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POSTED UNDER CoolSculpting REVIEWS

Great Doctor, Great Procedure - Alexandria, VA

ORIGINAL POST

About 5 years ago, I lost 50 pounds. When I did,...

uvagrl928February 16, 2013
WORTH IT$700

About 5 years ago, I lost 50 pounds. When I did, the remaining fat I had went further south on my abdomen. I was left with these two small bulges of fullness right at my bikini line. When I started contemplating lipo, I asked my friend for an opinion. She said that her office has started doing this procedure, and that I was a perfect candidate. Due to my age, amount of fat, skin elasticity, my fitness level, etc. they believe I will have great results. I was also really excited when I found out how affordable this treatment was, which helped make my decision.

They did two small cups, with maximum suction, to maximize the results. I took pictures throughout the process, because when I researched I didn't see many photos/video of the process, and I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how minimal my discomfort was during the procedure- I wound up even falling asleep! The massage was not as bad as I had read (I was pretty numb, so there was little pain).

I will post more follow up photos over the next few weeks.

uvagrl928's provider

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

uvagrl928 rating for Dr. Buenaventura:

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Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
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Replies (5)

K_at_RealSelf
February 16, 2013

Hi there, welcome and thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Thanks so much for the photos, it's really interesting to see how it works and you're right, there aren't may photos of the actual procedure out there. When did you have the procedure done?

Please do keep us updated with your progress!

uvagrl928
February 16, 2013
I just had it done yesterday (Feb. 15).... so I shouldn't see results for a few weeks, but I'll keep you posted with progress pictures. I had some friends that were interested in seeing what exactly happened during the procedure- I had been fascinated by this "lump of butter" that my friend was talking about, but couldn't find any pictures of it!
K_at_RealSelf
February 16, 2013

Ah yes, it will be a while for results if you just had it done yesterday. Rest up, heal well and do keep us updated. It's a very interesting process!

Happy Healing!

daughtersgirl
February 18, 2013
uvagrl..can u pleeeeez tell me wat exactly wer u trying to rid yourself of missy? ur stomach was gorgeous! r u kidding me? u looked AMAZING before girl! well we all have our want. I can't wait to see your final results because you already looked fabulous!
uvagrl928
February 18, 2013
Thanks daughtersgirl! They actually said I was a perfect candidate for the treatment because my area was small enough that it should make a difference, but large enough for the machine to grab. The more fat you have, the less noticeable the result (and you can see, I definitely had quite a bit when they pulled the machine off!). I primarily want that area at my bikini line to be smoothed out. Even if none of the fat goes away, if it lays flatter, I'll be happier. I hate seeing the shadow of those two little balls of fat! To me it's a daily reminder of when I was really heavy.
UPDATED FROM uvagrl928

Day 4- Swelling was the worst on Day 2, but it...

uvagrl928February 18, 2013
Day 4- Swelling was the worst on Day 2, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. Basically I have just felt like I've been on my period- bloated and crampy, but very minimal. I haven't been to the gym yet, but plan on giving it a try tomorrow morning.

Replies (2)

VAPoobi
February 18, 2013
Looking forward to hearing about your results! Dr. B did my Coolsculpting about a week before yours (upper and lower abs) and I am not very patiently waiting for the swelling to subside and the magic to begin! Hoping to end up looking like your "before" picture :). Keep us posted ...
uvagrl928
February 18, 2013
VaPoobi- I totally understand not having patience! I get very obsessive about this area (even before, I was taking pics of my stomach every day to monitor). Mary, the surgical tech that does the procedure at Dr.B's office, is actually my next door neighbor... so she has been getting pictures of my stomach more than she would probably like (especially when I say I look pregnant and she's 37 weeks pregnant)! But she said the swelling is a good thing- that it means your body is sending macrophages to that area to destroy the dead cells. So if you are still really swollen, that must mean lots of dead cells :)
UPDATED FROM uvagrl928

Update day 10- the pain was horrendous on day 8......

uvagrl928February 24, 2013
Update day 10- the pain was horrendous on day 8... I even contemplated not going to work. I had trouble finding an outfit that was comfortable to wear, and have been popping Advil like candy. I have some long ice packs that I have been sticking in my waistband when I'm around the house- this is the only thing that really provides any relief. The past few nights I have been waking up every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This morning (day 10) some of the swelling has really gone down after a day on the couch. Most of the swelling is on my hip bones now, and isn't stinging quite as badly. I'm hoping that I'm beginning to rebound :)

Replies (1)

VAPoobi
February 25, 2013
Hang in, UVAGirl; you're on the home stretch! I'm 2 days shy of the 3 week mark. No pain, though still minor numbness, and am starting to see a difference in my belly. The first 2 weeks aren't much fun, but It gets a lot better, pretty quickly - promise :)
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