2 Years Post-Top-Op

[joeybrogue]

I haven't been on here in a while-- and I posted 2 years back with concerns about SWELLING (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,97743.msg783751.html#msg783751) after my surgery.  I was really worried about it, and luckily many of you helped tame my nerves, haha.

However, it's already been 2 years and indeed it took a while, but the swelling has since totally subsided and my scarring is a little less. 

I had my surgery in April of 2011 with Dr. Kathy Rumer in Bala Cywyd, PA.

No major complaints!  One nipple is slightly higher than the other, and I have a sort of 'skin' spot in my left nipple I'd like to maybe get tattooed 'nipple color' so it blends. 

I still have very minimal feeling in my 'pec area' -- mostly by the nipple region. And no matter how much I shower or use good moisturizer (oils, really) my nipples always seem to 'peel.'  It's really weird!  And kinda gross. 

If anyone ever has any Dr. Rumer questions, feel free to hit me up. 

Below L > R; night before surgery, 2/3 weeks after surgery, and 2 years 3 months post-surgery.  Keep in min the first two on the left are mirror-images.

I had pretty intense swelling in the middle photo due to allergic reactions to the adhesive/stitches/etc.  Everything had to come off around day 2 that could, and then my body rejected all the dissolving stitches.  Pretty gross experience!  I don't use much on my scars, occasional moisturizer.

[mm]

joeybrogue, you look great hope you get more feeling back too.  I like all that hair just like many men.  Do you have a scar below or is just your hair?

[joeybrogue]

@mm- Must just be my fuzz!  I have no other incision scars but the ones from top surgery... and some on my feet lol.

[androgynoid]

Wow, you look fantastic! Your scars have really faded! Now I'm really looking forward to how my chest will heal even further (I'm 14 months post-op and my scars are still light pink).

I like seeing post-op chests with lots of hair. I'm still debating whether I want to take T, but I'm predisposed to a decent amount of chest hair (if my dad and current peach fuzz are anything to go by). I worry that since the skin has been moved around the hair might grow in patterns that look unnatural. Looks like I have nothing to be afraid of!

[joeybrogue]

@androgynoid

I was worried about that too.  The pre-op photo was post-shave, lol.  But in all honesty the hair grows literally right back where it looks like it was before.  For me if I take my pre-op (unshaven, lol) photo and just get rid of the lines that make it so obvious those were breasts, the hair literally grew back where it was before.   

It's pretty strange.  I was wondering how it would grow it and if it would be awkward, but nothing too strange at this time.  I just found I had a lot of strange hairs trying to grow OUT of my scar areas and I'd have to carefully guide them out.  Bleh! 

But yes, I like to think my pictures show just how bad scarring and swelling CAN reduce, even with little attention.

[Chamillion]

But yes, I like to think my pictures show just how bad scarring and swelling CAN reduce, even with little attention.

I think they prove that very well! Your chest looks great