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“Definitely had the bad side-effects- Superficial result..”
Spent: $1,400 in Illinois
Like a majority of the people out there, I did it in an attempt to rid some abdominal fat that came on quickly due to steroid injections for disc herniation (which also caused me to not be able to exercise like I usually do).
I've read a ton of reviews where the procedure itself is supposidly painless. I have a high pain tolerance and I will tell you that the largest device (I'm pretty small, so this may have been overkill for me) was quite painful when the suction first started. Like everyone else, 10 minutes into it and it was fine- Just a tight feeling. I wouldn't say removing the device was as painful as the 'massage' afterwards. That was pretty painful as well.
The problem I'm having (I'm 4 days post-procedure) is that I am EXTREMELY, bloated. No bruising, no redness, but EXTREME bloating. To the point where my pants just don't fit right now. Of course the area is numb and I'm having some random pinching, but I can handle that. The bloating is awful. I've been applying ice, drinking TONS of water (I do anyway) to no avail. Does anyone know why this is happening? Is it an indication of fat cell damage? Most importantly, how long until this goes down and what can I do to speed it up??
Updated on 18 Apr 2011:
Update: I'm now 7 days post-procedure and I am still VERY, VERY swollen.. The pins and needles are super intense and my entire abdomen stings (with a strange itch) like severe sunburn being irritated even further with rough sandpaper. It's to the point where I am going to have to call the doctor's office and get something for this. It's pretty much unbearable. I've tried pain relievers, ice, topical creams.. Nothing is helping.
Has anyone else had experience with this? I'm going insane. I sure hope these nasty side effects are a good sign, but I suspect they are just the result of nerve damage and my body attempting to repair it.
Updated on 18 Apr 2011:
Updated on 20 Apr 2011:
I'm now 8 days post-procedure. Went to the doctor this morning as I haven't slept in 3 nights. The bee-sting pain is so pronounced that even after taking Advil PM I wake up with shooting, intermittent pain on various spots of my abdomen. The doctor said I am still very inflammed- even to the touch my stomach is 'hot'. She said this is the normal inflammatory response and she suspects my results may be more than the average 'favorable' fat loss. She prescribed 3 days of oral steroids for the pain and Vicodin (which I HATE). But I do have decreased pain as of this afternoon.
Do you think there's any truth to the overwhelming inflammatory response I'm having? It makes sense to me, but maybe she's just telling me what I want to hear?
Updated on 26 Apr 2011:
So, just to update everyone, since there are some also some new posts here with people going through the painful experience I did.. I'm 14 days post and am finally starting to feel normal. I'm still pretty swollen, but the stinging pain is gone. It just feels like major sunburn now. The lidocaine cream I was prescribed helped the most, I think. Or, maybe it was just that things were settling down for me finally. Now, we wait..
Updated on 10 May 2011:
I am officially one month post-procedure.. Numbness is completely gone, swelling is very minimal, although still somewhat there. Obviously, it being one month post-procedure I am not expecting anything yet in terms of results. So, at this point, I continue waiting..
Updated on 16 May 2011:
Updated on 25 Jul 2011:
3.5 month update: I *guess* there's a bit of a difference with my abdomen, but it's VERY suttle. And, quite honestly, I don't know if I can absolutely attribute it to the procedure or more my diet change and the fact that I'm taking Proactol.
At this point, I don't think I'd do it again. My understanding is that the larger device does have the ability to cause bad side-effects... For me, it's just not worth going through that again for something that's really not noticeable. Not to mention the cost..
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
Helpful review?


Are you sure your loss of 1 inch isn't just from the bloating subsiding?
Wow, I wish I would have read more reviews before I went in. If I don't have great results from this, I'm going to be pretty upset. My doctor's office did not disclose ANY of this when I asked.
I'll be calling the doctor's office today; it's been hard enough to deal with the swelling and now that the burning pain is there I can't handle my pants rubbing against it. They are beyond tight as it is. I need to be able to go to work and as of right now I can't :(
I have a formal event that takes place next weekend- I sure hope the swelling subsides by then. I'll be at day 18.
Thanks again, and glad you're happy with your results!
Good luck! I hope you get great results!! I've also heard the love handles are much less sensitive and I'll consider it as well- Going to wait and see what kind of results I get though before I commit.
Cheers!
I say go for it. From what I understand, I'm an oddity. Of course. LOL.. It's worth a try and there are so many others that have had a good experience and are really happy with their results.
i'm in good shape, despite the fact that i'm overweight. thank you so much for your reply. :)
I had the procedure done last Friday the 6th, I do not have swelling or bloating but I agree the pain after is like bee stings and feels like my nerves are going insane. I too have a high tolerance for pain but this is so annoying I am taking motrin, I can sleep hurts more when I sit.
I have lost a lot of weight, had hangover fat now I am concerned that maybe doing this was not the best idea??? MY fat was pushed & sucked it HURT for about 10 minutes but eased up, this pain just started a couple of days ago if I walk it is all ok, but to touch the area hurts sore is the word I think.
I had a nurse do it, was everyone that had it done by a doc? I now read the info and most of it states should be done by a doctor. This is something I woulod really like to know.
To be honest I personally wont do it again, I would rather do a procedure where small incisions are done and the far drains from your body I saw pics of people who look like me and it was instant. Most of the time 4 inches gone it costs $3000 and up but for me it would be best. I hope this helps and I plan to keep up my diet and Curves.
All comments are so welcome
thanks
As far as whether or not this procedure was right for you.. Based on how you are describing your physique and based on what I know this procedure is not for, you may not have been a good candidate for this. This procedure does not eliminate extra skin from massive weight loss. It is meant to kill fat cells in stubborn areas that are unable to be eliminated by exercise. The doctor should have told you this. It sounds like you very well may have been misled and I'd be a little ticked off right now.
I'm not sure there's anything you can do about possibly being misled like that- Results aren't guaranteed. I'll let others chime in on this.. BUT, first thing's first.. Call the facility and let them know how bad you're feeling.
Hang in there!