I hope you heal soon.
Was there no way to use the riving knife? Before my SS I was not using a guard and got hit in the gut from kickback - in 2005. For six months I wore the 3/4"X3/4" Big L as well and it cut me through my shirt and did not cut thw shirt - literally pressed it into me! Next day my delta QA splitter was installed. Now on the SS a guard is always used (mostly the RK) whenever possible. I am also a fan of the bandsaw.
I did a quick check on scar prevention. Lots of good reading out there.
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.