticed any hardness/lumpiness yet? I've definitely boarded the post op roller coaster now. Lumps n bumps all over chest! 

[tpuk]

No lumpiness yet, how much have you got - how do you describe it? spoken to Levick again or gonna wait? I'm gonna call the office tomorrow just to say how things are & also email Levick I think.

Last day or 2 I have become a little sore I guess, some sudden movements can cause quite a stinging pain. Prob start taking paracetamol again..I cant see any lumps/bumps.....my nips are a little creased/dented etc...

Jeez....I dont want any lumpiness, but I am pretty sure its part of the healing process - just a head-masher I would think.

I'm walking 1 hour/day, no other exercising for the time being.

GL mate.

[jmdc]

Its very hard in places (almost stone like). I can feel it much more than I can see it but it is noticeable on my rhs. Levick did say it was normal and should subside by itself. Def part of the healing process but it's a mind f&@k got sure! Sounds like you are doing well mate

Gl

[tpuk]

Hows things?

I think I'm pretty much the same as before, although I did walk home from a mates house last night (quite far) and have a sore chest from where the compression vest rubbed.

I dont have any scar stuff yet. nips look q creased/wierd but it doesnt bother me.

I'm still taking things pretty slow although did get a decent 8 mile mountain walk in the other day.

Ordered some swimming trunks so I'm basically gonna train like darn once full mobility is back/ all being well.

GL.

[jmdc]

Hi Lumpiness/scar tissue is still appearing daily. Chest looks quite distorted when I tense. Hopefully this is temporary! Not gonna worry about it too much infill a few months have passed. Have you booked a follow up appointment yet?  I've been massaging daily which helps. Heading to the gym tonight ( nothing stressful just exercise bike at mo).

Congrats on being one step closer to swimming! How much longer are you planning on wearing the vest 24/7?