Chest Surgery Questions

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

Hi guys. I was just wondering who among us has already had chest surgery. If so, who did you go to and how happy are you with the results? Right now my short list is Brownstein (obviously), Fischer, and Garramone.

Also, after chest surgery, how long before you could take care of yourself (get out of bed w/o help, get dressed, drive...especially drive). I know they ask that you bring someone with you, but 10 to 14 days is a long time to ask someone to take off work to go with me. I wonder if just having someone around for 3 to 5 days would be good enough.

Thanks!

[Guest Sergei]

10 to 14 days is a long time to ask someone to take off work to go with me.

Really! Is it really that long. I won't be able to take that much time off of work either. I don't get to pick my own surgeon, over here the NHS pays, so that means they also get to choose your surgeon for you. Check out transter though for good surgery pictures from different surgeons if you haven't already. x

[Guest Quinn]

Well when my sister got breast implants (tastefully, thank goodness) I believe there was a good week or two where she needed help lifting stuff and moving things around. I think after about a week or so she could drive, but I'm not sure, and I'm also not sure how it'd work with the reverse type of surgery.

[Guest Huff]

Also, after chest surgery, how long before you could take care of yourself (get out of bed w/o help, get dressed, drive...especially drive). I know they ask that you bring someone with you, but 10 to 14 days is a long time to ask someone to take off work to go with me. I wonder if just having someone around for 3 to 5 days would be good enough.

After 3-5 days, I was still really uncomfortable and I had a limited range of motion, but I was able to get in and out of bed, use the bathroom and get dressed (I highly recommend button down shirts), etc. I didn't drive for two weeks after surgery because it hurt too much to reach for the top of the steering wheel... although, I did drive a short distance once using an under-hand shuffle to move the wheel, but I don't recommend going more than a couple of miles like that.

MK

[Guest Sergei]

Wow, is it really that painful after surgery? I'm a bit of a wimp with stuff like that. I'm well scared now. Nothing would stop e having it though. x

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

After 3-5 days, I was still really uncomfortable and I had a limited range of motion, but I was able to get in and out of bed, use the bathroom and get dressed (I highly recommend button down shirts), etc. I didn't drive for two weeks after surgery because it hurt too much to reach for the top of the steering wheel... although, I did drive a short distance once using an under-hand shuffle to move the wheel, but I don't recommend going more than a couple of miles like that.

MK

That's what I was afraid of, but kind of figured based on what I know about other kinds of surgery. That's going to be the tough part for me...not driving for 2 weeks. I live in the stinking suburbs.

I guess this is another argument for me to take the plunge sooner rather than later.

[Guest Jackson]

I've been planning on one week. I have a good amount of accrued vacation, but I get a little over-protective with my vacation time. But then again, I don't do a lot of physical labor for my job. I'm at a desk or walking around.

I'm also looking at the time of year as well. Winter works well for me since I don't do a lot of winter sports. I'll know more if I'm a little too conservative with the recovery time probably by October or November. Driving is the big thing for me too. I live in the country and if I need to go anywhere other than for basic staples of food and gasoline, it's a 15 mile trip or more.

Jackson

[Guest Seth]

Well, lucky for me, I'll most likely be getting top surgery at a younger age, so I can just chill at home.

[Guest RootsRadicals]

I'm looking at fischer or this person in the Albany Plastic Surgery Group as of right now. I'll probably end up getting it done in Albany because it's closer so I could come home or I could stay with a friend afterwards and not have to worry about travel expense so much.

[Guest Martin]

I had surgery with Dr. Fischer. My chest is not perfect, but it's male and it's mine so that's okay. I feel much more comfortable in my body now. She and her staff were very respectful. I stayed in the area for less than a week, which meant that I traveled back with my drains in. I did need another person there.

[Guest Seth]

What do you mean your chest isn't perfect?

[Guest Martin]

I lost some sensation in my skin. Although some of it has come back, there are still areas of my chest when my skin has no sensation. There's a little bit of excess tissue on my right side and little bit too little on the left. This isn't noticeable when I stand or sit up straight, but can be seen when I slouch. Here's a picture taken about three months after the surgery, that might give you a better idea of the results.

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

I lost some sensation in my skin. Although some of it has come back, there are still areas of my chest when my skin has no sensation. There's a little bit of excess tissue on my right side and little bit too little on the left. This isn't noticeable when I stand or sit up straight, but can be seen when I slouch. Here's a picture taken about three months after the surgery, that might give you a better idea of the results.

It isn't noticeable at all. I'd say it looks pretty perfect when you are standing. Did you get peri? I'm going to have to have the double incision.

[Guest Martin]

Thank you. Yes, I got a peri.