As a fair skinned Scotswoman I have always had to protect my skin in the sun. Years of good practice have left me feeling rather proud of my smooth fair decolletage..
As I ponder my upcoming surgery I ask myself is it vain to want, expect my surgeon to perform his incision and closing with great care and excellence.
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I'd like to wear my scar with pride.
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I'm interested in hearing, how you feel/deal with your battle wound, what feelings it evokes and anything else you'd like to share
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From one warrior to another 💕
Written by
LindaLittleBear
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I have to be honest at first I hated my scar part of how it looked and part of I felt it was a constant reminder of what I had been through and got in the way of me trying to forget and move on
I would cover it up with what I wore and then as the first year approached and they do fade now 2 years on it has faded more but I now get that feeling of wearing it with pride we are Survivors and the lucky ones and for the sake of a scar we are here to tell the tale I stay focused on those thoughts and now it does not bother me
I am sure even if at first you do not like it eventually you will feel that way to x
Hi, I am nearly 2 years post CABG. I can barely see the scar now. I am not sure I even think about it, I am very grateful that it has faded to the extent it has. Take care, Judi
Five years after open heart surgery my scar is down to a fine silver line that you wouldn't really notice unless you were looking for it.
A small percentage of people end up with much thicker "keloid" scars (it's often genetic, so you may well know if you're disposed to this pattern of scarring), but for the great majority of us a super fine line that's only really visible against a sun tan is the norm.
Good luck!
PS For the avoidance of doubt, I'm the ugly one with the beard. The pretty, clean shaven one is Mrs Chappychap.
I understand why you would be so scared and worried about that x I'm fortunate they did my heart surgery though my back so I have a big scar on my back but I wear it with pride! I know it will be alot different having it on your front on your chest but it's worth it ❤️xx
I have to admit that like BeKind28, I am also getting an education. I have never heard of a closed heart operation either, but it is good information that I will store away in the back closet of my brain. I wonder what percentage of patients have this surgery.
I had open heart surgery a good few years ago and I still have quite a visible scar and recently had a pacemaker fitted so my chest looks a bit battle scared. But I carry on as normal and ware low neckline tops and swimsuits. Initially I had a few people look at me but I’m still me and I’m still gonna ware the type of clothes that I always have. I’m rather proud of my battle scars and wear them with pride.
The incisions are the surgeons visible trade mark, they will want to be as neat and tidy as possible. My chest scar was very neat and still is. I was unhappy with the scar on my leg to start off with as it looked untidy but it has healed extremely well to the extent that there are parts that are not normally visible now. As for my chest scar I'll wear that with pride for as long as it is obvious as it shows what I have been through.
I'm only 13 weeks post op, I've already had one person stare at me at the gym when I was in the pool. Doesn't bother me but it is something to be aware will happen.
As a male I don’t really care about a war wound, or even an op scar. But a female friend asked me about the scar and I had to use a bright light to find it ! That’s at three years.
At first it was a bit prominent, but within three months it was modest. I did benefit from having a brilliant surgeon, but I think most if not all heart surgeons are top notch.
So please dont worry about the scar. Silk scarf or clever make make up will hide it. That’s if you really want to hide it. A very good female friend is quite put out that she does not have a noticeable scar. She clearly treats it as a a case of pride.
You will be so shocked by how well you feel, that the scar will be of little relevance.
Sooty thank you for your post. I don't imagine I'd be hiding the scar and obviously won't know my reaction until I inspect the outcome.I do like the suggestion of silk scarves, always I think a fine fashion accessory.
Can I please repeat that, at first, the scar is a bit severe. But within a few weeks/ months it will heal very well. During the first few weeks you won’t feel much like doing a great deal, but it’s all great after, say two or three months. You get your life back. Pretty sensational to be given a second life.
I bought two silk scarfs for comfort and they were not excessive price. And they last for years. They wash very well. I think generally men’s are cheaper than women’s.
Now I have seen this reply you have reminded me as when men have it done it was the Summer I admit but they were walking out with their shirts open and not a good look for us ladies so to come home in I took a sun frock low cut one of those stretchy ones and a cardigan in case I was cold and even though not silk I took a lightweight scarf it was as light as a feather and I had hat round my neck over the plaster and no one even noticed anything different about me just a thought I thought I would share as well as expect it to look worse before it looks better so whatever it looks like when you have had it done just think in a years time it will be totally different x
Agreed it is pretty amazing to get a second life. These thoughts had previously crossed my mind.I already have a couple of silk scarves generous gifts and much loved. A luxurious comfort 💕
I don't have the CABG scar ( yet!) but I do have various scars , both big and small , from other surgeries and injuries , some of which are in visible places.Rather than thinking of them as Battle Scars I like to think of them as Body Art telling the tale of Me as a Warrior and my victories over ill health.
Because of that I wear them with pride and even think they have their own beauty.
All the best for the surgery. My scar is still quite prominent even after 4 years. At the top it is thin and rather messy from the middle down due to a number of small infections which have left deep ‘pits’ in it. No one can see them so I’m not bothered. I really don’t care if people see my scar as it’s my survival badge. I’m happy to wear clothes which show it off. I do find wearing necklaces and pendants hid it but make sure they are smooth backed to start with so they don’t rub.
A scar wouldn’t bother me to be honest Linda, I think scars etc is a different thing for ladies though maybe.? Iv seen ladies with scars when I holiday abroad and never look twice to be honest and once the wound heals you can hardly notice it. I remember my father’s scar just being a faint light line after a while. I’m covered in scars from my younger man accidents and surgeries and resemble an old battered lion.? Deep visible scar above my good eye!! Little scar near my artificial eye.!! Scar on nose, 2 nice scars on back of head that stops the hair growing !! Big Scars on both shins and my fingers look like a patchwork quilt.!! And my elderly aunt still says I’m her lovely little chicken!!! Even with a scar you’ll still be lovely Linda.👍
I think when I was told I had to have open heart surgery I did briefly think “ that’s going to be a big scar” but I’m not scar free anyway, lots of others 😬 but lower down on my tummy so not visible. After surgery I was amazed at what had been done, and I was still here! I couldn’t see the scar at that point, just the dressing. I’m only tiny so it seemed to cover most of the front of my chest
After coming home, (it’s now over 3 months since surgery ) when I look at myself in the mirror I love to see the scar! It’s weird I can’t explain it, but it makes me feel strong and brave. I only said this to my husband yesterday that I could understand how warriors in the past felt when they had an impressive scar. To me it says “ I’m here ,I won , I survived” (thanks to the amazing surgeons obviously! And all the NHS) I don’t try and hide it,or cover it up. I am vain in other areas, always wear make up, still cover my grey hair 🤦🏻♀️ Somehow this is different. ❤️🩹
If the thought of a scar still worries you, mine has actually faded quite a bit near the top ( the visible part) the lower bit seems slightly darker. Honestly it’s not too bad 😊
Good Luck with your surgery 😊 I went back to work on a phased return last week, and am almost back to doing everything I used to do. I feel so much better, stronger and so grateful to everyone that have been part of my journey. 😊
Thank you for a kind and inspiring reply. TBH I'm pondering all aspects of the surgery and I've also discussed my greatest concern with the surgeon and that's being on the ventilator. Long story short I have the most awful experience when I had and endescopy which without exaggeration is seared in memory.I wish you well on your road of recovery!💕
It’s good to discuss it all . My biggest fear was when they said I would be kept sedated for maybe up to 12 hours in ICU it terrified me. In the long running it was ok 😊 I had my surgery on the Monday, I was home by Saturday. I had mine at Southampton. Fantastic from beginning right through to coming home. You will be fine 😊❤️ Xx
I'm only 9 weeks post bypass surgery & love my scar which is very neat tbh. I wear it with pride & don't cover it up ( apart from in the sun) It reminds me every day of how lucky I am to still be here enjoying my life. Wishing you a healthy life following your surgery xx
Be kind to yourself in your recovery, the scar you have to start with will fade to something that may or may not take time to accept and come to terms with. But that’s understandable, as is how you are now feeling-our bodies are part of our identity and when that changes it’s easy to be unsure.
Give yourself time to heal physically, mentally and emotionally, improving health will help to change your perspective and your scar will become part of who you are but not the person you are.
My scar was not as a result of my heart attack but skin cancer and on my face. The Way I looked at if was I’d rather be scarred and alive than the opposite. I had to remind myself of this a few times after the op when I looked black blue and obviously stitched (a few of my grandchildren struggled with how I looked) but now one year on most people, and definitely the grandchildren, don’t notice my scars. The surgeon was very skilled using natural contours of the skin as much as possible. IMHO they care and do the very best they can for us Good luck
My heart surgery scar has faded to almost invisible. Even my GP was surprised last time she took a look!
In some ways I find this a bit disappointing, I was prepared to fully embrace a scar and show it off on all possible occasions. To be honest, being a middle aged/elderly lady those occasions we’re always going to be few and far between. However, I did take care to use high factor sun cream on it for the first year or so as I was a bit worried about sunburn when wearing low cut T shirts.
Hi and good morning from a fellow peely wally scot in her 60's. If you are going to the jubilee for your op they are amazing, I am three years post transplant and I don't notice it much now, in fact it makes me look like I have a cleaveage and being small in that department it's a bonus😅. I would definitely be careful in the sun and use factor 50 on the scar, I missed it with cream earlier in the year and badly burnt it in two places it was agony and still tender to this day. Definitely a lesson learned. I hope everything goes well, take care char
I had open heart surgery at the end of February this year. The scar was 25cm long, and tidy but quite startling for a few weeks. I used a 'scar reduction serum' from a high street chemist from 6 weeks (it felt very soothing and a positive bit of self care) and now I have a pinkish silver thread which is much less noticeable. I wear a small silver pendant and I guess nobody really looks beyond that. I hate high necked clothes, so the scar has been on view all the way - I am proud of it; it tells a story and saved my life. I also have a pacemaker- the raised outline of that is more obvious than the scar. I should add that I now feel a hundred times better than I did before the surgery (aortic valve replacement). That's the main thing - it's making you well. Be proud of it. It's a badge of courage! 😊
Hi, the scars nowadays are so much better, I had my triple 2 years ago and the photo was taken 6 months after. I used Kelo Cote scar gel as recommended by my consultant and now I barely notice it, I’m 65.
Good luck with your operation, I’m having a knee replacement on Friday, that won’t be such a pretty scar! 😫
I had a partial knee replacement 2019. A friend had had replacements and they’d used clips. She got infections and horrible scars. Mine was glued and stitched, the woman surgeon who did it was amazing, I’ve got a thin line and you’d never know I’d had surgery.
My Consultant stopped using clips because of the horrible results 👍🏻
I’m 44 and wear my scar with such pride. I honestly love it - I was more than happy to show it off this summer as it was the first time it’s been properly uncovered. 1 year on and it’s barely noticeable - the outline of my ICD looks more prominent but I love both.
I have scars (2) from my skin cancer scare on my back. Also have puncture marks belly from where they did surgery with the probes to fix my hernia. Scarred but don't really pay attention. I had a friend who had his appendix out when he was a teen. Kept telling us he suffered a cut from defending himself from a gang. 🤣 Silly guy.
I'm dreading my scar. I'll be having a full sternotomy so it will be a long scar. I'm squeamish and vain. I won't want to feel it or see it, and am wondering if I'll be able to have a tattoo to mask it.
I had a BCC removed from my shoulder a few years ago and the scar was faint. I did jokingly say I would have a tatoo but I don't think I could bear the pain of that on skin that is very thin from the surgery. Now, though, I was showing it to someone and we couldn't see it!
If you’re squeamish I can understand the anxiety about your surgery. I had a full sternotomy in June, my scar has already faded to a thin white/pink line 😊 I didn’t use any special lotions or potions. I’ve got a tattoo , but I chose to have one ( a few years ago now) that wasn’t on show, if you have your scar tattooed you would be making more of something, that’s going to fade anyway.
Maybe just focus on getting stronger, feeling better after your op. Be kind and gentle to yourself, and maybe when it’s all been done you’ll feel very different😊
Hi. I have a 12 inch scar on my arm - I know it is not the same, but what I found to be really good is bio oil. After a few weeks when I could tolerate touching and massaging the scar I started massaging bio oil to it twice a day. This really helped. When I told my surgeon this he said that the process of massaging the scar itself that is beneficial and not the actual type of oil. Also keeping the scar out of the sun for the first 6 months is also good for healing, otherwise apparently the scar can become purple in colour. Hope this helps, and all the best 😃
I too have a scar on my arm, 8" long, and I hate it. Had it over 10 years now and still hate touching it. Used Bio oil, etc, but made no real difference.
I had open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement) 5 years ago this month. As Chappychap mentioned, a very small number of people develop keloid scars…that’s me!
Although I’m not usually squeamish, after surgery I couldn’t bear to touch my scar 🙄It’s possible that it wouldn’t be quite as bad if I had been able to massage it. Others have recommended Bio Oil and I’d agree that it’s magical stuff.
Now, 5 years on, I suspect it won’t get much better and, as a pale skinned Welsh woman who also used to be rather happy with her décolletage, I have an occasional moment of regret for clothes or jewellery unworn!
However my overriding feeling is that of immense gratitude and while I don’t flaunt my scar, neither am I especially bothered by people noticing it. As time goes by, it feels less alien and rather just the way my body looks. I think I might even be growing fond of it 😊
Wishing you all the very best. I’ll think of you on the 25th 💝
After my OHS 2 years ago, the scar took a bit of getting used to at first. However, it has faded considerably and is now just a pale silvery line. The top of it is often visible with my tops and I find wearing a necklace distracts attention from it. More importantly, I am no longer self conscious - I call it my 'scar of life'. It is a reminder to me that I came through a challenging experience in one piece and am more aware of how precious life is. I am very grateful for that!
Hi Linda, we all react differently I suppose. I wouldn't look at my scar to start with, for quite a while just like "Be So Kind". It was a constant reminder of what I had gone through. I use to keep it covered all the time. Then, whilst doing my make up I told myself I was being silly. I looked at my scar in the mirror, touched it and said out loud to myself " this scar shows the reason why you are standing here. A reminder that you are alive to see and hear your loved ones. I now wear it with great pride and as time goes on, you can hardly see it.
Thanks for all the replies - I’m 4 days post op so I’m covered with dressing atm but it looks pretty ugly underneath.
But I’m a 59 y.o. bloke so really not overly concerned - once the hair grows back (hopefully) and the sun is out I doubt ppl with pay much attention down the line - and if they do, so what!
So happy to wear with pride but don’t want to upset anyone who’s a bit squeamish, like me!
ok - whilst it’s a massive deal to you / me, it’s the medical teams day job so you’ll be in the best hands.
The days go really slow in real time post op when you can’t sleep and are a bit groggy but I can’t believe I’ve been here since last Thursday pm with the op Friday morning - it’s flown past.
Do what they recommend (as they know best) but feel free to ask questions and politely challenge - all my challenges have come back with logical and robust answers so I guess the do know best.
Post op - drink plenty of water, do the breathing exercises they recommend and walk as directed - before you know it it’ll be Christmas (God forbid) and you’ll be 12 weeks post op and hopefully well on the way to recovery and a blank canvas in 2024 x
Nah - tomorrow hopefully - temperature was up a little today for whatever reason so they’ve given me antibiotics to stop any potential infection - tomorrow is fine by me - do you go in on Sunday for pre ops?
Awe that's pants. Hopefully you'll be good to go tomorrow.I had pre op assessment on Wednesday a good chat, bloods x-ray and ECG. I have an echo tomorrow and whatever is left will be Sunday. Am hoping it'll be an early start on 🤞🙏
hi. Ive had two ohs within the last 2 years. My scar stretched a little and I also had an infection. 2 years on my scar is much lighter and smooth. I used dermatix for a year but now I just moisturise with aveeno daily. I did have camouflage make up for my scar as it was quite red for a while but I no longer need it. I’m sure the surgeon will do their best to keep the scar as neat as possible. Please try not to worry. Good luck with your op. X
Hi, Thks for sharing. You've had a lot to deal with! I hope you are recovering well!I met the surgeon a few weeks ago straight after my angiogram, when the news was delivered. We had a good chat. He laughed when I asked him what his knife skills were like and assured me he take care! I'll likely remind him when we speak before the op
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