Opinion Needed

[Guest sean0]

Hey everyone,

I didn't really want my first post to be ranting about something but I suppose that's one reason I've joined a support forum.

I wanted to give my account on my chest surgery experience which I will write up in full later on but I'm just concentrating on healing and whether I'm satisfied with the results. The surgeon hasn't done many chest reconstruction surgeries on transmen, under ten, but I found him to be really trustworthy and forthcoming in the consultation, and his other work really good. That and he was recommended to me by two people.

This first one was taken during having my bandages taken off with the cosmetic nurse.

Photo 1

The second was taken back home with new dressings on the nipples and medical tape along the incisions.

Photo 2

(cup size larger C before)

I'm happy with the thin incisions and the nipple size and position seems real good, but I have an issue with the hump near the incisions. It creates a kind of contour that I'm having a time getting used to. Some people have suggested it's swelling because it's only one week post-op but I'm scared if it's breast tissue that I won't be able to shift through exercise? If it doesn't go, I may want a revision to have it flattened. I think the surgeon just didn't want to take too much out in case the chest became convex and sunk in.

I want to know a couple of things from you guys. I want to know if you think it's swelling or if I can work it off or what. And also if you would be happy with my result personally.

I'd really appreciate your input.

[MaryEllen]

Hi sean0,

Welcome to the forums. I'm afraid I'm not qualified to give any advice on your present condition. If you have fears that all is not right, perhaps you should go back to the doctor. Maybe some of the transmen here who have had top surgery could tell you whether this is normal or not. Good luck.

MaryEllen

[Guest Darrel]

They look fine to me; I think it's swelling. If there is some more boobages, maybe the doctor can give a little liposuction. But, I think the swelling will go down, and most men do have pecs. :3 So chances are they will pass as very sexy muscular pecs. Plus, when you're healed up and able to move around, I'm sure some push ups or other chest muscle activities will help tighten it up.

^^ Looks nice though.

[Guest GoldenKirbichu]

Does it hurt much? It looks somewhat painful.

It could be a bit of fluid or something collecting in the space that the drains haven't caught yet... I'm not sure. But it looks pretty good so far minus the bruised nipples. Those'll heal in time, too.

[Guest Matthew-L]

i agree with darrel.

i had swelling that looked very similar to that for about 2 weeks post-op.

however, i am not a medical professional and really shouldn't give medical advice.

that was just my experience.

[Guest Huff]

Hey, man, I'm totally in the same boat with you... 2.5 weeks post op and still not sure if it's "right". What's still just swelling and healing and what's the final result going to look like? It's like... I really don't want anything that even resembles femaleness on my chest, so some of the contouring and ridges that are still there make feel feel anxious and a bit disappointed that it's not all over yet. At the very least lots more T and bench pressing and maybe revisions if that's not sufficient. I feel fortunate that I know my surgeon wants the final outcome to be what I want, but the idea of more surgery is rather awful. Pain, puking, yucky head-tripping pain meds, more pain, limited movement, can't work out for 4-6 weeks... not fun.

I'll try to get a hold of a digital camera so I can post a picture.

Michael

[Guest sean0]

I didn't have any drains in GK. The surgeon uses a surgical technique that minimises blood loss so he only uses drains in 20% of his patients. It could however be fluid. It does feel a little tight and not like sheer tissue.

It isn't painful whatsoever. It's more discomfort.

I plan on working out a lot when I can but I'm just concerned that it might not be enough to get rid of that.

I feel the same way as you Michael. Like I first look down lying on the table and thought 'oh no, they're still here' because from my angle I can see the pec bits that rise in the middle, so I was freaking out. I just spent too long with breasts to wanna see anything remotely feminine still there. It'd be really cool if you'd post a photo. I haven't seen many 2-4 week post-op photos, just the end results.

I don't know. Maybe it still has potential. I mean if the worst came to the worst, they could do some lipo for the excess, and then the nipples are still in a nice position and my scarring is pretty clean. I've just been freaking out looking at all the great chests on transster and thinking my own won't be as flat.

[Guest Ryles_D]

hey, you're on the TZone forum, too! Hi! Ok, shutting up now.

There's a guy on deviantart that got pretty great results after a month (can't even see hte scar o_O) with 'keyhole'.

There's also this- http://www.brownsteinmd.com/results.html Few side pictures, though.

Haven't gotten any surgeries, can'thelp you much. Sorry.

[Guest sean0]

Thanks for the link. Brownstein's stuff seems the best but I just couldn't go to the US.

Keyhole is really for small, small guys so only really a few are lucky enough to have As or below. Really effective looking though, without a doubt.

[Guest Ryles_D]

Thanks for the link. Brownstein's stuff seems the best but I just couldn't go to the US.

Keyhole is really for small, small guys so only really a few are lucky enough to have As or below. Really effective looking though, without a doubt.

Aw, that's too bad. I'm in the US already, so I've at least got that. I think he's on the other coast, but I probably have relatives out htere. Hopefully they'll be a bit accepting of it so I can stay with them instead of a hotel or something. Who knows. :\

Ah, I wasn't sure. It didn't seem like it was for big guys, though. Lucky A or lowers.

[Guest JayJaye]

How small do you have to be for a keyhole? I'm like a B.

Jay

[Guest Huff]

Hey guys,

I finally took some pictures, so here you go. The doc basically made a small incision under each nipple and did all his work from there. I was a 34B. There's some pockets under each side and some ridges that look kinda weird. It's kind of a waiting game to see how things will change with further healing and T and working out. But, I think the result is good enough to start using male locker rooms.

Michael

[Nick J]

dude you look nothing short of amazing!!

*is envious*

seriously though - lookin good

[Guest Just_Call_Me_Nick]

With that picture Huff I believe you have convinced me to go forward with getting top surgery....you look great!!!

Nick~

[Guest harvester52]

I'm definitely getting top surgery. Nice picture, Huff!

[Guest Huff]

With that picture Huff I believe you have convinced me to go forward with getting top surgery....you look great!!!

Nick~

Thanks. There are benefits to having really skilled local surgeons!

Michael

[Nick J]

*cough* so yeah... any more opinions on the subject of the thread ??

[Guest Darrel]

Thanks. There are benefits to having really skilled local surgeons!

Michael

Who did you go to? D: I need a chest surgeon. Rawr.

[Guest Huff]

Who did you go to? D: I need a chest surgeon. Rawr.

For any transguys in the Spokane area, there is one and only one surgeon willing to do chest surgeries. His name is Dr. Brad Coots. I was his first specifically 'FTM' patient, but he's very skilled and very friendly to boot. He's in the phone book or PM me and I'll give you his contact info and contact info for other Spokanite therapists, endocrinologists, etc who are willing to work with us if you want.

Michael

[Guest sean0]

hmmm... ok, thanks to those who did actually reply

[Guest raydub]

Sean0..

kinda wondering if it changed any over the past week. like mentioned before i think its kinda hard to tell, ya know?

keep us updated on what happens.. us pre-op guys would like to hear how things turn out for you...well.. i know THIS pre-op guy would.

Ray