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POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo REVIEWS

Happy Days Ahead? - Bay Area, CA

ORIGINAL POST

Ok, so here I go. I'm a 47 year old mother of two,...

Soontobesmall
WORTH IT$6,500

Ok, so here I go. I'm a 47 year old mother of two, both c-section. Unhappy my whole life with my belly. had my first child young and never lost the stretch marks or belly hang. I went for three consults, all said I should do tummy tuck. I can't take two weeks off work and am scared of recovery, so I'm opting for lipo. I figure in 6 months if Im still unhappy, I can do tummy tuck. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's experiences and it's helped prepare me for this. I'm still nervous about recovery. I've had my Pre-op and my surgery is set for October 12. I will post Pre and post op pictures once I figure out how.

Soontobesmall's provider

Robert M. Lowen, MD

Robert M. Lowen, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 107 Reviews
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Replies (10)

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September 29, 2012
BEST OF LUCK to you!!!
September 29, 2012
Thanks, how are you doing?
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September 29, 2012
Good...5 days post op from vaser lipo...still very swollen and a bit sore...but overall feeling good...still waiting on results...I see my Dr Monday to see why tummy is sooo swollen....everyone says It takes more time...Im just inpatient....LOL...just want it to me worth the money and wear jeans without overflow...
October 2, 2012
Do you need to buy any special clothes or can you get into your "fat" jeans? I'm worried I might have to buy some temporary clothes to go back to work in. I'm not quite getting a good handle on how swollen folks get.
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October 3, 2012
I have been wearing black yoga pants to work...I work in the office by myself so its no biggee...kinda look like black slacks anyway....belly still sooo swollen cant button my jeans...ughhhh :(
October 12, 2012
In all my reserch, It said if you massage where your swollen it helps. only for about 10 min at a time. And the best time to do it is in the shower. I had a bump by one of my incisions and I massaged it and its gone. Just had lipo yesterday so I was shocked that its gone the same day I had sergury
October 3, 2012
Good luck. My pre-op appointment is on oct 9. Please do post pictures. My tummy looks just like yours.
October 3, 2012
My preop appt for upper and lower abs as well as a procedure my doc offers called TummyTite is 10/11. My stomach looks like yours, would love to hear how everything goes. Good luck!
October 12, 2012
Hope you are recovering nicely. Look forward to hearing from you.
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October 4, 2012
Hey soontobesmall...if u go to ur profile page and then hit update...from their u can add ur pic's....its actually quite simple...how u doing otherwise...are u readddy??? lol...cant wait to see how u do....talk soon Sharon
UPDATED FROM Soontobesmall
1 day pre

It's the night before my surgery. I started the...

Soontobesmall
It's the night before my surgery. I started the arnica and bromelian. Apparently I take those for a week. I have my cephalax, Ativan, anti-nausea, and Vicodin meds all purchased and ready to use. I've been researching a low sodium diet, I guess I have bland food to look forward to for awhile. I've read a lot about drinking water. How much are you all drinking? Like a gallon a day? I'm not too nervouse about the procedure, but am not looking forward to recovery. I fear I too, like many of you will be disappointed in the length of time it takes to see results. How do you stay positive? Will post pics and comments as soon as I can.

Wish me luck!

Replies (16)

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October 12, 2012
GOOD LUCK Keep is posted
October 12, 2012
Good luck
October 12, 2012
I completely understand your concern about recovery. I just had my belly, flanks and bra fat done yesterday. 10/11/12 and I can already see a difference. About recovery, I dont know where you live, but I look at it this way. Its cold out and winter is coming. They say you'll see your best results in 3-6 months. So, by the time 6 months is here it will be april. I'll have all winter to recover. You live in CA I just saw. On that note, think of it this way..youll probably see results quickly, with better results every day. I had the same fat you do. If you swim, just wear a suit with a skirt. Im sure you will be so glad you did this. I was told I would see 50% difference in that area, and to be honest, I think its more and im still swollen. If I only see 50% im fine with that. That area is covered up alot anyways. 6 months will fly by. I think if you get a 30-50% difference, youll be happier than you think :)
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October 12, 2012
Hi Jane...Congrats on ur procedure...I had my upper and lower belly and flanks done. I will be 3 wks on Monday...im seeing a lil difference but not as much as expected..doing daily massages now for the lumps and bumps..wish I did my bra bulge now too...but just wanna get rid of this belly...u can check out my page...I glad all went well for you and HAPPY HEALING!!
October 12, 2012
Thanks Muffinless. Im hoping for no lumps or bumps. Only time will tell. I found that if I wear the thing like a girdle thats underwear and stretches just under your breasts, that its much tighter than what the dr gives you. I got it at walmart for under $12. I kno we all want to see a difference right away..and the waiting is terrible..but we have to remember it could take 6 mos. I dont kno if I csn sleep on my back thst long! Lol im sure youll notice a difference soon. Ill cross my fingers :)
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October 12, 2012
awww...thanks Jane...fingers crossed for u as well...I start on my back and end up on my side...dr said not a problem...I just keep massaging all the time...My PS had me by a Marena one piece body suit...its suppose to be the best...its should be...it cost me a arm and leg...lol...take care :D
October 12, 2012
I slept on couch 1st night. No room to turn. My thinking is..if I turn on my side the fat will go to one side...just silly i guess. Have a good wknd :)
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October 13, 2012
How u feeling soon to besmall? Thinking of you and hope all went welll...post pic's as soon as u can...happy healing hun :)
October 13, 2012
I'm doing ok except when I move. Sleeping last night was tough, couldn't really find a comfy position. Sides were definately a no, as they hurt the most. Any suggestions for itchy skin
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October 13, 2012
Benedryl will help with the itching...by mouth...not on ur skin...sleeping is really tough in the beginning...I am almost 3 wks post op and sleeping is still a pain...but it get better.
October 13, 2012
So I had my segury yesterday. I arrived at 8:30 and was given 2 Ativan, 2 vicodin , cephalax and an anti-nausea pill. Then they put me in a darkened room on a bed with warm blanket where I relaxed for a hour. I had my IPOD and had made a restful playlist. Then I went to surgery room, where they marked me and scrubbed me down. While on the table they put a sheet up so I couldn't see anything. The procedure took 4 hours, I had my upper and lower abs and flanks. There were a few painful moments, but nothing that lasted too long or that was too painful. My compression garment has foam padding inserts. I'm told these help with bruising. At a bit of dinner and immediately went to sleep, all on until 3:OO am, woke up in quite a bit if pain. Am still in pain, but Vicodin helps. Pain occurs when I move, if I stay still I'm ok. I have to keep garment on for 72 hours. I will post pictures after that. Thanks for the good thoughts. Still pretty woozy, so if some of this doesn't make sense, please excuse me.
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October 13, 2012
Im glad u did well...just stay on top of the pain with ur meds..I also was on vicodin and kept ahead of the game...its does get better...slowly but surely...at least for me. Happy Healing...Keep me posted... :)
UPDATED FROM Soontobesmall
2 days post

Day 2 post-op. Pain is gradually reducing,...

Soontobesmall
Day 2 post-op. Pain is gradually reducing, although I'm till taking meds regularly. I'm beginning to itch now. I bought some spray hydrocortisone, but that's not giving me much relief. A girlfriend came over and washed and made up my hair and face. This was a nice perk I recommend, it boosted my spirit. Can't take a shower until tomorrow after noon, it's tough to wait especially since I can't tell if there is any difference at all since I have foam padding all around. I'll post pics tomorrow.

Replies (28)

October 15, 2012
Do not use hydrocortisone! Please google red skin syndrome before you continue as this is a serious side effect of topical, oral cortisone!
October 15, 2012
Thanks you for the headsup, I will check it out and talk to my Dr before continuing.
October 15, 2012
Glad your pain is decreasing :). I bet your hair and make up made you feel so much better! I have a lot of itching too. Hopefully its the healing. Every day brings something new. Keep thinking positive :). Hope you have less itch and pain today!
October 15, 2012
Thanks. I get to take my first shower today, so I'm hoping that will help the itching. I'll also get to see the results for the first time. Yeah!
October 15, 2012
How exciting!! Keep me posted! I kno your going to be happy!
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October 15, 2012
Details..details...fill us in on what u think thus far??
October 15, 2012
So how did your first shower go?
October 16, 2012
Not very well. I had to stop short as I felt very dizzy and nauseous. My husband was with me, but I thought I was going to throw up. I tried again today with greater success. I took my garment off and rested for about 1/2 hour before getting in. I was able to finish and feel much better. Thanks. Are you taking benedryl for itching? So I think I'm pretty happy, my back / flanks definitely look better. Tummy looks same to me, but I expected that with swelling and all. My back is still numb, how long does that last? I'll post pics later today. Can't do it from my IPAD, which is annoying.
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October 16, 2012
Hey Soontobesmall...glad ur doing better!! Your tummy in my opinion takes the longest to show results...I am 3wks post op and just noticing the decline in the old bulge..(see my last two Pic posted)...I still have numb areas also...almost feels rubbery numb...lol...look forward to ur pics...right now Im mostly dealing with tummy still swollen and hard lumpy areas that I am massaging...I see Dr in less than 3wks and will c what he say...also I started walking about a mile and a half a day...today will be day 4 walking...keep us posted....SPEEDY RECOVERY HUN!! :)
October 16, 2012
Glad your second shower was better. My dr. Said dizziness and nausea is normal. It will get better with time. My lower belly was numb for at least 4 days. After the 3rd day my hips felt numb. Dont kno what thats all about. Im hoping its just my skin tightening. Only itching I have is my incisions. So glad your flanks are better! Hope tonight goes well for ya :).
October 17, 2012
The numbing last almost 8 weeks. Some people is longer. I would keep something sweet near by for the dizzy spells when showering. It worked for me. Also, take the Arnica until it is all gone. I'm 10 weeks post and still have swelling. It has gotten better and I can see a big difference, but the Arnica and compression garment really works. I wear it during the day and off at night. The first few nights without the garment is weird. Also keep your skin moisturizer to help with the itching. Happy Healing
October 17, 2012
Good morning SC...so its OK not to wear the garment at night? My Dr. Said to wear it as much as I can. Would be great to take it off at night! Is the Arnica for swelling or nausea? I was only given a pain med and infection med...which made me itch so I only took it twice. Only took pain med once...had no nausea. Any info would be great :). Thnx
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October 17, 2012
jrutter...its way too early for you to not wear ur garment 24/7...in my opinion I would wear it...the compression is good...SC is 10 wks post op so I can see her being able to take it off..I still take the arnica 4x a day too....
October 17, 2012
Thanks Muffin...just wanted to make sure. I wasn't prescribed Arnica...I go for my 6 day check up today...im going to ask about it...I go on vac Nov 2nd. Would like to get rid of some of the swelling by then. :)
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October 17, 2012
JRUTTER....I wasnt prescribed it...I bought it on my own...u can get it at drugstore for swelling and bruising...its over the counter...ALOT of people on here used it.
October 17, 2012
Oh great! Thanx! Bruises are almost all yellow but ill get it for swelling. Thnx again!
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October 17, 2012
YOUR VERY WELCOME...ITS CHEAP TOO :)
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October 17, 2012
Hi Soontobe...I think theres a HUGE diff...especially in ur stomach and ur side view look awesome...overall...I think ur well on ur way....remember (as I tell myself)..its still way early...but I am SO HAPPY FOR U.... :)
October 17, 2012
Hi soontobe...I see a big difference!! Congrats!! So happy for you!! You look great!