Normal appearance for 4-month post-op?

[parkingsnot]

I'm about 4-5 months post-op, but my appearance is nothing like what I've looked at (or was expecting). My chest looks like two inverted mounds. It looks like it's caved in where the breast tissue used to be - like some underlying muscle tissue was also taken out. The nipples are bent in on themselves as a result of the unusual form. Underneath the right nipple, right at the incision, is still a lot of swelling from the drains. It's very hard and prominent, although I have noticed that this has reduced in size. The area where the chest begins to cave in is sensitive. In fact, the entire area is still semi-painful to the touch. Still not feeling very much sensation, however. I've brought it up with my surgeon and he says it's normal, that it will take time for the skin around the area to tighten up again. I'm worried that I've lost some pectoral muscle - I haven't felt sore in this area when I work out.

Is this normal? The overall caved in appearance has not changed since surgery.

[Jayr]

Umm do you mean post-op?

I don't know if it's normal,

but you should check out ''ftm top surgery'' videos on youtube.
Should give you an idea of what other guys chest's look like.

[King Malachite]

I say give it more time.  It does sound similar to what another guy's chest looked like even after completely healed but he's going to get a revision and try to exercise more to buff it out.

[Make_It_Good]

Im guessing you meant post op too :p

My pecs are odd. My left side is more concave, like you describe. The fact that I can see a difference in the two, makes me realize even more. It does feel like he took too much muscle from that side, but what it may actually be, is the surgeon leaves a little bit of fat behind anyway, to prevent the chest from looking concaved. The surgeon explained that to me. So, he may have taken a little too much from my left side, and yours may have taken a little too much from your chest. Though, dont quote me on this, its just me guessing.
   I found going to the gym helped alot to build up the pec muscle. (As, you cant really see the difference in my picture) but it is there. Even by building the pecs, the left side is still, "shorter" I dont really know how to describe it.And the left areola is concave abit, which caused it to change shape. So if I move my left arm, it stretches into an almost vertical line!
    You could talk to your surgeon about it, see if he suggests anything, but I would suggest working out your chest to try to build and define your pectoral muscles.

[Adio]

It's possible that your pecs were really underdeveloped prior to surgery.  Some surgeons leave a good deal of tissue behind (not enough to be considered moobs though, unless specifically asked for) and some take practically everything.

For me, in the first several months post-op, I had a "caved in" chest too.  It was only after working out my chest that things have changed.  I can now see pecs when I have my arms hanging down and when I flex.  Arms above my head though?  Still caved in.  I'm currently 10.5 months post-op.

I doubt that any muscle was taken away.  The sensitivity is likely your chest regaining sensation (most people are rather numb post-op).  That can be painful for some people.  Talk to your surgeon and see if you can send pictures to them.  They would know better than us, especially without seeing anything, what might be going on.

[parkingsnot]

Thanks for the replies, they've really put my mind at ease. I hadn't seen or heard of anyone else experiencing the same ordeal, so it's good to know this is not too abnormal or worrisome.

I did mean post-op - I typed this post up way early in the morning.