That ER doc did you a real favor it sounds like! In many other situations, they may have called the "on call" general or vascular doc to go in there and "hack out" your rib, and ANY incision type they felt like at the moment!
I have had two rib resections/scalenectomies one on each side through the arm pit. The left side was in '11 and the right side a few months ago in Aug. They look great, and no one even sees them until I point it out. Remember to keep those scars away from UVA/B exposure if you're worried about their appearance- it will darken those puppies! Happy healing and thanks for sharing your experience!