I Had Cellulaze Yesterday in Beverly Hills, CA

So, my story is like many others. I'm 5'3", 133lbs. I'm tone and in shape. I work out daily (tennis, walking, yoga, spinning, treadmill, weights, exercise videos, etc). I'm a vegetarian. I eat a whole foods, mostly a non processed organic diet. I sleep on average 8 hours a night. I'm not a stressed person. And for the most part, I REALLY like my figure. But no matter what I do, I could not budge the ugly dimples on the back/side of my thighs and on my bum, which seemed to only be getting more pronounced as I passed 40.

I had never tried any of the cellulite gimmicks of machines or lotions, etc. I just kept exercising and eating well and thought that was the best I could do. Just sort of resigned to this is my body, hide the cellulite. Then a few weeks ago my husband calls me into the TV room to see the Cellulaze segment on the Today show. Boom, something clicked. I became obsessed and wanted it. I was just so over another summer of covering my backside in a bathing suit. I for once wanted to walk around and not hide my ass/thighs. So I had two consults in my immediate neighborhood. Dr. Nikolov's office was friendly and easy to schedule with. Jennifer the patient coordinator was so sweet and made you feel right at ease. They were actually significantly more expensive than my other consult, but Dr. Nikolov felt like the right person with 22 yrs of experience and lots of experience with Smart Lipo and Lipo. It's my body and I'm worth the extra money, right? I had the procedure yesterday.

I had never done anything to my body before other than teeth whitening and hair coloring. So to me, this was a big step. I was scared but everyone in the office was so friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend having a hand mirror so you can see exactly what is being marked up on your backside, so nothing is missed. Dr. Nikolov took his time and really marked all the areas I wanted. I took on their recommendation Arnica 5 tablets daily/3x day for 5 days leading up to surgery and continue to take afterwards. Then after being marked up (areas where dimples were), I was given 2 valium and 2 vicodin (which seemed like A LOT !) as I never take anything. And POOF, I was out. I don't remember anything. No pain, no one talking to me, not finishing up the procedure, not getting dressed, not the car ride home. My friend brought me home and I slept from 7pm to 7am. OUT.

I went in today for my post op. The doctor says it all looks good and normal. For me, I can't tell a thing. Besides all the bruising, swelling, and red and black sharpie pen markings all over the place, I can't see anything. I still see my dimples, it looks the same. So now I have to wear my "be patient" hat. Took a lifetime to get these ugly suckers, so I need to allow myself the 3-6 months to allow my skin to regenerate and grow and heal. I can't wait to get back to exercising. 3 weeks. I guess I'll use that time to catch up on over-due house projects!

The compression garment is not so bad. It's not too tight. And to my surprise when I woke up this morning, it's crotchless! (as I have no memory of it being put on, I just saw this when I woke up) So you don't even need to take it down to use the bathroom! Hysterical. The pain is not that bad today. I'm sore. You can't plop down on the couch, you have to sit gently. I'd describe it as sore and achey, but not painful. I'm taking antibotics for a few days as prescribed by my MD. I was given pain meds I have yet to use, but there are there if I need them. I see my MD again in one week. I have taken pictures of my before - and will take pictures of the bruising and post those both within a few days. Stay tuned fellow women. Send good wishes my way. If you have questions, I'm totally open to answering them to the best of my ability.

Had my one week post procedure today with MD. And I must say, little real self girlfriends, I am in a good mood. I think this might actually be WORKING??!?!?!?!? I took a good long look at myself today in the mirror (my first real inspection since the procedure) and I clenched my butt cheeks.... and NOTHING. No dimples. Smooth butt. Now this is all well and good but what matters to me more are the ones THAT SHOW. I still have a few dimples - I'd say 6 total - that you can see on the thighs. They are definitely not as deep and pronounced as they were. They are more shallow and flush with skin around it, but you can see them. And the bruising has improved dramatically. I'd go so far to say that in one more week I will probably not be bruised anymore - at least visually. I am still super sore and achy underneath. I have to sit and get up from sitting carefully, roll over in bed carefully. I'd say that's nominally better from a week ago but man, I am still sore. I'm sure I'll be sore under my skin for a while, even after the surface bruising is gone. Now in my full length mirror, which is next to a window, I see those dimples. But in his mirror at his office- my butt and legs looked perfect. My dream legs! So I have to wait and see .... it's only been a week. I'm feeling optimistic though. I have two more weeks of the compression garment and no exercise. My girlfriend (the only one I told) will take some new pictures of me soon, in the next couple of days, and I'll post. Promise. xx

oh, sorry, last thing- follow up appointment again on May 29th. He's going to take pictures then. Can't wait!