One for the ladies, I think...

[sue943]

In the past my favoured style of dress, particularly for work, has been open-necked shirts, I hate high necked clothing partly as I have a short neck and they don't suit me as well as making me feel very uncomfortable. I wear normal tee-shirts around the house but shortly will be seeking work once more.

What I want to know is if any of you ladies wear tops/shirts which show the top of your scar, and if so how do people react? I don't want to cause other people embarrassment but at the same time I would still like to wear my normal style of clothing. If your clothing does show your scar do you get stares and comments?

 

[Karlynn]

I wear lots of v-necks (takes away from the double-chin thing!) And I've not noticed anyone overtly being shocked or surprised by my scar.

 

[geebee]

I generally wear clothing (boat neck or jewel neck) that does show very little of my scar but, like Karlynn said, it is the double-chin thing and not the scar.

Back when I was younger and skinnier and had one chin, I wore a lot of low cut or open neck clothing. I know some people did look but never stared and only once or twice did it prompt a conversation. I never minded either the looks or the conversations as I think of my scar as kind of a "medal" given for all I've been through.

I don't think you should change your clothing style to hide your scar.

 

[sue943]

Clothing

Clothing

That is good to hear. My scar doesn't upset me when I look at it, I just didn't want to upset other people - mind you, it was me who had the surgery.

I will wear my scar with confidence now, thank you ladies.

 

[PJmomrunner]

I wear normal tee-shirts around the house but shortly will be seeking work once more.

While seeking work, it might be best to wear clothing that does cover your scar. I would be concerned that a prospective employer might (consciously or subconciously) assume you come with medical problems and absenteeism and pass you over.

 

[Glenda]

In over two years I've only had one person comment on my scar and that's because they had one too so we compared scars. Very funny really to be standing in the middle of Wal Mart comparing scars. Sincerely I don't think people care. I wear everything, that is but a bikini, no way! Now that's something they would really comment on, probably have me arrested for indecent exposure.

 

[LLJ]

I have always told my patients to be proud of their scars. I even give away shirts with the saying "scars are like tatoos with better stories" to those of my patients with real multi trauma scars. So, I guess you have to use your judgement. When meeting in a staid, professional setting or lecturing I don't really show off my scar. But, like you, most of my clothes are v necked or deep sweetheart necked and I wasn't gonna replace them. Day to day I wear those clothes and experience what alot of large breasted women must experience daily: people talking to my chest! (Believe me it's the scar) But, ineveitably they ask, I tell and they are astonished to see someone so healthy come thru such a big deal. I find the silicone scar bandages which are made to decrease the appearance of scars over time also camoflauge the scar well on a day to day basis.
LLJ

 

[sue943]

Wearing with pride

Wearing with pride

I will wear my scar with pride then. Thank you.

 

[Ross]

Don't suppose anyone would care to hear my opinion in here?

 

[Mary]

Please state your opinion, Ross.

 

[Ross]

VERY low cut evening gowns work great!

 

[sue943]

One for the ladies...

One for the ladies...

LOL, I will tell them you recommended that I wear low cut gowns to the office!

 

[sue943]

One for the ladies...

One for the ladies...

I did it! I went to the training centre on Friday wearing a v-necked shirt and if anyone noticed they said nothing. One more hurdle overcome.

 

[Emma]

Well done Sue! I say wear it with pride too! We've always told Chloe how beautiful her scar is in the hope she won't grow up aware of it, and to be honest, its got the point where none of us even notice it any more, its just part of Chloe and she (and us) have never really known her any different. I only have one photo of her as a tiny baby with no scar. Shes had a couple of comments/questions when swimming but she just turns to them and tells them its her heart scar and carries on with what shes doing.

Show it off with pride!
Emma
xxx

 

[geebee]

Good going Sue.

Our scars are so very precious because they are the outward symbol of what we endured to still be on this earth. It is also an indication that God gave us the ability to make it through.

I have many precious things on display in my home: photos, trinkets, travel momentos, etc. I just consider my scar another thing I don't mind people seeing and am proud to discuss if asked.

V-Necks - YEAH!!!

 

[chez]

I try not to worry what people think of my scar, and i do wear v-neck t-shirts and in the summer you can always see the top of my scar ,but i cant wear a bikini , no way!

chez

 

[Peachy]

Hi Sue

Wear your scar with pride. You went through a lot to get it. When I started back at work after my op I made a point of wearing low cut tops to show my scar. I also wear a bikini and go topless on the beach. Yes some people stare but so what.

 

[Gail in Ca]

Since my first ohs in '89 , only 2 people have ever mentioned anything after seeing my scar. I wear whatever neckline I want. And I have a scar that goes to my neck. I think people see it, but probably know what it is and don't mention it.
gail

 

[Praline]

Scar

Scar

I just had surgery and I am not planning on changing the way I dress. I teach so for work I dress very conservative, dress pants, longish skirts or dresses...no low necklines at all.
But out of work, I wear v-neck shirts and open collars. Since my scar begins at my collar bone, it will be hard to hide the whole thing. Honestly, I feel that I am 64 years old and I have earned the right to wear whatever neckline I want. The scar will be part of me, just like my thick glasses. If someone does not like it, ....too bad.

 

[sue943]

Low necklines

Low necklines

I worn a scooped neckline the other day. It will soon not bother me at all, no one commented so I am less worried about upsetting anyone.

It will be interesting to watch for reactions.

As for the bikini, well I am a 'larger lady' even if not as large as I used to be, I am also 58. I have always thought that brown fat looks less revolting than white fat (like crispy bacon looks better than raw bacon!) so will attempt to get as much of me toasted as possible, and if that means a bikini then so be it! My bikinis are VERY skimpy! Last summer was a definite cover-up time as I was on amiodarone and didn't want to turn blue, this year I will make up for it.