Question regarding incision from surgery

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After a LONG battle with backaches, sores, bruises, permanent marks, limited physical abilities and finally a lump I bit the bullet and had breast reduction surgery last week (please.....unless you've had to deal with the problem.....no flames). I'm on home rest for the next 3-6 weeks (will likely only need about 4 weeks) but am curious.......of course I've never had major surgery before and now that the bandages are off I'm a little freaked out that such huge incisions could ever heal! I really could care less about the appearance as this whole surgery was not about appearance (it was about comfort)....I'm just asking anyone who has had a large incision from major surgery how long it takes for these things to heal (I'm at that point right now where I can't imagine these huge incisions ever healing). I was sure to choose an excellent surgeon (this isn't something to bargain shop for) and I'm sure he did a fabulous job (he even did all the stitches UNDER the skin so that there would be no additional scars from sutures) but I'm getting panicky that maybe I'll never heal......or maybe I have too much time on my hands sitting here healing to worry about it. I'm of course anxious to try out my new running shoes (always wanted to run but never could), can hardly wait to ride my horse without having to wear multiple bras and can't stand sitting around while my husband gets to do all the "farm" chores. Help?

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 07, 2002

Answers

I haven't had the same surgery, but have recently had abdominal surgery with a large incision site. It did not take the 6-8 weeks for complete healing, but I used cold-pressed castor oil on the incision site, and it seemed to speed up the healing by at least 2-3 weeks. I was back to work in 2 weeks as opposed to the recommended 6- 8 weeks that the hospital discharge sheet said. It was a bit too soon, I'll admit, I should maybe have waited one more week. But the cold-pressed castor oil was really effective for me. Maybe you have heard of it? It is supposed to be good for any type of incision site. It worked for me! ;)) Anyhow, if you haven't tried it, maybe you know someone with this product so you could try it. It was a little pricey, but I now swear by it for any cuts, abrasions and incisions. It is also good for arthritic knees if used as a warm poultice. Hope this helps. Judy

-- Judy Hill (hillsacres@sk.sympatico.ca), March 07, 2002.

P.S. I put the cold pressed castor oil on a 100% cotton cloth. I saturated the cloth and placed it on top of the incision site. Once the real tender stage was past, and the stiches began to itch, I rubbed the oil directly onto the site. ...Judy

-- Judy Hill (hillsacres@sk.sympatico.ca), March 07, 2002.

I had a tiny little surgery with a one and a half inch incision. Two weeks later, I was calling the doctor saying, "When is this thing going to quit hurting?" It did a few days later. It seemed like such a long time! I can only imagine a larger, deeper incision will hurt longer, but take heart. It WILL eventually heal. The body just seems to HATE being cut on.

-- Laura Jensen (lauraj@seedlaw.com), March 07, 2002.

Hi Lisa, I worked with a girl in Florida wh had breast reduction surgery. She claims the incisions were big from her surgery. She showed me the scars and I have to say I was shocked, I could barely detect them. All her scars looked like were creases under her breast.

I have had two hernia operations, both of them were big incisions. I wondered how long incisions would take to heal.The incision from the second operation was much bigger than the first, but healed in about the same amount of time. I had the staples removed between seven to ten days after surgery. I was completely healed in about a month. I can barely even find the scars from either surgery.

I hope all goes well with you after this surgery. I have heard numerous woman complain about the pain large breast create. I bet you'll feel much better now. George

-- george nh (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), March 07, 2002.


Get some emu oil and rub on there won't be a scar I love emu oil takes away my wrinkles Cindy

-- Cindy (hollo@bitwisesystems.com), March 07, 2002.


These might be concerns for you to talk with your doctor about. Or even speak with his nurse if you are more comfortable with her. I'm sure your surgery went well and the healing time depends on each individuall person too. Good Luck !!

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), March 07, 2002.

Ah, you know what I didn't even think about the stuff to put on these incisions. I am allergic to all the mycetracin/neosporin type stuff so of course I'm TERRIBLY afraid of infection. I had a dog bite a little over a year ago that shredded my upper lip and the doctor demanded I use mycetracin on it.....I wound up with a NASTY reaction and an infected lip as a result. The doctor then decided to tell me to put whatever on it my skin would tolerate to keep it moist so my solution was to use the refined olive oil I use on my face (I have sensitive skin). Well the lip healed GREAT! Originally the doctors thought I'd have to have several surgeries to look normal again, but as soon as it healed you could hardly see it! Yeah it was pretty major stuff, but still wasn't "major surgery".

These incisions from the breast reduction are two incisions about 7" underneath each breast with a 3" incision that goes up to the nipple and then another that goes all the way around each nipple......I feel kind of like Frankenstein's monster about right now.......that's a LOT of cutting.

Yes, the loss of the weight has made a BIG difference already (I can actually stand up straight now!!). I can hardly wait until its all healed!

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 07, 2002.


Ah, you know what I didn't even think about the stuff to put on these incisions. I am allergic to all the mycetracin/neosporin type stuff so of course I'm TERRIBLY afraid of infection. I had a dog bite a little over a year ago that shredded my upper lip and the doctor demanded I use mycetracin on it.....I wound up with a NASTY reaction and an infected lip as a result. The doctor then decided to tell me to put whatever on it my skin would tolerate to keep it moist so my solution was to use the refined olive oil I use on my face (I have sensitive skin). Well the lip healed GREAT! Originally the doctors thought I'd have to have several surgeries to look normal again, but as soon as it healed you could hardly see it! Yeah it was pretty major stuff, but still wasn't "major surgery".

These incisions from the breast reduction are two incisions about 7" underneath each breast with a 3" incision that goes up to the nipple and then another that goes all the way around each nipple......I feel kind of like Frankenstein's monster about right now.......that's a LOT of cutting.

Yes, the loss of the weight/dimension has made a BIG difference already (I can actually stand up straight now!!). I can hardly wait until its all healed!

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 07, 2002.


A few people I know swear by vitamin E capsules for helping heal the incisions. Take one of those soft capsules and spread it over the cut two or three times a day, helps to heal and reduces the scar, also makes the scar more "supple". My sister in law had 2 caesarian section births, and religiously put the vitamin E on the incision, it healed up to a very fine line that you can hardly see.

Hope you're feeling more comfortable soon.

-- Chelsea (rmbehr@istar.ca), March 07, 2002.


Lisa-Congradulations to the 'new you', hard to believe women go thru similar pain and discomfort to go the opposite way! To each their own, right!? Anyway, I think the advice to discuss this with your doctor is right on, we all heal differently. Castor, Vitamin E, CocoButter work for some, not all. I happen to heal too fast and with excess scar tissue-anything that would promote 'healing of the skin' is not good for me. You obviously know your body, what's good for you?

-- Kathy (catfish201@hotmail.com), March 07, 2002.


Lisa, Vitamin E really helped me when I has a similar type incision for a different surgery. Each of us is different, and heal differently. For me it was a very long time because my body rejected those "under the skin" stitches and and they all festered up like clinkers and I had to pick them out. It certainly does seem forever when it is your body and you just want to heal and get back to normal. I really liked the Vit. E, just put a pin hole in a capsule and squeeze it where you want it. Eat healthy and drink lots of water and take good vitamins and before you know it you will be in great shape.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), March 07, 2002.

Oh, I've already discussed all this with the doctor.....I just feel the need to find out from other people what THEIR experience has been. I know the doctor says everything is okay......he's seen all this before.....its kinda different when its you tho'. Am I making any sense or are the pain killers affecting my "speach"?

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 07, 2002.

oops......they may not be affecting my "speEch" but they're certainly affecting my typing! Geesh!

-- Lisa Ambrose (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 07, 2002.

I’d suggest that you keep your activities to a minimum, as increasing activity can cause the scars to be larger due to the facts that you irritate the areas that are trying to heal, the more the irritation the longer to heal and the larger the scar.

I’d suggest that you talk with a good plastic surgeon; I’m assuming that your surgeon was not a plastic surgeon.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), March 07, 2002.


Lisa-Congrats to you--I have always felt lucky for being small- chested, I'm glad you are feeling less weighed-down. My abdominal incisions looked ever-so-much better after 2 weeks, you'll see, Don't worry! How old are you, and how many cup sizes did you go down? I'm just a curious person,sorry if I'm getting too personal! Get up on that horse and have some fun now!

-- Debbie in MO (risingwind@socket.net), March 07, 2002.


About six years ago I had open heart surgery, the kind where they split your chest wide open from your brest bone to your navel and slice your leg from groin to ankle. Slapped in a hundred and fifty four staples and boy was that gross. Now for the important part the doctor said take it easy, I didn't and will always be sorry. Caused the scars to strech and are huge with constant pain. But the part I did not damage have almost gone completely away. Don't rub with anthing not approved by your doctor. It will get to looking much better in a bout 90 days, just be patient.

-- David in North Al. (bluewaterfarm@mindspring.com), March 07, 2002.

Lisa, If you don't mind me asking a question, did your insurance pay for your surgery? What issues made it "medically neccessary" to qualify for insurance?

-- Laura (Ladybugwrangler@hotmail.com), March 07, 2002.

BC: Yes, I did use a plastic surgeon (a very good one too......did LOTS of research first).....wouldn't have dared take a chance with anyone else. Like I said, this is not something you bargain shop for. ;o) Good advice tho'.....since some people just don't think about that.

Debbie: I'm not exactly sure what size I was before as I was never able to find any bras to fit.....I always just wore a DD and squished out (okay, I know....iewe, but I didn't have a choice). The doctor said my measurements were for a FF however. All I know for sure is that they removed about 2/3 and left about 1/3 and now I'm about a C (I'll know more when the swelling is down). Oh yeah......definitely consider yourself lucky! ;o)

David: Thanks for the advice. I have been making sure to take it easy as I don't want to pop any stitches or do any damage. I stopped taking the pain pills as soon as I could tolerate it so that the pain would actually be a reminder not to over-do it. The doctor told me that because I'm allergic to anything he would recommend to put on the incisions that I should just make sure they're extra clean and put on whatever I can use that will keep the area moist but not cause a reaction. I've been using hyboclens (sp?) to clean it (GREAT stuff!!) and putting on the refined olive oil (like I used for my lip before)......I guess just cross your fingers for me. ;o) I work with a guy that had to have open heart surgery (the "old fashioned" way)....that a tough surgery! I'm glad you made it thru okay.

Laura: Yes, surprisingly enough my insurance did cover it. I was shocked, but I met all the criteria. They had to be removing a significant amount of tissue (just a small amount would be considered cosmetic), I had to have documented back/neck pain (that was EASY...I'd been complaining of that and going to a doctor/chiropractor for years) and had to have visible marks (whether they be scars, indentations, bruises or sores). I think the fact that I'd discovered a lump that we'd been unable to identify also helped too tho' (good news tho'......the lab tests came back clean!!). There's no way I'd have been able to get this surgery if insurance wouldn't cover it.....waaaaayyyy too expensive.

Like I said.....the doctor says I'm healing fine but he sees this stuff all the time. Since I don't see it all the time and its on ME its been a little shocking and scary. I guess it just helps to hear from other people (normal everyday people) that this kind of stuff can heal and they've been in a similar situation. THANKS GUYS!

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 08, 2002.


Lisa-first, good for you and I hope you feel better now.

Try gently massaging the area after it is closed up. Start by crossing 'against the grain' of the scar. Use little pressure at first and a lotion/oil you like. Increse the pressure over time and the length of time. This will help discourage adhesions under the scar. Talk to a massage therapist if you have other questions or need ideas about how to manipulate this scarred tissue, with your doctor's ok of course.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), March 08, 2002.


Lisa: Congrats! I have a friend who has been trying to get up the nerve to do this for years. It takes courage and strength, and it always "inspires" me to read about strong women!

Even though it wasn't about "looks, but comfort" for you, Lisa, we as a culture, are still fixated on our appearance, especially our breasts. On one hand, the sutures are probably pretty intense to look at now....on the other hand, the sutures probably aren't as bad looking at the moment to others as they might be to you, due to how critical we our of ourselves. However, surgery scar tissue takes a while to lose its red or purple hue,,,it is sort of like "stretch marks" on pregnant women. It will loose its intensity in time.

I hope you are feeling more comfortable!!!!!

-- marcee (thathope@mwt.net), March 08, 2002.


Lisa, Hubby had surgery to remove infection from his lung which was a complication of pneumonia and he was cut from shoulder blade around the side to the front right under his nipple. Had 47 staples in it. The surgeon told him to find a cream with vitamin E in it to help the healing and prevent scarring. We found one called Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream. It comes in a white jar like cold cream and it has a big E on it. It has worked very well. He only had the surgery in January so obviously the scar is still visible but his skin healed very quickly and had no problems with it at all. Some of it is starting to fade very well. Congratulations on your decision to have the surgery. I am a D cup and while it might have been okay when I was in my twenties, now in my late forties they are an inconvenience I would rather not have. But, they aren't quite big enough to push me to have reduction surgery and they don't cause me back pains or anything, it is mostly that bras don't fit well and I'm always sweating underneath which is irritating. Mine are more of an inconvenience but I can sure understand why you made your decison. I'm sure you will heal just fine. If it is any help, I have had three breast biopsies and all three scars totally disappeared so I suspect that the skin around the breasts heal very well.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), March 09, 2002.

Lisa,

I'm glad you were able to have the surgery and that insurance covered it.

As for the scars, give them time. I've had 3 c-sections. All were cut at the exact same spot. The incisions have healed up just fine. Find a good oil or whatever that you like to help with healing and rest, rest, rest.

-- LBD, Maryland (lavenderbluedilly@hotmail.com), March 10, 2002.


Lisa,

How are you feeling now? I hope it's improving for you. I, too, am very sensitve to soaps, creams, etc, which is why I went for the cold-pressed castor oil. With a petroleum-based product, I will "blister" almost instantly, so I'm pretty careful. Reading through some of the responses, I was reminded that it may have been helpful to put that in with the suggestion. I sure do appreciate all the knowledge and great advice on this site! :)) Anyhow, I was just thinking of you, and wondering how you were doing. Best wishes to ya...Judy

-- Judy Hill (hillsacres@sk.sympatico.ca), March 11, 2002.


Thanks Judy....I'm feeling better but of course I'm still pretty sore. The incisions seem to be healing.....although SLOWLY. I've been having some secondary bruising (now that the first "set" of bruises have almost healed) but the doctor says that is nothing unusual. Still, this was by far less painful than I ever thought it would be and definitely less painful than having large breasts! Its so amazing the things they are capable of doing in the medical field now!

-- Lisa - MI (sqrrlbabe@aol.com), March 12, 2002.

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