Scamp

You will be so happy when you are on the other side like I am - Here is a picture for you - It was not painful at all (I mean zero pain) And it is fantabulous having arms that are not heartbreaking to oneself.... My scars are wider than they would have been if I knew of the tricks I know now. Even though I would prefer them slimmer (The scars) I do not notice them -Nobody has ever mentioned them - And my arms are a blissful thing in comparison to what they were! I would say - Keep the paper tape on for at least 10 weeks if you can and remain in compression also - Then moisturize the scars You will loooooooooooove your new arms - As I love mine. As someone said to me when I was freaking out before my first surgery of five ops - Keep your eyes n the prize.... And now I am on the other side I can say - The prize is fabulous! I shall look forwards to your after pictures. Before pic (Sorry about fuzzy pic) And a while after... This one is 4yrs after - I can't find any before that at this moment... But it shows you why I wish I had kept that paper tape on longer to support the scar through the first phase of it's healing - I did not for my first two ops - My PS did not tell me all the tricks I now know - So I just did what he said - Now if I did it again - I would keep the Micropore paper tape and the compression garment on for 12 weeks! - I say that as after my 5 ops I have much finer almost invisible scars elsewhere - This was my first op so I knew nothing back then - lol I will say here - The first time I SAW the arm scars 4 days post op - I freaked! - It looked like bad blanket stitch and was horrific. But less than a week after that - That bobbly stitching was then a line - And I managed to calm down - LOL Good luck to you and I shall await your story of this part of your journey afterwards

My surgeon would only do two things in any one Op. That does sound like alot to me - The body is fantastic at healing but - I would worry about all the in one go - The inner thigh lift is the hardest for me of all that I had done. Obviously every person is different and reacts and has a different recovery - But - Do you think you can cope with all those parts of you being out of action at the same time? My breast reduction was easy for me (So I assume your man boob removal may be similar) It was swollen and ouchy but - Generally OK My Brachioplasty was easy for me (done at same time as breast reduction) But I have seen people who had a hard time with it. My TT was inverted T - But I did not have the muscles done due to previous Op. That was not too bad but I assume if the muscles are touched - I would have found it much worse. I was leaned over forward for a few days as it was tight there. For me- My inner thigh lift was the worst of all of the above. That first getting up and trying to move (Until I was in the compression and then I was ten times better) It was hard. I would not have been happy to have the other three at the same time to be honest. It is alot for your body to cope with - In my opinion. But I guess it would all be over at once - But - What comes to mind for me is - If you got an infection in any one place - Inner thigh lift being a very likely place for infection - I was lucky I had no problems - But if you had an infection there - Could you cope with it if your arms and everything else listed was out of action at the same time? Good luck whatever your choice is - I hope you do well and - Take lots of pics - Even if you show nobody but yourself. - It is so amazing looking back at the old you and the new you - It is like a dream - Getting to know the new you and then looking back at where you were - It is an amazing journey.

I remember a poster on here had Tattoos (Lellow) - She had surgery and they were changed and if I recall she had more - Pretty wonderful - Tattoos to make the old ones kinda blend in... Hope this helps some.... http://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/40379-lellow/?tab=node_gallery_gallery

That looks ouchy - I would have thought he would see you and at least put a steri strip across it to get the edges together (I did that to my Mum once - She had a surgery and the removal of the drain left an opening where you could see the two sides that should adhere together naturally - So I got some surgical tape and taped the two sides together and wahey - You cannot even see the scar now) I ordered my mother to NOT touch the strip I had made and only I was allowed to touch it... She did - And it is as good as it could possibly be now :-) Iff that were on me - I would likely want to find a way to get the edges together to make sure they can heal together so not left with a ditch.... But as I said I am wondering why your Dr has not asked to see you to put a stitch in it... It looks like in the pic I can see a stitch but it is just gaping either side? Dry and nice but not together as it shoudl be healing. - methinks the way I am I would definitely make myself a steri strip or two and fix it myself - After all my surgeries I kept the 'paper tape' (Micropore tape) on the wounds for up to 12 weeks (yes 12) as then they were supported right through the healing phase. If I ever had a surgery again I would do the same thing as of my 5 Ops - The ones where I did this have much finer and nicer scars..... This tape is what I kept mine covered with for that 12 weeks = https://www.usamedicalsurgical.com/3m-micropore-paper-surgical-tape-tan/ My inner thigh lift scars didn't do that - So I really hope and pray you can sort it out.. Good luck

I was leaving the hospital two days post op and a few hours before leaving they took the drains out and then I went straight in to compression then. I was driving within a week I think, definitely not more tahn two.. For the scars - I did a test on myself (silly idea) on my left leg I kept the paper tape bought from the chemist/drug store. On my right leg I used Micropore 3M tape..... My right legs scar is a ton better than the left leg scar! So I would always say to use Micropore 3M surgical paper tape as it is definitely better. I kept this tape on for 10-12 weeks - This supports the scar in it's first stage of healing so it doesn't stretch - Admittedly on the legs this is harder work, lol My daughters school is opposite my door so that was not a problem. I did not use special silicon sheets as I used the 3M tape and then just massaged scars with E45 type cream. Hope that helps

My daughter was about 8 when I started my plastics - She would help me change my dressings and get in and out of the compression garments - She was amazzzzzing... I had designveronique compression garments from eurosurgical and the moment I put them on I felt like I was protected in my armour.... The medial thigh lift was the hardest of all of my surgeries so I would say get in to compression asap. Once I was in that it was a breeze... I did not need any walkers of special toilet seats etc. Compression garments I got mine from here - Tho the hospital provided them after my first op or two - So I guess it depends on which hospital you are at... http://esshop.co.uk/products/medical/medical-female-garments/ Good luck - Just keep your eyes on the prize and the new you will be here soon...

Not sure - Check their web site - https://www.designveronique.com/ Of course you can remove them to shower when allowed - But you get them back on again ASAP as you could start to swell when out of them - They become like your second skin over time - You just get used to them....

@@shelbys mom - Yes you do..... You get used to it after a few days - It feels like your protection against all ills that could befall you :-)

I have learned over 5 surgeries that - If you keep the Micropore tape on it supports the scar whilst it goes through the all important first healing stages and to wear the compression garments (I had design veronique ones which were fabbbb) they also help you to not get swollen, and support everything - I found over time that to keep these on for 10-12 weeks gave me a much flatter and finer scar. 12 weeks sounds a long time but - You only go through this one time - And to get the best result - Putting in those extra few weeks is small fry in the long run. My first scars - Even 6.5yrs later are soooo not as good as my last scars. As in the beginning I did not know all the tricks - Butlearned along the way :-) Good luck

I did not have a muscle repair. Mainly because before that I had had hernia surgery and they could not repair the muscle as mesh was in the way etc..... I think the reason I had virtually no pain with my TT is because I did not have the muscle done - He tried but could not as I would have had a weird lump due to the mesh. I hope you get the chance to talk to your PS and clarify what you want, and that you will come out the other side of this as happy as I am with mine :-)

Pre -Op from my TT I called the surgeon back. Between the one in surgery before me and me - He came back to my room and re-marked me as I was worried that when I leaned forwards the belly would still hang and be loose. He agreed and re-marked me and I am so glad he did. So make sure you are happy pre-op and make sure he knows what you want - Yes they cannot do miracles (I think they can to be honest) and my PS said to have 'realistic expectations' but then he gave me the world - and more..... Just make sure he knows what you want - You could take a picture with you of someone whose belly you like and show him what you are wanting, maybe..... Oh and..... Importantly..... Wear a pair of the lowest cut panties! I did not do this and now that scar is not as low as I would like it... That is the only thing I would change if I could go back in time..... Me not long after surgery... I think this was in approx Aug/Sept 2010... And me recently on 24 Aug 2015... (Excuse the marks from the elastic trousers lol) My scar is still a bit raised - I did not massage the scar as well as I should have and also - I did not wear the Micropore tape as long as I would do now - Knowing so much more now than I did all those years ago..... In another Op I wore the paper tape (Micropore tape) for 10-12 weeks and that scar is soooo much better than this one - So I would tell anyone who has a scar - KEEP that paper tape ON! It supports the scar and stops it from stretching as much when healing..... You will be left with a much flatter and finer scar if you keep your paper tape on and also stay in compression garments for as long as you can - This is a one time journey you are making hopefully so to stay in compression for 10-12 weeks as it is an investment in the future you..... :-) Good Luck - You will be fine - Keep those eyes on the prize and that prize is a New Youuuuuu! <3

Funnily enough - It was no actual THING I could live without as - Luckily for me - I had very little pain - But... As you said - Researching the hell out of everything - I put the fear of God in myself - That I was gonna die - I re-did my will - Made sure everything was ready for my demise etc... But - One person on here - She gave me the thing I needed to get me through it all - FOCUS. She said to me these words ''Keep your eyes on the prize'' I told all my family members to repeat these words to me whenever I was having a 'wobbly moment' I had quite a few wobbly moments pre-surgery - Worrying about the what 'might' happen and freaking myself out - And they did... It really helped me through. The things I did not know at surgery1 that I did by surgery 3 - Was = Keep that paper tape on the incisions for 12 weeks - No matter what that Dr says! - The paper tape (Micropore tape) supports the incisions as they heal and stops them stretching so much - My No1 scar is so much different to the no 3/4/5 scars as they are finer and look much better and are not stretched out - Bar one... On one leg (For testing reasons unknown on myself) On my left leg I used the drug stores paper tape on my right leg I used Micropore tape paper tape. - And now - 5yrs on - My left leg scar is still alot different to look at than the nice fine scar of right leg... (That was of inner thigh lift) - So I would say to anyone at the start of the journey of PS - Use the paper tape - Keep wearing your compression garments to support that tape - Even if it takes 12 weeks - After all - You can only do this once, and what's a few weeks in compression garments extra to a lifetime of a great result? :-) Everyones pain is different - And the only pain I had was when I had the inner thigh lift - The first time I stood up - It was a shocker as in Op1 and 2 I had had very little discomfort - But - The moment I was in my compression garments all that pain left (Design Veronique are fantastic garments - They are not the cheapest - But - I felt like they were my protection from the world... A comfort blanket maybe in some ways lol - I wore them for 10-12 weeks, mostly 12 weeks. Which held the tape in place and made sure that I did not get swelling problems which could stretch the scars... Good luck on your journey - This site is great for giving you anything from - A helping word - To the best advice you will get :-)

I had an inner thigh lift and it did not really do it for me to be honest - I ended up having a version of this - Modified circumferential torsoplasty.... But as I had already had the upper bit (Tummy tuck etc) - I just had the leg bit - As in a line down the outside of the thigh which really helped and stopped me from being sat in a puddle of skin..... My surgeon had never done this before and after I asked him about a line down outside of thighs - He said he found this info in a book...... I only have the information printed out from all those years ago but I found the pictures here... https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=modified+circumferential+torsoplasty&espv=2&biw=1360&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwif38bD94bNAhUqLcAKHTicACoQ_AUIBygB In my image page it is the first three images. (I don't know if this would work for you though - I click on the image and it takes me to another page without the image on it unfortunately - But if you find the small pictures I downloaded you should be in the right place) This really did help for the thighs - Below the knees I still look like a tree but - This did really help. And most people do not have the abnormal lower leg oroblem that I do (This is a bit of Lipedema I think) The pages printed out for me said this at the top ''Modified circumferential torsoplasty for the massive-weight-loss patient'' This came from the book called 'Annals of plastic surgery. Volume 59, Number 4, October 2007' (page 453 is the first page that was printed out for me. I hope that helps someone somewhere out there... And I will repeat again as I always do - KEEP that paper tape on for 10-12 weeks and your scars will heal much finer and flatter - I did not know this for my first two operations and the scars from the last three are so much better because I stayed in compression for 12 weeks and I kept the 3M Micropore tape on (obviously not same bit lolol) I kept that on also for 12 weeks and I am very happy with the scars - Before I did that - Those scars are wider and not as nice, as they stretched a little bit - I believe the paper tape etc supports the scars whilst they are i the first stages of healing and they do not stretch as much as they are not pulled as much etc... And even more stupidly I tested on myself two different tapes - One cheaper version and the 3M paper tape worked ten times better than the other one I bought and the scars are vastly different where I used the cheaper tape on one leg and the real tape the hospital gave me on the other leg (Yes - I am stupid lol) Hope that helps in some way :-) I am 5-6yrs out of the surgeries now and am still very happy with the results. Micropore tape = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-3M-Micropore-TAN-Surgical-Tape-2-5cm-x-9-1m-1-ROLL-/390903825352

Wow - I have also had two biopsies over the years- They were both fine also, Thank Goodness. My Mother has had Breast Cancer twice, once on each side - Which also worries me. But I hope I won't hafta go through that and my mother will not hafta go through it again as if it returned she would have to have Mastectomy. Boobs are such a worry!

I also have very lumpy breasts - It is nice to know of someone else who has this. Though it did not interfere with my breast reduction in any way at all....

My input and megababble - lol I was a 40G cup. I asked about a lift and he said what I needed was a reduction I then said I wanted to be a B cup - He said that would not be possible due to the huge breasts I had (Something to do with the skin circle - I forget) Anyways - I had the reduction and straight after I was a 34D with the swelling (No pain at all) Then a year later I was a 34C Now - After all swelling gone and a little bit of weight loss I am a 34B - And I am very happy with that - As the huuuuuge boobs I had were so heavy and annoying and looked gross. I am soooooooooooooo happy with them now - I guess you will have to talk to your surgeon and ask what he thinks you should do Like - Do you want small boobs like I did or would you prefer to have a lift and implants? I am sure when you have seen a surgeon and made your choice you will find your new boobs fannnntastical :-)

I bought a wash that had Tea Tree in it for it's anibacterial properties. It worked well - I also had tea tree wipes so nothing touched me that was not tea tree to wash with - I had no infections or any problems n all 5 ops You will be fine - The body is a wonderful thing in healing

No it doesn't pull in the main (It does a bit if it gets wet tho) You can support the scar by pulling the tape off reaaaaaaaaaaal slowly but my surgeon just whipped it off making me take a breath in shock - LOL After the first few days the scar will be just a line so you will gain confidence in putting the tape on and off etc over those first couple of weeks _ I had a 7yr old doing some of them - So it ain't hard to do :-)

Frankenscar will leave swiftly and you will see the wondrous new you :-) And yes - keep the scars out of the sun for at least a year (As said above) Veeery important that one

I used this tape - And the Hospital gave it to me, but I also bought the same stuff that came in a whitish color that came from the Drug store... http://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=CKaw_NX1pswCFbgy0wodfxMPEQ I did not change it daily (Unless it fell of lol) In some areas it was harder to keep stuck on (The compression garments helped and also another bit of it to secure cross-ways always helped) I changed it when it looked like it was not holding as well, maybe every third day (I forget it's been a long time) When it went in a circle round my waist it held really well but looked grubbyish from clothing after maybe two -three days on top (The underside was always clean) On the inner/outer thigh it was harder to keep it stuck as nothing held the ends on tightly sometimes. But one thing - ALWAYS remove it before you shower - As if it gets wet - It is a painnn to get it to let go. I once got one bit wet - And it was really sticky and annoying to get off. Sticking it down the arms was easy (Tho my daughter now is adept at dressings changes - As I had her help and when this started she was 7yrs old then - But she was so helpful - Especially in doing up the compression garments, lol I justremember with the arms - The first time I saw the scar I was horrified. The second time it looked so very different and it was only a few days later - So - If you see your scar for the first time - And freak - Take heart - The scar changes very fast and then becomes a line that is much less scary to look at :-)

I think it would be a good thing to show people - If you do not show them the straight after pictures - Esp of the Brachioplasty - They will go through those 4 days of being *&^*% scared like I was! LOLOL My Op1 was Brachioplasty and Breast Reduction....... I saw the scar on Day4 post op and it looked like the edge of a quilt stitching - FREAKED me out totally! All wrapped up again and refused to look for another few days or so! - By then it was just a straight line and I was soooooooooooooooooooo relieved. As I am here - I will give you a trick I did not know on my brachioplasty - KEEP that paper tape on for 10-12 weeks! Had I known this my first 3 ops scars would be like my last 3 ops scares and would have healed alot finer, and better. As the tape supports the scar n that important meshing back together time, and stops the scar from being pulled and stretching etc. My last three Ops I kept the tape and the compression garments on (Mr armor) on for 12 weeks and I am glad I did - Even though it was a pain in the butt - It is a very short time in your life and afterwards you will not regret the fact that you did it - As the new you is gonna be there for many many years so you want your scars to heal the best they can :-) I am so glad you are doing well.... Look after yourself.... And don't let yourself over-do it after a few days when you feel fine (Like I did also - LOL)

You can check out the prices on http://www.designveronique.com/ These things are soooo important - These are the ones I had and they were worth their weight in gold! At first I had to buy my own - Then the Hospital started getting them.....

That is exactly how I felt - I also had a bra with sleeves as had arms and boobs done in same op - The garments were my suit of armour - And I didn't wanna stop wearing them - Like it was only them holding me together - LOL

Thats just right JamieLogical - It is too much of a hollow to shave effectively... Laser hair removal is so far away from me I am not going to be able to do that so I just pull the skin a bit to flatten out the hollow and make it easier - Tho I always miss the same bit which annoys me sooooo much LOL

LOL I also had brachioplasty and breast reduction at same time. But I cannot say the skin feels too tight, it just seems more of a dip than it was before.... Now - It is 6yrs on from that and it is like the razor etc cannot get in to the pit correctly I found over time that I have to use one hand to flatten the skin and the other to shave it - Yet still in right armpit I tend to miss one area. I guess I am lucky that the brachioplasty only left a very small area to even shave (Kinda wish he had got this tiny section also in brachioplasty then there would be nothing left at all but hey ho) O have tried electric and normal shaving tools - I am not keen on the idea of waxing... Sounds ouchy lol So....... I guess we all hafta just find our own way through this testy issue, lol. And being almost 6yrs out - I have yet to find a way that makes it as easy as it once was to achieve..... Good luck