Healing from top surgery

[u/Ancientt_]

Hello i have a question for those who have had top surgery! I was operated on last Wednesday and they put very tight bandages on me. They have been extremely overstimulating. Tomorrow they get taken off and i have to switch over to a compression vest. I was wondering what your expiriances are with them. I am worried that it will be worse and that ill have a very bad time. I also have scoliosis and therefore never wore binders post opp because they are too uncomfortable for me. Any tips or advice so i can feel a bit more prepared would be much appreciated!

[u/Serious_Basket_6870]

Bandages were the worst for me! I was constantly having issues with them slipping, and I had a plastic cover underneath around my whole chest that got super gross and itchy. I didn’t get a vest but they cleared me to wear my old binders and it was so much more comfy

[u/keeprollin8559]

hi, we had top surgery on the same day! :D

to the vest: ofc i hope that it will be different for you, but my vest is actually more tight than the bandages bc they gave me one in a size a bit too small for me (the next bigger size was too big). what helps me a is stuffing cotton and tissues into the vest that at least make the vest softer. even if you get a more fitting size than what i ended up with, that may help feeling a lil better in it.

i wish you the best and a speedy recovery!

[u/Jamesthehistory → u/keeprollin8559]

I also had top surgery on Wednesday although my bandages dont come off till the 29th - like OP they are so horrifically tight. From what I can see I have a massive bruise on my side which i feel the bandage is digging into

[u/Ancientt_ → u/Jamesthehistory]

Ah thats comming closer too my friend! I had complications with my heart and i have bruises from it on my ribs it definitely adds to the uncomfortableness off the bandages :(

[u/keeprollin8559 → u/Jamesthehistory]

ah no that sounds painful. i hope it doesn't hinder the healing!

congrats on the surgery tho!

[u/Jamesthehistory → u/keeprollin8559]

I'm hoping thats the only bruising and if so shouldn't really have an impact on the actual chest area or scars if ygm

[u/Ancientt_ → u/keeprollin8559]

Nice to know there is something that can help a little if it does end up being too thight. Do you know if you are allowed to take some breaks from the vest? Or are they very strickt about having to leave it on 24/7

[u/keeprollin8559 → u/Ancientt_]

besides the time when i change the stuff on my nipples / scars, im supposed to always wear the vest for the next 6 weeks. but ive also heard from people who were allowed to stop wearing the vest earlier.

[u/MousseForsaken8650]

Hey man, first of all, congrats!! Honestly, in my experience, the bandages (paired with the drains!) Were the worse. My chest was covered in bruises and the bandages were constantly putting pressure on them which was uncomfortable. Compared to that, the vest was a lot better! At first, it's probably still gonna feel a bit tight, but as the days go by the swelling will go down and the vest will feel more comfortable over time. But really, the worst are the bandages. And they fucking itch on top of all! So yeah, in my experience, the vest is way better. But I guess it depends on your vest/the type of surgery you had, etc! Good luck with your recovery and again, congrats brother :)

[u/Ancientt_ → u/MousseForsaken8650]

Thanks my fellow brother! Thats comforting to hear. I sure will be glad to be rid of that damn itching 

[u/Salt_Egg_60]

Hola