So..I recently started looking into smart lipo about two weeks ago. Ive been searching intensely on YouTube, real self, doctor sites, and google. I saw many great reviews, and was excited to know I can be awake for the procedure. Seeing that I could be awake, as well as proceed to my every day life after a few days convinced me to move forward. Sooo after researching, I’ve found a doctor (Scott Brenman MD, FACS) to complete my first consultation. I went to his office located in the Plymouth meeting area, and felt comfortable. Prior to visiting the office, I’ve made up my mind that I will get it...So it’s all about finding the doctor to do it.
Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
Days after researching:
I felt very comfortable to decide I will definitely get smart lipo. At this point, I searched doctors on real self and google, and sent requests for a few consultations on real self. I received one phone call from the 3 people I contacted on real self, however I personally contacted another (Scott B.) through his personal website. Out of all people I were interested in, he was the only with a free consultation. I received a consultation at his office the very next day and went. Prior to the consultation, the office assistant told me about financing and ran my credit for approval. I okayed the credit run (but idk if that was too soon or not) however, I was APPROVED!!! The pricing range was around $6,000!!! SO:
•The office was very nice, clean, and relaxing.
•the receptionist/office staff (Gina) was very nice and welcoming.
•I filled out two papers (patient info/medical history)
•I was taken right back to meet w/ the doctor: (he was gentle, patient, and seemed very educated and experienced) He provided the procedure details, took a look at the areas I want done, took pics, and told me a was a great candidate. He also told me the medicines I would need, such as Percocet, Ativan, and so on.
•After the consultation I did not immediately book, although I did feel comfortable. Because I did not book, I did receive a lot of texts from the office assistant about being available to book when I’m ready, which seemed weird, but I did continue to keep them in mind.
Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
After the consultation with Dr. Scott Brenman, I proceeded to make the appt with him. I will be getting the procedure done on Thursday October 11th at 8am, in his Plymouth Meeting, Pa office. My total price came out to $6,495.00. I was approved through care credit for $6,000.00, with a $495.00 balance to be paid out of pocket. (If interested in doctors whose prices are expensive, ask about “care credit”) I am now awaiting a few prescriptions for medicine I will take prior to the procedure to help with pain and possible anxiety, while continuing to research and prepare for the actual day. I will follow up in a few days once the procedure is complete.
Here are four pictures as of now BEFORE the surgery takes place: (full abdomen, left side of stomach, right side of stomach, and back area)
Updated on 12 Oct 2018:
Hey guys, so today is the day of my procedure and I am now in the office waiting to begin. I took these pictures prior to leaving my house, and will upload pictures once I am done. I have recently take the prescribed medicine beings tho I will be awake, (Percocet, Valium, and Ativan). I am now about to get marked up, and from there I will be getting started! ???? I am very relaxed, and trusting in god and the doctor to perform a great surgery.
Updated on 12 Oct 2018:
Hi! So today around 1pm I finished my Smart Lipo procedure, which began around 10:30am. I am currently feeling perfectly fine (no pain, cramping, bruising, etc). I am actually in my car about to go pick up a compression garment that I would rather wear, and chill out afterwards. However, the procedure was good. Because of the medicines I had took prior to the procedure (Valium, Ativan, and Percocet) I was in and out of light sleeps (but I kept myself up any time I felt like I was dozing off) The procedure happened really fast, and Dr. Brenman was able to get out 1,600 cc’s which is about 3.5 lbs. ???????? I have no complaints about the surgery or my results yet. I’ve learned that I will see swelling over the next few weeks so I am already prepared to be patient. But I will add that during the procedure I did feel some tight pinching in certain areas, however that was the most uncomfortable but bearable experience in total. I will continue to upload and keep up with my journey a few times a week. ???? #day1
Updated on 12 Oct 2018:
So today is October 12th (Friday), the morning after my surgery. Last night I continued to feel fine until about 1am when I woke up for the bathroom. I felt a lot of pain in my stomach area (pain: 8/10), and after using the bathroom I would feel as though I had to throw up and was overheated. This happened twice throughout the night, however once I made it back into my room with very cool air I felt much better. Also throughout the night, I had to sleep on my back because otherwise I would feel the pain.
Results:
This morning my stomach went down from swelling, (my stomach was really swollen the day of) however I see a MAJOR change in the swelling, (took bromelain) and my stomach is definitely looking flatter. I have been wearing black compression shorts (from the doctor) and a tan compression set over top that comes all the way up over the black shorts (I got those from target) I also ordered a “post op surgery compression” garment from amazon - $21.99 (because I didn’t know if the one from target was good enough). Here are a few pics of my stomach this morning, the compression shorts I have on, and the set I will receive in the mail tomorrow.
Updated on 12 Oct 2018:
Hey, so I realized using this app you should take the pics through the app rather than upload from your files because it’ll cut off important parts of the pic. So these are reposted pics of me prior to surgery, the day of (10/11/18) , and the next day after (today 10/12/18).... I will continue to upload my journey. It’s now 11:30 pm and I’m feeling fine, stomach pain is at a 6-7 but only when I am getting out of bed. Other than that, things are going well????????????
Updated on 13 Oct 2018:
Today is Saturday, two days after surgery. I’m feeling good, with minimal-medium paid (4-5) when getting out of bed or moving too much. However, I’m feeling good and still loving my results. I’m continuing to take cephalexin, bromelain, and Percocet (when needed). Today I showered, and it was not too bad...I also changed my bandages for the first time. OVERALL: I’m healing well, swelling is down, and still loving my results!
Updated on 13 Oct 2018:
Here are some front views of how my compression shorts & Faja fit me.
Updated on 30 Oct 2018:
My stomach looks bigger in these pics (compared to the last pic in pink underwear #day2post-op) but swelling is normal and expected so I am not really worried about it. Swelling is still present, and I did have to purchase a new garment because the black one posted was too small to stay comfortable. So I went a few days (about 12 days) without a tight garment which would have helped to work faster. But I am now wearing it as of October 23rd, and did receive a Lymphatic massage that day. So I will keep up with both and post again soon. The healing process has been great other wise. These pics are from October 28th & October 30th
Updated on 20 Nov 2018:
Here is a pic with clothes on, after the gym...I will post another without clothing later. I am still wearing the compression garment faithfully. My first time back in the gym was last week so basically a month after, I started back. However I did an workouts after about 2 weeks at home.
Updated on 29 Dec 2018:
Here is me currently on the left (December 28th) almost 3 months post-op. It will officially be 3 months on January 11, 2019. Very pleased with my results! I have been working out here and there, and also cut back on drinking coffee and alcohol. However, I do of course think the surgery is the greatest result of this.