Even more about scar care

It's been a little over 3 months since my top surgery. I continue to have sensation from my "phantom nipples". It's not that big of a deal though. The major thing right now is the scar tissue changes. It seems to be thickening in some places and I have some stabbing pain occasionally for what seems to be no reason whatsoever. My doctor recommended using scar strips, but also using thick lotion and massaging the scars. Those 2 suggestions seem counter productive. The lotion makes the scar strips not stick and the "massage" could be done in a lot of different ways, but I don't have very specific instructions :( Anyway, I try to switch back and forth between the 2 instructions while looking longingly at the sun that I must stay out of for another 9-10 months. Other than that, I'm still very happy with the surgery and am typing RIGHT NOW with no shirt on!

Note: 11/8/17

I talked to a physical therapist who works with people who have had mastectomies about the stabbing pain in my chest that happens sometimes. She said that it is part of the nerve damage that can happen as a result of the surgery and that the nerves have to be "retrained" how to feel. She suggested firm tapping in the area where the pain is happening to remind the nerves of REAL sensation. I've been following this advice and have had less frequent problems with pain for no reason.

Scar strips get itchy

I have been somewhat regularly using the silicone scar-strips on the front part of my chest (the part that is the most visible) and so far I think it has evened out some of the higher parts of the scar tissue. However, wear time is supposed to be pretty much, as long as you can stand it. My skin likes to breathe and after about 12-16 hours it itches and makes me want to rip and tear at it. So I take it off. Then it isn't supposed to be put on until your skin is dry and clean so if you are into bathing a lot, this product is for you! I like to give my skin a break from soap occasionally as well so right now I've gone almost a day without the scar strips. Ugh. That defeats the purpose. Oh well, I will pout them back on in an hour or 2. In other news, most of the skin glue has finally fallen off. what I see is just me.

All about scar tissue and how to deal with it

It's a month and 2 days since my top surgery. I am healing really well, but I have some concerns about the condition and extent of the scarring on my chest. There are some obvious things to avoid, like the SUN. I am aware of many Youtube videos where the transguy is relatively healed up and can't wait to take that shirt off and sunbathe. Do not do this unless you think scars are sexy. If you want your scars to be minimally visible, shun the sun! My doctor recommends an entire year out of the sun. I'm afraid of skin cancer so that probably won't be an issue for me. I am excited about wearing my suits and looking good in them :) Another thing I wanted to mention is scar treatment. I am using adhesive silicone strips to cover the scar tissue. What this does is flatten out the scar and relieve pressure from bending and stretching the scar tissue. Check out the pic from today below. As you can see, I have applied the scar strips to the front scars because I am most concerned with how they look. I haven't applied the strips anywhere else as I am almost certain to have revisions under my arms due to loose skin from weight loss.