The day that i had the pre-op, the doc told me i look pregnant, but i 6 weeks later i still look the same. please help. what should i do? This is depressing.

Original review from realself.com

So… Yeah… I've talked myself and my hubby into it. Do I feel a tad guilty and like I'm taking the easy way out. Maybe. Am I ready to no longer be held hostage by this belly. You're dang skippy!!!Updated on 22 Nov 2011:Surgery day: Wow. I did it. Crazy! Here’s how things went.

Wake up: I had breakfast and headed to the doc’s office. I took an anti-inflammatory, sleeping pill, pain pill and antibiotic when I got there, they marked me up and took pics.

Procedure: 4 bee sting-like shots (ouch but brief) so the cuts could be made. Then came the numbing liquid. Now this part felt crazy weird and he sometimes hit places that weren’t fully numb. Those were BREIF moments of pain and the doc immediately added more numbing fluid. Then came the laser – breezy. Then he sucked out the fat and liquid. In total I was on the table for just over an hour. All in all it felt weird (pressure) but didn’t really hurt except for those few zings.

After: I’m 10 hours post and my belly is still all the way numb. I’m sure some pain will kick in when the feeling comes back, but right now I’m golden. I have a drain in and am emptying often – minimal oozing from the incisions (all caught by gauze). Am wearing an adult diaper to catch ooze also. I’ll put the garment on in the morning. I have old sheets and blankets on the bed though, just in case. Now it’s time to heal!Updated on 8 Dec 2011:Week two: I’m still in the compression garment and (hopefully) still swollen. I say hopefully because I only see a slight difference. The doc did say “don’t look until a month has passed”. So I’m trying to listen.

I was sore for a while, still am (sit ups sore). I was off work for a total of 5 days thanks to a holiday and a weekend – and I needed those days. I was fine back in the office when I went, but did wince when I stood and at the end of the workday (that first week) I was beat! I had a few maxi dresses and elastic-y waistband pants to wear. You’ll want to hide the garment but not have anything pressing, causing creases on you or rubbing. I’m pretty much back in regular clothes now – just have to hide the top/bra part of the garment. It has more coverage than any bra I own and sticks up pretty high. Thankfully, it’s scarf season; so glad I did this in the winter for so many reasons!

I have the hard lumps that folks talk about, but know they’ll go away thanks to this forum and from my docs office pre warning me that it might happen. They are freaky though and hurt to be touched.

So at week 2 I’m functional, no longer tired at the end of the workday, can pick up my kid no problem, still sore and swollen and still hopeful for my coming great results! My mind set has shifted and I’m watching what I eat even more and eating a bit less.Updated on 14 Dec 2011:Week three: I gave up on the compression garment at 2.5 weeks because it was CUTTING into my shoulders. I do still wear it at night though. I’ve had no change in apperance over the past week and am still only seeing the very slight difference. I posted Day 9 pics.

I’m still “sit-ups sore” and still have the hard lumps in my belly, a new one has formed that is just below my bikini line and it’s shaped like a drinking straw is in there – weird! I’m back to normal activities and back to all of my regular clothes. Those first few days without the garment in jeans was not pleasant! All good now.

So, no change in the last week. I’m still trying to be patient and am hopeful that I’m just a late bloomer.

Updated on 26 Dec 2011:
Week 5: I went for a follow up with the doc at week 4 and told him that I only see a slight change. He said, “I told you at week 4 you’d START to see a change. ” He told me at my height and weight I’d see my final result at month 4. Whew! So, I have my patience motivator. He said he sees this with girls my size all the time and if I had a dramatic amount to take out, I’d see a more immediate result. Now, I’m sure he was trying to soothe me with a sly compliment…. And it worked. So we wait!

Now I’ve got to get all of these Christmas sweets out of my house and get back into the gym come January. Matter of fact, I think I’ll go toss those sweets now…

Original review from realself.com

Just got back from my 2nd consult and I feel much better. I wrote out a list of questions and he answered them all. He kept telling me that he feels that I am a good candidate and that I shouldnt worry. He also said that in all his years he only had to stop a procedure once because the patient couldnt take it. He was honest and said that he doesnt know if I will get completely flat but I will be happy. He said that 50% of his patients come back for a touch-up and we can talk about that if the time comes. I could not see myself doing it twice but you never know. Its 500 dollars for the touch-up. He wants his patients as happy as possible. He said that if I follow his after care then I should be ok. He says to wear the compression garment for 3 days straight, no showering or changing of gauze or anything. He suspects I will drain for about 6 hours and he just wants it to go into the garment. Kinda nasty but I’ll do what he says. I got my prescriptions for Diazapam (Valium), Cephalexin and Acetaminophen. He says I can take the Valium on my way to the office since someone will be driving me. He also gave me a precription of Diflican since I am prone to yeast infections from antibiotics. I asked about the Arnica and Bromeline and he said he didnt have a strong opionion either way. That if I go out and get it then its ok but not to go out of my way. Thank goodness I got my cycle today so I’ll be all set for next Friday. 7 days to go!Updated on 19 Dec 2011:4 more days! I am soooo nervous and excited and SCARED and ARGH!!! LOL I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I’m having dreams about the procedure. I need to get it over with. I bought Arnica gel and pills yesterday. I hope they help. When should I start taking the pills? Before or after surgery? I also bought tons of Smartwater, vitamin water and Sobe life water. The ones that are 0 calories. I’m worried I will be immobile for days! That reminds me, let me go fill these precriptions and get some Tylenol. I added better before pictures.Updated on 19 Dec 2011:FYI Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets have been recalled.Updated on 22 Dec 2011:Just added my final before pictures. Its much bigger than it looks. Tomorrow is the day!

Updated on 23 Dec 2011:
So…..

A bit of disappointing news…

I’m all done and actually in the office. I really hate that I cant rely on people. My friend and coworker is just letting my cases hang. I’m feeling ok. Numb but not numb if that make sense. Not loopy by any means. I will give a complete break down of what happended but I will say that I did not finish the procedure I’m so upset. Was actually crying in the room. I feel like a failure. It started to burn and I couldnt take it. He said that we will schedule it so I can be sedated. I do no want to go back. He took out 900 cc’s but says he can get out another 500. He cant do the IV himself so I have to wait 3 freaking weeks to do it again I’m so freaking (wanna use another word)upset at myself. We tried twice for him to finsh and I just couldnt. I’m leaveing work. Feeling nauseated. going home to lay down.

Updated on 24 Dec 2011:
Day 1 (day of surgery)

I got up at 6:30 and took a shower. I washed with dial and just let it sit on my body for a while. When I dried off my skin was dry. I lotioned everywhere except my stomach and back. My friend drove me to the Dr. office. When I got there I paid the rest of the money and signed the consent form. The assistant took my meds and gave me 3 Vicodin, 1 antibiotic and 1 tylenol codine. Then I went to the procedure room to change.

I took off all my clothes and put on the paper socks, panty and hair net. The Dr came in took pictures and marked my body. I think the meds started to kick in because I don’t really remember the markings. I laid on the table and the nurse washed off my stomach.

The Dr came in and asked if I was ready. He said there was going to be 5 entry points. Two in my back, one under my panty line and two in my belly button. He gave me numbing injections in those places. That didn’t hurt. Then he made the smalls holes and I don’t recall that hurting.

Now he needed to inject the numbing solution. He very slowly inserted the canula, that was a weird feeling. I wouldn’t say pain but I felt it. He did that all over my stomach then turned me over and did my back. If I had to estimate, that took about a half hour.

Then he left to let me sit and numb up. I used my phone and turned on Pandora. Sent a few pics and text messages. I was wondering why I wasn’t loopy. I felt regular. The Dr. Came in and started the laser. We talked about what he was doing. I was waiting for the fried chicken poping sound but I didn’t hear it. I asked him and he said he heard it and didn’t know why I didn’t. I had to turn a few times and holding my phone trying to listen to music and talk and listen to him was too much so I told the nurse to put my phone away. Not sure how long the laser laster but it was a good while. I felt a few little zings of pain but he added more numbing.

After the laser he gave me a 10 min break. He came back and started the suction. At this point I was excited since this is the fat removal. He started and I was fine. Again a few zings but he would just numb it again. After about a half hour or so it started feeling like it was burning. I said it was burning and the Dr looked puzzled. He was like are u sure its burning because it was the suction and not the laser (the laser is hot). I told him that when he put in the canula and moved it back and forth that’s what was burning. Like friction. He numbed it some more but asked that I try to stand it as much as I could because he was getting low on the numbing solution and wanted to save it for the really hurtful parts. I tried again but we had to take a break. As we were waiting for me to relax I asked for another Valium and tylenol and he didn’t want to put too many meds in me. So we tried again. 1 minute into the suction I asked him to stop. He told the nurse to give me a Valium and pain meds. They were in my purse and the nurse left to get me water. When the nurse came back, he said the Dr looked at my pain meds (tylenol codine) and said they were not the right ones. He gave me the Valium and something else. So we waited 5 min or so and he came back in. He turned my over to do more of my flanks. That was a breeze. We went back to my stomach and it was a no go. I just couldn’t take it. So the Dr said we should stop. He said it would be best to sedate me so he doesn’t hurt me. I asked if he was gonna do that now and he said no. They need an anesthesiologist to do that and I’d have to come back. I started crying. I really didn’t want to come back.

So the Dr took out 900 cc’s total from my abdomen and flanks. He said he could get another 400 out of my abdomen and 200 from each flank. He said I will look better if I don’t do it again but its not going to be the results I was looking for. The soonest the other Dr is available is Jan 11. I’m disappointed that I didn’t finish and I have to reset the healing process.

Updated on 27 Dec 2011:
Added pictures

Updated on 27 Dec 2011:
My one week follow-up is on Friday the 30th. She thinks she can get me in for the second procedure on Jan 5th instead of the 11th. I’m going to discuss doing it again under local. Its going to look so much better once he gets the rest out.

Updated on 27 Dec 2011:
FYI I’m 32 (33 next month) with no kids in case anyone was wondering.

Updated on 28 Dec 2011:
Today has been a swelling day. I feel so bloated. Called the Dr and they say I need to eat more greens. I haven’t been. I really don’t want to take any more laxative stuff.
I’m very stiff and tight since its swollen. Can I use a heating pad?

Updated on 30 Dec 2011:
Had my follow-up today. He says that I’m looking good but I’m not at the best I could be. Another 400 cc’s can come out. He says he finished my back so I’m about 2/3 of the way done. I can either be awake or asleep. I told him being asleep scared me but he says its very safe. The only difference will be that he can’t stand me up but he would be able to sit me up. Says its not much difference. He wants to do it sooner rather than later so I don’t develop scar tissue. Since me back is done he will have more fluid to numb my front if needed and it will be quicker. My concern about being awake is the pain of numbing me since Im already sore. He says it will be bearable. So with all that said I’m doing it awake again. He says the pharmacist must have given me the tylenol because he would never prescribe that. I told him the Vicodin he gave doesn’t help. He gave me percocet (sp) for this second round. The procedure is on Tuesday the 3. Happy New Year!
He says the BM issue is common. (I went a smidge yesterday) He doesn’t want to give me a prescription for anything just yet. Told me to buy magnesium citrate as another try. I actually have a bottle in the house and totally forgot about it. If I don’t go by surgery he will give me something else cause that’s when I start the antibiotics again. Hopefully after this second round I can give this a thumbs up. He mentioned a touch up if I’m still not satisfied and I’m not trying to hear that. Told him he needs to put his foot in it this time cause its the last lol. (Dont hold me to that though lol)

Updated on 1 Jan 2012:
Happy New Year everyone! I’m 10 days post and feeling fine. Yesterday was the most swollen I have been. My lady parts puffed up quite a bit and my stomach looked like it did in the beginning. I went to lunch with my friend and her daughters and they asked their mom if I had on a girdle lol. I should have worn a loose shirt but I wore that same grey sweater in the picture below. Not a good look lol. But I woke up today and the swelling went down a lot. I was like OK it looks good again. The numbing is almost gone I think. I’m feeling this tightness that I’m not sure is soreness or numb. I tried to push my tummy out but it hurts a bit to do that so I’m not sure if I look good because I’m kinda being forced to suck it in a bit. Since I know I have another surgery on Tues the tummy that is still there doesn’t get me down. But its so much better. If I had to live with these results I would still say it was worth it.

Updated on 3 Jan 2012:
Its time for round 2! Its a different feeling than the last time. Sorta doesnt feel like its happening again. I’m at work now and I feel like I’m gonna step out for a bit to get a bit of plastic surgery real quick lol. Not as dramatic of an event as it was the last time. I’m hoping to be more drugged up this time. He needs to get every bit of fat he can get out so I can be done with this. Weighed in at 137.5 this morning and actually feeling great. Doesnt really hurt anymore. This is day 12 and day 1! See you all on the skinny side!

Updated on 3 Jan 2012:
In the car on my way home. I swear I’m not doing this shit ever again! Now that I got that out, it wasn’t too bad. The numbing hurt like shit. He asked if I wanted to stop and go under general but I was like we’re NOT stopping again. So we got through it. He got me numbed up really good. I sat there for a while talking to the nurse. Then we started. Not bad at all. Only once did I scream and we had to stop to add more numbing solution. The receptionist said later that she beard me lol. He kept count of the cc’s for me so I knew how much longer. 100, 200, when we got to 300 I kept telling myself to fight through it and it would be over soon. I managed to say “think flat Dr.” through the gauze pads I was biting on and he said I’m thinking flat and smooth. He was great. Once it was done I was so relieved. My belly button hurts really bad. That’s where the incisions were. They gave me another pain killer before I left and I’m feeling better.
OK I’m home now and in the bed watching CNN eating soup. I’m better prepared this time. My bed was all made up with the pads and towel. I bought a bed tray late last night because I had trouble sitting up eating last time. This is helping. Everything is within reach and I shouldn’t have to move but I am able to if needed. My girlfriend took the wet puppy pads and gauze that they put under my garment and cleaned me off. I have maxi pads on my front and a change of clothes. I’m aOkay right now

Updated on 4 Jan 2012:
Day 2 is pretty much the same as day 2 the first time. Woke up a bit nauseated because I didn’t eat much the day before and took meds. That passed after I had some crackers and canned fruit. I called in sick and worked from home today. I will probably go in tomorrow. It just hurts when I get up. The blood rushes to my stomach but once I’m standing for a few minutes I’m good. My stomach in the garment looks pretty much the same as it did before I went in. I’m sure its just the swelling. Won’t be able to look until I’m able to shower on Friday. I drained a bunch yesterday even leaked on my floor and socks while changing the pads but it all sealed up late last night. Thank goodness I didn’t have to be opened up in the back this time. Cleaning the front was fine. But I feel its closing too fast and not letting it all drain out. I don’t know.

Updated on 4 Jan 2012:
Day 2 is pretty much the same as day 2 the first time. Woke up a bit nauseated because I didn’t eat much the day before and took meds. That passed after I had some crackers and canned fruit. I called in sick and worked from home today. I will probably go in tomorrow. It just hurts when I get up. The blood rushes to my stomach but once I’m standing for a few minutes I’m good. My stomach in the garment looks pretty much the same as it did before I went in. I’m sure its just the swelling. Won’t be able to look until I’m able to shower on Friday. I drained a bunch yesterday even leaked on my floor and socks while changing the pads but it all sealed up late last night. Thank goodness I didn’t have to be opened up in the back this time. Cleaning the front was fine. But I feel its closing too fast and not letting it all drain out. I don’t know.

Updated on 5 Jan 2012:
Day 3. Weighed in at 136 today. Go me! I’m at work right now. Feeling fine just walking a bit slower. I think since they took out a smaller amount my recover will be faster this time. I still look round. I kinda was expecting it to be flat this time from the start since the beginning is usually the indicator of what it will eventually look like. Patience is a virtue.

Updated on 5 Jan 2012:
Day 3. Weighed in at 136 today. Go me! I’m at work right now. Feeling fine just walking a bit slower. I think since they took out a smaller amount my recover will be faster this time. I still look round. I kinda was expecting it to be flat this time from the start since the beginning is usually the indicator of what it will eventually look like. Patience is a virtue.

Updated on 8 Jan 2012:
Day 5 (day 17 from the 1st time)
I’m still doing ok. Healing very well. I’ve started the massage. I hope that helps with the small lumps that I’m starting to feel. I think there is a difference just not as dramatic as I thought it would be but that’s ok for now. How does that work? Do you just wake up one day with a flat tummy?? Happy healing everyone! Adding new pics.

Updated on 8 Jan 2012:
Forgot to add that I weighed in at 134.5 this morning! I have been going back and forth between 136 and 139 and it was a shock to see 134.5. Probably because I pooped LOL. I do not think it is because of the surgery. I haven’t really been eating large meals. 130 here I come!

Updated on 11 Jan 2012:
I had my 1 week follow-up yesterday and he says I look great so far. He assured me that I am still pudgy because of the swelling and that the fat will shrink in the coming months. I surely hope so. I am very satisfied BUT you know we are all looking for perfection. I want it flat as a pancake. I go back to see him at the 1 month mark and then at 3 months he says we will be able to see if I need a touch up but for now he thinks I wont need one. I’ve been doing fine. Itching at night but nothing I cant handle. I will start back at the gym next week.

Updated on 16 Jan 2012:
This itching at night is driving me crazy. Going to try benedryl.

Updated on 16 Jan 2012:
This itching at night is driving me crazy. Going to try benedryl.

Updated on 8 Feb 2012:
Had my 1 month (1 and a half months since the first time) check up and that was pretty much a waste of gas. He looked at me for 5 min and said to give it another 2 months then we’ll see if it goes down much more. So in other words I’ll be having a touch up in April sometime. I should just schedule it now and put in a few days vacation. Do you hear my sarcasm? He asked what I thought and I was like uh its not what I thought it would be by now (FYI I leave for my vacation in a week and it is what it is) I look good in my clothes but I’m not that great looking in a 2 piece. Again I’m not complaining. Its a lot better and I’ve lost some weight but its not flat and I don’t see it getting flat in 2 months on its own. I do know its still a bit swollen because my skin and tissue feel “squishy” if that makes sense. His last words to me were “we’ll get there”. Are you kidding me? Anyways. Well as far as how I’m feeling, I’m still sore on the sides but its not bad at all. I’ve only been without some type of spanx top twice. I don’t like feeling clothes on my skin. I’ve tried sleeping without it twice and that was a no go as well. The good thing is that its not hard or lumpy at all. There are a few divits and dents but nothing noticeable to others. I usually wake up flatter and puff up later in the day. My main concern now is maintaining my weight. I’ve lost like 7 lbs but its like I’m up and down 4/5 lbs every other day. Maybe that’s part of the healing. I would be completely happy with my weight if my stomach was flat. I can see myself falling back into losing tons of weight to fix my stomach and that’s the worst. Stay tooned!

Original review from realself.com

I have been wanting Smart Lipo for 2 years now and have been considering/researching it for that amount of time.

I have decided to get Smart Lipo on my chin/neck and front bra rolls because these are two areas that were pudgy even when I was my lowest weight. I believe the neck/chin is a defining point on a persons body and a strong jaw line can really make you look like you weigh less. The front bra rolls are an area I want done so I can wear more clothes that show that area without feeling self conscience about it.

I am 22 years old, 5'8" and have had issues with weight over the past 4 years due to hypothyroidism. My normal weight is 155 pounds, but the thyroid shot me up to 206 very quickly and I have been struggling to get it down. Now that my thyroid is under control with Synthroid and eating right/exercising, I have lost 16 pounds and currently weigh 190. I feel confident getting Smart Lipo at this weight because as I said earlier, these two areas were bothering me even when I was 155 pounds. I am NOT getting any areas done that I can fix simply by losing weight. You shouldn't get Smart Lipo in replacement of losing weight.

So my surgery is scheduled for December 19, 2011 and I am very excited/nervous. I will continue to update as I go through this process. Pictures will be up right after the surgery. Thanks!Updated on 19 Dec 2011:So my surgery was this morning. I took my relaxing medication this morning, and on the way there, and when I got there… needless to say I was feeling very relaxed. When I got there I signed final consent forms and they led me to my room. I changed into a bra and underwear type outfit and got under some blankets. Then I got up to take before pictures and they marked me with a marker for where they wanted to take fat out. I laid down again and the procedure started (the bed I laid down on was heated and it was so nice!).

They started with my left bra roll first so I rolled to the side and had my arm up around my head. The doc then inserted the hole into the skin in he armpit that the laser and canal go through, this felt kind of like getting a body piercing like the bellybutton or the ear, not bad at all. The saline solution was inserted first which contained the anesthetic. This felt strange but didn’t hurt. It was like a pulling sensation as he put the solution throughout all of the areas he was working on. When he was finished the whole are was swollen with fluid and the fat layer was lifted from the muscle/tissue area.

This procedure was repeated for my other bra roll and the chin/neck area until all were filled with solution. I was then let to rest for 30 minutes as the solution settled and the anesthetic sunk in. Most people say this part burns and then goes away but it didn’t burn at all for me, just felt like cold fluid going under my skin.

They came back in and got right to work starting with the left bra roll. He used the laser a lot then would use the suction, then laser, then suction. This was repeated on the right arm and the neck/chin area. None of this hurt either, there would just be weird pulling or pushing feelings as the fat was melted through and sucked out.

Then before I knew it it was all done. They pushed some extra fluid out of the holes and started wrapping me up. I was all done!

I fell asleep most of the way home and when I got home I ate some food and then fell asleep for several hours. Now I am up and resting on the couch. Pain level is minimal and the compression garments aren’t too annoying, the only thing that is bothering me is how the facial garment pushing my cheeks in so I look like a gerbil.

I have a check-up tomorrow and I have to wait to change garments until then, so I will update tomorrow!Updated on 20 Dec 2011:Today is the first day after my surgery. I went and had my garments removed and the areas checked. Everything looked good according to the doctor. When I left I came home and took a shower and put all of the garments back on. I could see a difference in my chin/neck and bra rolls. There is bruising and they are definitely still swollen, but all drainage has stopped, which is good. It’s going to be hard to wait for full results to show up!

Updated on 26 Dec 2011:
Well today marks week one after surgery! My bruising is almost completely gone and pain is also pretty much gone. The only thing that hurts is if I move too fast or too much pressure is put on the areas. About 4 days after surgery I had the energy to stay up all day and go out. I stopped wearing my compression garment full time on my neck three days after surgery and now I wear it at night. The garment for the bra rolls I have to wear 24/7 for three weeks. Swelling has set in, which tries my patience for the results I want to see. I had a checkup a couple of days ago and they said everything is looking great. I asked them about the swelling and they said that I should expect swelling for about 4 weeks, its the body’s natural process to swell the areas and drain, swell and drain. At about 4 weeks swelling should be very low and each week after that it will reduce more and more and I should expect skin tightening at about 6 weeks. They reassured me than the chin area would go up and everything will look how I want. I LOVE the staff at Beleza by the way, they are so comforting and understanding and helpful. Anyway, at my appointment they taught me how to massage my neck and bra roll areas properly to drain the lymph nodes which swell with fluid. When they are drained the fluid/liquid fat left in the areas is then released from the body via urine. I am massaging the areas three times a day to help release fluid all day long. I am more swollen in the morning and less at night. I can definitely tell a difference with how things look now compared to before the surgery when looking at the pictures below, and I trust that it’s just going to keep getting better!

Updated on 27 Dec 2011:
Something new started today. The swelling went way down and all the sudden I have hard lumps in both the bra roll and neck areas everywhere. So I guess this means I am getting into stage two of the healing process. The majority of fluids have started to leave the areas, revealing the small hard pockets of crystallized fat or dead fat. I know that these are normal and expected from my doctor. They will take several more weeks for my body to break down and flush out and massaging them will help do that. The only thing bad about them is they hurt! Oh and P.S. I will post pics of the bra roll area after I take post pictures at Beleza, they are swollen and you can’t tell much has happened and probably wont till the end so no point in posting weekly updates of them.

Updated on 2 Jan 2012:
So I have made it to week two now. Swelling has gone down a lot from last week (you can tell in the photos around my jowl area). The lumps are still present, but I massage twice a day for about 20 minutes on each area with a oil based lotion like coconut butter. The lumps seem to be much softer after massage and they get harder and a little sore towards the end of the day, this may be because usually the body gets a little swollen with fluid and stress of the days activities. Mentally, I have been handling everything pretty well. Smart Lipo has a mental healing process as much as a physical healing process. The brain wants to see results instantly and sometimes I constantly go back and forth telling myself, “just wait you KNOW it is going to turn out the way you want based on all of the other reviews you have read and everything your doctor has told you” and the other side of my brain goes, “this ISN’T getting any better and it is not going to improve much more”, which I know isn’t true, but the brain struggles regardless to accept that. So I called my nurse at Beleza and had her cheer me up and I let her know how I was feeling and she reassured me that everything is going to turn out great. I know it will, I mean look at my results so far… hell even if nothing improves anymore I look MUCH better and have already gained a lot of self confidence in my neck and bra roll areas! I was told by week three I should be much happier with how things are coming along so I’m excited for week three, but WAY more excited for week 6 when I will have a REALLY good idea of what this is going to turn out like. I made a collage of my process so far below in the photo section (makes it really easy to compare photos), I will continue to update my collage each week and add individual photos of my results thus far every week.

Updated on 9 Jan 2012:
Week 3 has arrived. Lumpies are getting more soft and subtle, swelling continues to slowly go down, I wear both bra roll and neck garments at night only now, aaaannnndddd yeah I don’t know much else… supposedly in three more weeks I should have a good idea what my results will be, so I guess I am sort of half way there… went in for a lymphatic massage earlier this week and the therapist said there is still a lot of swelling to go down. I updated new pics and a collage, check them out!

Updated on 16 Jan 2012:
Today makes week 4. I feel like there has finally been some improvement this week! I was swollen again earlier in the week but it has gone down a lot. Still have lumps that I am massaging, same ole same ole. I’m loving seeing myself in pictures, I don’t have to stick my neck out anymore to make my double chin go away, it’s amazing! New pics below, swelling underneath chin is starting to go away and neck line has lifted a bit.

Updated on 23 Jan 2012:
Week 5 is here. Really nothing much has changed since last week. Still have lumps that I am massaging, swelling still comes and goes, yada yada. Ummmmmmm its still improving, I went to Kirklands today and there were mirrors everywhere… everyone was probably like whats wrong with that chick because I couldn’t help but look at my new neckline in the mirror. I just hope that the area right below my chin will keep going up.

Updated on 26 Jan 2012:
For some reason the past two days I have been really sore and a little more swollen under my chin. There are these two rod like lumps that start under my chin and go down my neck in opposite directions and they hurt REALLY bad. I can barely rub them, if I do its an awful burning sensation. They are hard with really soft tissue around them, they have been there for a while but haven’t been present like this before.

Updated on 30 Jan 2012:
UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED! Its week 6 now, the week that is SUPPOSED to be the best and give me a damn good idea of what I am supposed to look like. I swelled up again on Tuesday and these stupid rod like lumps are all thats left to still be healed in both my front bra rolls AND my neck. But they freaking hurt and I’m massaging them, they get softer but then like an hour later they are all hard again. UGH hopefully this is my last healing phase because I’m tired of hurting… Maybe I need to get a massager and use it on this these two rod like lumps… I uploaded a comparison from before to week 5 side by side… I didn’t do week 6 compared to before because I look worse this week than last week, however I did post my week 6 full photos below.

Updated on 30 Jan 2012:
Let me clarify because my last post was confusing, my bra rolls are completely healed may have a tinge of swelling in them but lumps are GONE. All lumps in my neck are gone except for these two rod like lumps starting right under my chin and shooting down my neck for like 4 inches.

Updated on 14 Feb 2012:
Yesterday made 8 weeks. The jawline on the sides and my lower neck are looking REALLY awesome, I am loving the definition and the skin tightening has brought out the “hollow” underneath my cheekbone so I have a really nice defining cheek line now. The only thing I am still waiting on is right under my chin. I feel like its finally starting to heal there because the knots feel like they are starting to break down. I went in for a check up with my doctor and he agreed that the chin is still swollen and in healing. He said to give it another month and if it still isn’t tucked up and flat like it should be we would do a small touch up, but it should flatten out because he took the fat out. So I have been aggressively massaging that area as many times a day as I can to get these last knots and pockets of fluid broken down.

Original review from realself.com

Here's my story: I am 34, 5'1" and 102 lbs. I am petite but curvy, except in my calves and ankles. This is an area I have tried to exercise, diet and even had mesotherapy done to help bring shape into my lower legs but of course, nothing worked because it's my genetics. On both sides of my family the women have heavier lower legs, it was written in my DNA and I knew some form of liposuction was the only answer.

I have been doing an extensive amount of research on liposuction for about 6 or 7 years now for my "cankles" and earlier this summer I decided to pursue the SmartLipo path. The main attraction for me is the local anesthesia, I am freaked out by general. All my research led me to a Surgery date of September 21, 2011.

I'll catch you up to date as I am in Post-Op Day 4 today and will continue to document my recovery in hopes to help others.

9.21.2011 – Surgery Date
I was very nervous this day. I have never had any surgery outside of dental work and my only stitches have been with wisdom teeth, so this was quite an event for me. Once I arrived and was checked in at the front desk, I took a pregnancy test (understandable) and went into the pre-op room where I met with the nurse first. The nurse took my before pictures, weight, blood pressure and gave me the following: antibiotic, ativan (anti anxiety), percocet and an anti-nausea. She explained everything to me and why I was taking each item as well as asked me questions about antibiotics I can take and pain meds for my prescriptions. I was appreciative of her finding a pain med for me that wouldn't be to strong for my size and considering I do not take medication very often.
Shortly after, Dr. Shideler came in to draw on my legs and talk to me about the procedure. 20 minutes later, I walked down to the surgery room to get things started.

The nurses hooked me up to all the monitors (blood pressure, heart and finger) and a few minutes later, they asked me if I was nervous and to take a few deep breaths. I know this was being my heart was racing like crazing! They continued to talk to me to help calm me down and then the ativan started kicking in, thankfully.

The actual procedure itself was not bad at all. I would say the most uncomfortable thing was the beginning with the lidocaine solution. It was not necessarily painful but more of a massive pressure feeling; kind of like the feeling when you have your blood pressure taken on your arm. I was surprised that the cannula vibrated and it actually felt like a giant tattoo gun (I have tattoos) and it kind of felt like a deep massage with the vibrations.

The doctor and nurses were great, talking with me and explaining each step, they played music for me, made sure the room was warm and I loved being awake. The doctor would hold up my leg here and there for me to see the progress and I loved saying good-bye to the fat as it was being dumped into the container! My procedure took about 2 – 2.5 hours, which flew by quickly and I believe they ended up sucking out a little less than 2Liters of fat and other liquids (solution/blood etc). They put maxipads on my incisions, ace bandages (I have garments already at home) and off to the post-op room I went.

Post-op was great. The nurse was thorough on what I would be expecting over the next couple of days, gave me a little care package with extra maxipads, antibiotic ointment and "discharge" instructions, along with my doctor's mobile number.

I went home and rested with my legs elevated.

9.22.2011 – Post-op(PO) Day 1
I worked PO-Day 1 but only because I have the benefit of being able to work from home when needed. If, I had to go into the office, I would not have worked Thursday nor Friday. My legs still felt numb but I could definitely feel the deep soreness in my calf muscles. After sitting for a bit with my legs elevated, it felt like I had done 200 toe-lifts the day before. It's a very deep overall muscle soreness/tightness. But once I was moving a about for a few minutes, they would loosen up and feel much better. I am actually surprised that it isn't more painful but happy it's not! My incisions were left open to allow for drainage so I had to change my maxipads a couple of times during the day. I also had been told to put on my knee-hi compression stockings which then caused my inner knees to start swelling and bruise. After speaking with the nurse, I put on my full length compression stockings, this definitely helped with the swelling. I was swollen right away in the ankles but I could see the difference right I away! I knew this might change based on what Slimlegs has posted and what the doctor told me but it was awesome see a difference right away! I didn't want to take the percocet so I took Extra Strength Tylenol and was fine. I don't feel that I need a heavy pain med at all.

9.23.2011 – PO-Day 2
I was definitely more sore this day. I think partly from the lidocaine solution draining and wearing off even though they still feel numb but that is expected. I made myself get up and walk around a bit more on the second day to help with my tightness in my calves. I switched to Ibuprofen to help with the swelling and still have the pain relief. I didn't notice a difference between the Tylenol and IB with pain, they both did the same amount of relief. I was also surprised at how tired I was this day, I napped more than I did on Day 1. I was pretty much done with the drainage so I did not have to wear the maxipads anymore.

9.24.2011 – PO-Day 3
I have to say, day 3 was the best my legs felt. I was trying to be a bit more active with walking around the house and I even used the stairs! My muscles felt more loose yesterday than the previous two days. I also had a dinner party that had been planned for months that I attended. I was really nervous about how I was going to feel walk, etc but I did just fine. I still walked slow and a bit like a granny but it was fine. I was up on my feet a lot and noticed I started swelling more so I'll have to take it easy on Day 4. I did forget to mention that on Day 1 and Day 2, the clinic emailed me tips/expectations for the first 4 days post op, which I thought was very helpful. I also called my nurse on Day 1 and Day 2 with questions and she was very helpful.

9.25.2011 – PO-Day 4
So, I think I overdid it yesterday with the dinner party and today I am the most swollen that I have been. I also washed my garments today and while they are air drying, I am also letting my legs "air dry", which means I am swelling. I will put my garments back on shortly, the instructions are to wear the garments for at least 12 hours Days 4 – 10. My muscles still feel like they are loosening up and not as sore/tight as they were the first couple of days. My incisions are healing up nicely, so I hope to not have any scars. Since, I was quite active yesterday, I am going to take it easy today and keep my legs elevated for a bit but I'll still walk around to keep the healing process moving along. I also noticed I have a lot of bruising, which really doesn't surprise me, I already bruise very easily. I think taking Arnica is helping the huge bruises on my inner knees from the knee-hi stockings. I'll keep taking arnica to help with the bruising, they are nasty looking.

Now you're up to date! I'll keep you posted on my recovery and please feel free to ask or message me any questions!

I'll continue to post pictures and recovery info. Have a super day!

Updated on 5 Oct 2011:
9.29.2011 – PO-wk 1
Hey there! I had my PO-wk 1 visit yesterday. Everything is healing on schedule. I notice I started a ton of swelling PO-Day 5 and yesterday was the most I have been swollen. I am still fairly stiff and tight but I notice the toughest times are first thing in the morning and at the end of the day after I’ve been walking around most of the day. I still have a ton of bruising and I still have the intense pressure and sunburn feeling in my legs. I run cold water over then in the shower and do some cold compresses here and there during the day and this helps the sunburn feeling. I was told this is caused from the swelling and the nerves repairing themselves from the procedure. My legs are are also still numb feeling but I gaining more sensation as each day passes. If anything changes I’ll post something otherwise I’ll post again on week 2! Take care!

10.05.2011 – PO-wk 2
Howdy folks! Today is my post-op week 2, YAY!!! I definitely feel much better than I did the first week, thankfully. Over the last week, I have noticed much of my bruising has healed but it’s still healing. I do not have nearly as much swelling as I did the first week, however, my feet and ankles still swell a lot by the end of the day. I had to buy two pairs of shoes that my swollen feet can be comfy in but thankfully they are still cute! The mornings are best since I am not nearly as swollen as the end of the day but this is to be expected. Getting up in the morning is easier, I still have that intense throbbing but over the last couple of days I have noticed it is not as intense and it lasts for maybe 15 seconds compared to the minute or two before. My muscles are also not as tight as they were previously, so the first few steps in the morning are not nearly as painful, they don’t feel as though the muscle is ripping but still some discomfort. The heat in my legs has also lessened. Running cold water over them twice a day really helps. My incisions are nearly healed and I can start to use scar cream soon. I have noticed the hard lumps they said I would see and started gentle massage, which is suppose to help this. I still have that “heavy” feeling with pressure but it’s not as intense as it was last week. I have also stopped wearing the heavy duty compression garments and have moved to wear light support, mostly during the day while I am most active. I am walking more normal than before but still not quite back to normal normal. I plan to start walking a bit more around my neighborhood and I’m going to start incorporating some of my workout around arms and abs that involved light leg movements this week.

I added two new pictures for my before and I updated with three pictures I took this morning when I am not as swollen.

I’ll keep posting as the weeks go by or if there is some major change. Take Care until then!

Updated on 5 Oct 2011:
9.29.2011 – PO-wk 1
Hey there! I had my PO-wk 1 visit yesterday. Everything is healing on schedule. I notice I started a ton of swelling PO-Day 5 and yesterday was the most I have been swollen. I am still fairly stiff and tight but I notice the toughest times are first thing in the morning and at the end of the day after I’ve been walking around most of the day. I still have a ton of bruising and I still have the intense pressure and sunburn feeling in my legs. I run cold water over then in the shower and do some cold compresses here and there during the day and this helps the sunburn feeling. I was told this is caused from the swelling and the nerves repairing themselves from the procedure. My legs are are also still numb feeling but I gaining more sensation as each day passes. If anything changes I’ll post something otherwise I’ll post again on week 2! Take care!

10.05.2011 – PO-wk 2
Howdy folks! Today is my post-op week 2, YAY!!! I definitely feel much better than I did the first week, thankfully. Over the last week, I have noticed much of my bruising has healed but it’s still healing. I do not have nearly as much swelling as I did the first week, however, my feet and ankles still swell a lot by the end of the day. I had to buy two pairs of shoes that my swollen feet can be comfy in but thankfully they are still cute! The mornings are best since I am not nearly as swollen as the end of the day but this is to be expected. Getting up in the morning is easier, I still have that intense throbbing but over the last couple of days I have noticed it is not as intense and it lasts for maybe 15 seconds compared to the minute or two before. My muscles are also not as tight as they were previously, so the first few steps in the morning are not nearly as painful, they don’t feel as though the muscle is ripping but still some discomfort. The heat in my legs has also lessened. Running cold water over them twice a day really helps. My incisions are nearly healed and I can start to use scar cream soon. I have noticed the hard lumps they said I would see and started gentle massage, which is suppose to help this. I still have that “heavy” feeling with pressure but it’s not as intense as it was last week. I have also stopped wearing the heavy duty compression garments and have moved to wear light support, mostly during the day while I am most active. I am walking more normal than before but still not quite back to normal normal. I plan to start walking a bit more around my neighborhood and I’m going to start incorporating some of my workout around arms and abs that involved light leg movements this week.

I added two new pictures for my before and I updated with three pictures I took this morning when I am not as swollen.

I’ll keep posting as the weeks go by or if there is some major change. Take Care until then!

Updated on 12 Oct 2011:
10.12.11 – PO-wk 3
Hey folks, today is post-op week 3! Moving around and swelling has drastically improved since week 2. I still have some slight swelling by the end of the day but it is minimal compared to what I was during week 2. My bruising is pretty much almost healed and my incisions are improving every day.

The intense throbbing in the morning has really decreased and I barely notice it in the mornings. I am also pretty much walking normal again; going down stairs is still tricky. I still have the hard lumps and I’m massaging 2 – 3 times a day; these are expected and may last for a few months.

Each day I see some slight improvement and definitely very happy I went through with this procedure.

I added a photo for my week 3 below. Cheers!

Updated on 12 Nov 2011:
PO week 4 – 7

Hey there! I apologize for not updating the last few weeks, it’s been super busy with the Halloween holiday!

The last few weeks have pretty much been similar. I can walk and exercise normally and when I’m on my feet too long, my feet and ankles still swell a bit but not so much that I cannot wear shoes. I still have some swelling at the end of a normal day.

I am still massaging my legs a couple of times of day. One of them is a lymphatic massage to help with the remaining swelling and hard spots. I notice the hard spots are starting to smooth out, thankfully.

I am very happy with my results thus far and cannot wait until the swelling is completely gone! I feel like I am in the home stretch but at the same time I have plateaued a bit with the swelling. This is probably why they say 3 – 6 months to see full results.

I wore a dress to work the other day and it’s the first time I have worn one without tall boots! I was super happy and I find myself excited to shop for dresses and skirts.

I posted week 4 and 6 photos. I’ll update with more photos next week as it will be week 8 post op!!!

Updated on 12 Nov 2011:
Oh and I still have not gained all the sensation in my skin below my calf. But I feel like it’s slightly improving on the inside and back of my ankle area.

Original review from realself.com

I am very modest but in the Summer like to wear a midriff which I have not done in 20 yrs since my accident because I hated my stomach appearance. I thought SmartLipo was the answer – I have done mesotherapy, countless workout routines including personal fitness training etc and nothing worked. I only wanted my tummy done but after consulting with a prominent La Jolla doc, who said SmartLipo is a piece of cake and urged me to do the other areas…gee, I am already under anaesthesia…, off I went to surgery.

I had five areas done in Nov 2007. My outer thighs are smooth as a baby’s butt!!! My stomach is ruined with lumps and sagging skin – I cannot believe I ruined my nice body over a little protruding tummy…it hurts like hell too. I take Vicodin every couple hours just to get through the day.

Recovery wise, I could not get dressed for 6 days. My crotch is bigger than my dog’s head. My back boobs and love handles are slightly improved but I am still horribly swollen and bruised so only time will tell. One side of my waistlibe is more sculpted than the other and on my small frame it really is obvious.

It was the most painful thing I have experienced in my life – I have been through a lot and am a "tough" girl when it comes to pain – this was awful. despite the results, I would never have willingly gone through the recovery – I was not well-informed.

[Editor's note: this review was originally published under Liposuction and was moved to the Smart Lipo reviews in May 2008.]

Updated on 11 Feb 2011:

Updated on 15 Dec 2011:
Four years later and it’s better but horrific. I am finally willing to add some pictures. I have tried just about everything – now whats left is a tummy tuck with a huge ugly scar.

Original review from realself.com

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