“Vaser Lipo Post Op Update - Day 5 - Miami, FL”

I chose to have lipo on my flanks, upper & lower abdomen and lower back so that I could achieve more of an hour glass figure than I was naturally able to attain through regular dieting / working out. I opted for Vaser over traditional lipo because I couldn't afford to take too much time off from work AND generally preferred a less invasive approach.

I was awake throughout the entire (4 hour?) process and walked out within 15 minutes of its completion.

My doctor's approach involved 3 steps: 1- application of tumescent fluid under the skin by way of a thin, long needle to numb the area and minimize bleeding; 2- a second (larger) rod used to melt the fat (this is the vaser); 3- a third rod used to suction the melted fat out.

In general, the initial numbing was a bit painful (until the anesthetic kicked in). The second process I could hardly feel, except for the occasional jab in a place that wasn't entirely numb. The suctioning was not painful- again, except in a couple of instances.

My doctor removed close to 3 liters of fat, then transferred 350-400 ccs into each buttock.

The fat transfer process (in my opinion) should've involved a different numbing approach as the under-skin fluid was not enough to numb the entire area. Because of this, I found this part to be nearly intolerably painful- particularly since the Dr was at times injecting fat into or near the gluteal muscles (OUCH!).

The first couple of nights were not easy for me. Everything hurt once the under-skin anesthetic faded- especially the buttocks, lower back and flanks. I used Oxycodone to kill the pain and was able to sleep well.

By the third day, my bandages were replaced and I'd received my first ultrasound treatment (to minimize swelling). This was the first time I could see the results.

In spite of significant swelling in the lower back/abdomen AND having gotten my Period, I'd already lost 2 inches on my waist AND was even 1 pound lighter.

As of Day 5, I'm 2 lbs lighter and have a flat upper belly- though the swelling seems to be traveling downward (so my lower back and lower belly are still "watery" and puffy). I have nearly no bruising and have already lost 1 of the stitches (lower right ab), exposing a scar so small, it resembles a pink scratch.

So far, I'm VERY PLEASED with results- though not sure at all about the fat transfer as I cannot see any difference at all with the shape of my derriere. (This may be because the lower back puffiness is negating the whole "curve" effect). Let's see.

More to follow, including BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES, later.

Updated on 25 Nov 2010:
One Week After Vaser to Abs, Flanks, Lower Back & Fat Transfer to Buttocks.