28 Years Old, No Kids, 5'4, 180lbs, Need Flat Belly - Arlington, VA

So I've been thinking of this for several years and finally had the guts to pull it off. I just had smart lipo done today on my upper and lower abs and flanks. American lipo centers was so affordable I don't know why I didt do it sooner. It's snowing today. Like 8-10 inches. They called me yesterday and said that surgery was still a go so I was happy because I was just ready to get it over with. I got there at 7am for my 8-10 surgery finished my paperwork and Catherine, the medical assistance to me back to take vitals and medicine. Dr segev was in early in case the snow got bad and I truly appreciated that. So instead of starting at 8, we started at 740 and I was done a little after 9. The lidocaine shots weren't as bad as everyone says. If you've had a shot before, you'll be fine. The pumping of the lidocaine into the stomach was a weird feeling and stung a little. The suctioning of the fat probably hurt the most but still wasn't that bad. It's a weird vibrating sensation and when the doc does the same spot over and over again it starts to hurt. Sometimes it tickled. So I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time haha. Catherine was great and held my hands and we all talked and joked around to pass the time. I stood up twice for the doc the get more and even it out. I specifically told him about the roll right under my breasts that I want gone and he told me when he was working on that so I liked that a lot. I sweated a little because I couldn't help tightening my abs due to the strange sensation. I get why ppl say they feel like they've been beat up the next day because that's how it feels. Once I was done I didn't want to look but I could tell I was very very swollen. I still haven't looked at my stomach. Tomorrow will be fine. I went straight after to get a lymphatic massage by the person they recommend. That didn't hurt at all because you're still numb and she gets rid of a ton of leakage. I didn't leak in the car at all. I hope my results are going good! I'll attach my before pictures and the two liters they took out. I just want more of an hourglass shape and a flatter belly. I can take care of the rest.

So the pain last night was pretty bad, I woke up at 4am and had to take more of the prescribed pain meds but that knocked me out until about 8am this morning. Overall, I got some decent rest. The white binder hurts the most to wear, thankfully now I only have to wear it at night. Today is the big reveal!!!

So I took everything off and it looks...not so dramatic. I realize there's a lot of sweeping going on and my belly definitely feels flatter so I guess I just have to be patient. My husband thinks the side profile is where you can tell the most difference. Pain this morning is not so bad at all. I still cannot bend over very much and standing feels better than sitting. Not sure if this garment is tight enough either, I've worn tighter ones all my life so the marena garment is actually more comfortable than I am used to. I'm keeping optimistic and hoping the swelling goes down and I have awesome results!! Here are some before and after pics. The yellow bra is before, purple is one day post op. I loved seeing before and after pics of other people so I will make sure to share!

No pictures today because I pretty much look the same. The pain has definitely decreased but it still hurts to get up from bed or sitting.

I went for my second lymphatic massage and boy, that was amazing. She starts out using this machine called Ultrasonic Fat System and it's connected to a [RS bleep] that she rubs in circles around my belly and flanks. Then she starts with the actual massage which hurts in some areas but it feels like she is shaping my body and moving the fluid out since I'm still very swollen. I actually had to pee three times while I was there! After the massage, she put me in something of a pressure suit. It covers my legs up to my upper abdomen. It felt like one of those blood pressure tests that put pressure on your arm, but this was on my entire lower body. It was so relaxing I fell asleep. Then the procedure was over and they tried to sell me new compression garments. They look and feel like great quality. Amazing compression and soft inside. They said it would do a much better job of shaping my body. But for $120-$190, I'll pass. I actually bought a new one last night by leonisa and hopefully it works just as well. At the end of the massage, my body ached but felt so much better!! I felt so much less swollen and it was as if my damaged tissues were healing.

I've been sleeping a lot otherwise though. Just trying to heal before I go back to work on Monday. I gotta find a new massage place closer to where I live, and hopefully for a little cheaper.