Incisions

[SunnyCox 245]

Does anyone have pictures of their incisions (specifically with Dr. Kelly)?

I have some incisions from having my gallbladder removed, and I have already talked to Dr. Kelly about reusing some of those.

[Webchickadee 716]

I had gall bladder surgery 13 years ago and Dr. Kelly did my VSG surgery on May 14, 2012. I did not reuse the same incisions (not even one of them), but it wasn't because he denied me. I didn't even think to ask!

One of the incisions for the VSG is quite close to one of my GB incisions. Most of the rest are not that close. I could take some pictures if you want. Most of my incisions are on the left half of my abdomen, and my GB incisions were more on the right half or middle. Most of my GB incision sites are very faint now (due to the long time they have had to heal and fade away!).

Keeping that fading in mind, you might not feel the need to "reuse" old incision sites, as they do tend to fade quite well (especially if you take Vitamin E and use Bio Oil on them). But of course, everyone has a personal preference.

In terms of technical limitations, there may be a good reason to not use the same incision sites. This has more to do with the underlying abdominal wall muscles. Re-opening old healed wounds in the muscle wall (from your GB surgery) may take longer to heal and may produce more weakness in the abdominal wall at those points. But I don't know that for a fact, and of course, Dr. Kelly will be able to answer those questions with 10,000 % more knowledge on the subject than I can!

Finally, also keep in mind that Dr. Kelly uses VERY small incisions (most of mine are an inch or smaller) and for me, he glued them shut, so I have no suture lines, just a nice clean straight incision that should fade well over time.

Good luck, and let me know if you want pictures. I apologize in advance for the jelly belly! LOL

[SunnyCox 245]

It is the center, top incision that I want reused. It looks awful right now, and I am hoping that reusing it will allow it to close better. The others are on my right side and small.

[DDFinn 118]

I had my gallbladder out last July and sleeve surgery with Dr Kelly in march. I didn't think to ask either but my sleeve incisions were much higher. I even have one right on the bra line between my breasts!

[crystalintville 66]

I had surgery with Dr Kelly and can pm you pics if you want. I have 5- 4 across my middle and one below my bra line. They are healing better than my gallbladder incisions but in different places. Gallbladder- right side, Tummy- middle to left side.

[SunnyCox 245]

My top, center incision is right on my bra line. My other incisions look great, but that one is thick and very dark compared to the rest which can hardly be seen. If he can use, I am going to go for it.

[kyllfalcon 768]

Haven't had GB surgery, but have had three surgeries through the belly button. My surgeon volunteered to reuse that site for the largest incision, so I have four tiny new scars, less than half an inch each, and a fresh rosy color on the old incision.

I love my surgeon. I would not have even thought to ask, but he volunteered.