How common is bruising & swelling ?

[makipu]

I would like to know if anyone here experienced bruising or swelling after surgery?  I noticed the bruising after I got home and didn't see the actual swelling after my chest was revealed.  I don't know if it was the sensitivity of my body or the extremely tight bandage that gave me no mercy was to blame.

Right now, I have a large amount of both and I am just praying that the swelling on one side is ..JUST  swelling and not  a pec... because its not like on the other side.  The thing that I am worried about is even the area on my chest that's NOT discolored (from bruising) is puffy.So how can I confirm that it's just plain swelling then?  I am tapplying Arnica cream but I noticed not even the slightest bit of difference. 

[Alexthecat]

Wait a year and see if changes.

[aleon515]

Yes, I agree. It's common. Didn't have bruising but had swelling that lasted nearly a year. It all did work out. Bruising is common though considering. I took arnica and maybe that did help to some extent. Arnica is a herb that is said to reduce bruising.

--Jay

Wait a year and see if changes.

[sam1234]

I'm not sure I hit the post button, so hopefully you won't get this twice. Swelling and bruising are normal after surgery. Any time tissue has been removed, there is some "dead space", or an area where tissue was but now there is nothing. Part of the reason for your wrap is to close that space by pushing what ever tissue was not tacked down under the skin against the muscle, otherwise fluid may accumulate in those areas. Do you have drains?

Bruising is normal as well. Even a gentle surgeon does some pulling and there are capillary bleeders that may ooze inside. As the others said, you can expect about a year before you look normal. I had my chest surgery done in late winter/early spring and was mowing the lawn shirtless that summer.

If you have swelling that you think is increasing, call your Dr. The same goes for any excess bruising or leakage of fluid or blood from the incision site (if its not from a drain). Otherwise, try to be patient. You will have the rest of your life to enjoy your new chest.

sam1234

[HeyTrace19]

I would say swelling is not only normal, but should be expected!  My chest showed some swelling for about 6-8 months post-op.  Not much bruising for me, but people differ in their response to body trauma...never been much of a bruiser myself, but I know others who discolor at the slightest touch! 

Try to relax and enjoy your new chest!  Patience and joy will heal you well.

[Bimmer Guy]

I didn't have any bruising and i had little swelling.  However, like Jay I took supplements, such as Arnica to assist in this not happening.

But, makipu, you shouldn't worry.  However it is your chest looks now is not what it is going to be.  It is swelling and such.  I would suggest drinking A LOT of water to heal your body.  The swelling and bruising will reduce.

It's gonna be ok, bud.  It may not be exactly what you were looking for (completely flat, no muscle tone), but it will be a lot better than the breasts you had.  Just hang in there.  It will get better!

[makipu]

I even took Arnica (tablets) prior to surgery and it feels like it was all for nothing considering how much beat up it looks. You're right, I do need to drink more water.   I mean, I am just surprised that they're muscles and not formed /left out tissue. Besides, how do I even know what it is for sure?  I am not comfortable with directly asking at the moment if everything was done like I wanted because of some other issues but I will eventually tell this major concern  in 1 month appointment. 

I think it was Jay who mentioned it in my other post in another thread but surprisingly I STILL have numbness in my hand (mostly palm). My arm not as much but it doesn't feel normal like the other side either.  I thought the hand's numbness was due to the inserted IV but the bruising is long gone. What I have on is just a simple ace bandage and I get to control this and it's not extra tight or anything.