Smart Lipo: Stories

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Sounded Great. Unattractive Result

  • Not Worth It
  • Cost: $4,500
  • Dr. Keller (Monterey, California)

Hello, So hear goes. Lost a baby. Ended a...

Hello, So hear goes. Lost a baby. Ended a relationship, nearing the year end and wanted to do something 'smart' for myself. I had clipped out the article entitled 'smart lipo' out of a people magazine about 9 month earlier and saw the procedure listed in the Mercury News under Bid/Buy. I ended up bidding on the procedure and won it.

This was said to be a safe procedure that was minimually inevasive and will provide a powerful result. Well it did but not one that I want to go out and show the world. Heck I can hardly show myself. So much for that new boyfriend i was due to find out on the horizon. Now, I am glued to the internat searching for ways to undo the mess I have gotten myself into. For one, this procedure was said to help with cellulite. Bonus, right? Careful what you wish for. The claims are untrue. The procedure hurt. I left swollen and bruised and oozed through 2 compression garments and saturated 2 sheets of blood, and saline fluids.

The garment was uncomfortable. And honestly. the result is hideous. I am 41. I do not exercise regularly, I eat sensibly. I weighed 121 going and came out weighing the same. 1200 cc were removed. Areas treated; outer thigh, banana roll and knees. Cost 4500.00 savings of 2500.00 due to winning the bid auction. My hips were 37-38 before and thighs 36, legs were about 21 inches at the top.. Now believe it or not. I lost my curves. I am 35 hips, 35 thighs and 19 in the left thigh and 17 in the right thigh. please really consider what you are doing. I have seen 2 plastic surgeons who said too much fat was removed. There is not help in sight for me. Unfortunately, I can't undo this damage. I now have man-made cellulite unattractive legs and not a beautiful contour at all.

Try your absolute best to be happy with you. If not, you may have to live the next years of your life like me. My doctor was reputable, renowned and even a trainer on Smart lipo. That day he said my procedure was going to the Cancer Society as a donation. I have learned that the other 2 doctors that worked with my doctor were not just in fact 'nice' and helping but rather I was a test subject and they were being trained. It exerbates cellulite. It has the ptiential to look unnatural. I am learning that my result in not uncommon.

Sorry for all of the typos. I sent this before...

Sorry for all of the typos. I sent this before proofreading it. Anyway, I hope that the pictures show you a clear result. I am 5 months post op. My tummy was flat prior to the surgery and now weight that would have store in the thigh area has moved to the stomach area. Honestly, the best advice that I give is not whether the procedure works. We know that it does. We've all seen the those pictures. What i believe is worth sharing are the Doctors who performed those and were successful. A large part of my problem was that I sought out someone who would perform the procedure fairly close to my area. This doctor was one of three. I didn't do my homework. Good luck all and I hope you find your true beauty.

Please add back in some of my original photographs as they have been removed after submitting another recent treatment I tried in an effort to correct some of the smart lipo damage.  Anyway, I hope that the pictures can show others what could happen. thanks. It won't left me just submit the photographs as I originally intended.


Looking for relief not regret.  It has been...

Looking for relief not regret.  It has been over a year now and I still look and feel just Ike I did when this all happened.   It is easy to say I wish I could turn back time.  Only it is not working.  I feel completely saddened by this decision to change my appearance.  For each and everyone of you seeking to perform a smart lipo or liposuction procedure please be aware.  It is life-changing.

My doctor's motto was "Change your body, change your life!" Boy was he right.  This changed not only the areas treated but the surrounding areas and the overall contour of my entire body. One would think that you couldn't lose your hips or curves but I did.  One would only think that if you gained weight weight would surface in other areas or in new areas.  Not true.  When an overaggressive surgery takes place almost instantly change takes place.  Not only do I have baggy skin now.  Tons of peaks and valleys all over the front side and back of the legs.  I have a fat abdomen.  I loved my abdomen and I loved the back side of me.  Now that the outer thigh is gone and lipo has given me straight leg without curves and disrupted the tissue. I have cellulite everywhere. I have baggy really old looking skin and I look like a man.

Please hear me.  If you do choose this and it turns out wrong you will never forgive yourself.  EVER.  So many things that I had no idea about.  Once this is done you are left with the result and will have to process all of the issues that follow.  The biggest one?? That you actually sought out to do this and that the whole world will now be able to see what you did. When it is a self-inflicted deformity it is a lot to swallow. It is one thing to be mangled in a car wreck.  You can learn to cope with that.  But the other? Because you didn't like yourself enough and wanted plastic surgery.   Not so easy.  When I say deformed.  I really mean deformed.  Not slightly irregular.  Please take considerable time before doing this to yourself.  I wish that I would have researched more than just a people magazine article before doing this.  I would have a completely different life if I had.  Best of luck to each and every one of you who is happy with the result. Sad and disappointed and regret the result and those of you who should run as fast as you can. LIterally, before choosing this particuliar cosmetic surgery procedure.

Natalie


Hi Everyone, Okay so I am still trying to...

Hi Everyone,

Okay so I am still trying to correct Liposuction dimpling, loose skin and severe peaks and valleys from my surgery. Really pictures do not show how I am today. But, with that said, I have tried Macrolane for body filler. It corrects the loose skin issue for sure. While i still have the lumpiness it filled out the contour irregularity quite a bit. My doctor is Dr. Juan Carlos Fuentes, he is amazing. Cost varies on amount you need. I would give this procedure a thumbs up. While temporary but way longer results than sculptra (12-15 months supposedly) vs a few months with sculptra it is one that leads on the right track to becoming 'normal' appearance wise again. Please don't overwhelm my doctor as I know a bunch of us out there are forever botched from Smart lipo/liposuction etc. I do not work for Macrolane nor do I promote it. I am an honest girl who trusted my first doctor and cannot accept the condition that I was left in and am constantly in search of any and everything that could offer ANY improvement. Good luck Everyone. Please continue to post things that do and do not work. Together we can get to the other side of this.. oh, and my doctor is in Mexico, Tj but you fly into San Diego and his shuttle takes you to and from his office for procedure. There is a fee for shuttle for consultation though!!
Sincerely, Natalie

Http://www.dailymail.co...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1382729/Liposuction-fat-year-Whats-taken-thighs-returns-arms.html

Just another article that discusses exactly what happens after having liposuction.

Great review?

My Doctor:

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Too many things went wrong. 2 other people also chose this doctor and came out with the same results. poor.

Comments (45)

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Wishineverdoneit 4 Apr 2013
Hi Natalie, I am 25 and I did the same thing to my self and it has affected me psychologically to an extent that i cry myself to sleep every night. I can't even look at myself in the mirror anymore. i really don't know what to do
natters7104 4 Apr 2013
Hello you - Shoot. I am so sorry to hear this. So hard to know that another person has to feel this way. I know that things seem really down and dark right now. I get it. I really, really do. I believe that in the near future that there will be things to sort of 'undo' this mess. We just have to stay positive and keep moving forward. I see that you are young and in your prime of life. There will be a better future out there for us. It is just going to take some time. ((((( Hugs ))))))) I am here for you. Natalie
Houston4138 4 Apr 2013
So sorry, wishineverdoneit... I had smart lipo on my stomach and flanks and it has changed me completely. Every bit of confidence I had is gone. My stomach looks awful and when I get undressed, I make a point to not look in the mirror. I've been put on antidepressants and wish everyday that I hadn't done it. Hugs to you too.
kathi5981 26 Mar 2013
You girls are great. This site has true value, I tell people about it all the time. I wouldn't consider doing anything anymore without checking it out here first. Smart Lipo is laser lipo, right? You are accurate that some have had great results, but thanks to your efforts on getting the word out, I would caution anyone that was considering it. I have some gouges and dents from VelaShape. And, several years ago I had it several times and it didn't work at all! I read that the new machine was more powerful, and after my second treatment I happened to look in the mirror as I was stepping into the shower, and said "What the heck?!", I had an actual "stamp" mark on my upper thigh! And this was my "good leg"! Yes, I had mesotherapy many years ago on the bad leg (right was 2 inches bigger than the left), and although it reduced the circumference, it left the out thigh mottled. I told the tech to just work on the right leg, but she said, "oh, no, we like to do it evenly". Uh, huh. So she evened me up, all right, she "branded" the front of my left leg! And it has the strangest "dart like" marks running down the side near the muscle. So, this darn lasers, they do such miraculous things on some people, and others end up with fat loss, dimples, and, I have really crummy texture in the area they screwed up. It's burned. It's thin. It actually wrinkles when I walk! Okay, that's all for today, I depressed myself again. Bye, girls....
natters7104 26 Mar 2013
Hi - Yes the site has so much value. For research, truth about outcomes, comfort, and just plain--sadness. Now if only we had a way to reach more people before they end up here - facing what we face.Thanks for posting. We are here for you. Talking and sharing sure does, stir up feelings doesn't it? Good therapy though to share and help let go of some of those darn feelings though. Hang in there. In some demented way we are supposed to be here. I just haven't found out the reason why. Lol. Again, thanks for sharing your story. It is amazing how so many of us are alike. Natalie
Botched Beauty 26 Mar 2013
Omg, I just read your entire post. Were like twins but in a bad way. Everything, the pain, the weight redistribution even in areas done, the saggy skin, bumps dents EVERYTHING. I promise we are saving people from our Hell sweets. Its all we can do. You, me, and Dri are identical. And there are so many others. I love when I hear good results happen for others, even envy them but not in an unhealthy way. I literally read your diary of my experience. Noone understands but us. I wish I could give you the biggest hug Nat. Like you said, NO PITY FOR SELF INFLICTED WOUNDS right? I know doll, I hear it all the time. Then the $hit heads that post asking why? Because obviously we were duped into thinking wed stay great or even better. In me and Dri's case, it was to STAY looking great, to keep what we had for as long as possible. The ones who don't get it are the ones who never looked like us to start with. Your post brings tears to my eyes because I remember sitting on my bed contemplatingaburning myself with an iron so at least I had an excuse to look disfigured. That was my lowest! Ill stay with you on this girl. It has taken 2 years of depression and alienation to pull myself together. I won't be out boat hopping or nothing but I've decided to live some life this year. For the most part we still are not as bad as some women are naturally. So I'm gonna strut what I got left, with a little more clothing of course, but its taken a very long time to get to this point. You too are beautiful, and selfless for trying to save others. There's a ton to be said for inner beauty. It'll take awhile but you'll get past it like I eventually did. We have similar mindset.serenity will happen for you too, I promise. Thanks for sharing like I did. We are saving people trust me!
natters7104 26 Mar 2013
I am crying so hard right now. You get me. Thanks for your post. You make me feel better. I want serenity and I am so happy that you have found some peace. Thanks my friend. I will keep sharing to help others so that they don't have to go through this. Thanks again.
natters7104 8 Jan 2013
I really relate to your words. i am sorry that you had to go through that.
natters7104 8 Jan 2013
thanks for finding my post. I hope that the pain, swelling and irregularity has subsided at least a little bit for you. I really do understand what you are feeling and going through.
PittsburghMaMa 12 Jan 2013
oh my gosh! that is horrible!
Sandra11500 4 Mar 2012
I am so sry yours turned out so badly :(
natters7104 4 Mar 2012
Thank you. Me too.
Houston4138 6 Mar 2012
Hi Natalie,
I unfortunately have a bad outcome from my lipo procedure :-(.
Did you ever end up trying thermage? I am curious as to if it worked for you....
natters7104 7 Mar 2012
Hi Houston,
I have tried Thermage. It did not work for me. the best thing that has worked is Macrolane. A large volume filler to replace what was lost. I am so very sorry for you. Are you thinking of trying Thermage? It seems like it does help some of the folks that have been posting on this site.
natters7104 24 Feb 2012
Thank you. I appreciate your words and I definitely am working out but I guess not doing the correct things. I am happy for your outcome and I agree about having to endure more money and costs to achieve a better look. I really do wish that I had sought out a personal trainer rather than ever attempting to tighten some jiggly thighs.
olivebuttercup 24 Feb 2012
Girl, you can start anytime! Just as soon as you start, your body will start responding trust me :D
anniebelly 17 Sep 2012
im 48 with a bad knee.is bike riding going to make it worse..?I have huge thighs deformed with unattractive pckets of fat behind my knees.what's best for that?
olivebuttercup 18 Sep 2012

Hey there!

Hey, I have two bad knees from patellar tracking disorder and it's actually one of the only things I can do vigorously without any pain. You may want to give it a try on a very low resistance and go from there, since cycling leans out your lower body. Another thing that will target your "fat pockets" are Pilates and any sort of aerobics kinckboxing class.Try wearing your knee brace and going easy for the first time. Hope this helps ♥

olivebuttercup 24 Feb 2012
As I read this I kept thinking to myself how much you could have improved the tightness of your skin and built back up your body shape that you had before if you had invested the time to workout. Not to be harsh but when I found myself in your shoes, lost curves, dimpling, saggy skin, I paid 3 $ for and old book on female body "Shape Training" on Amazon, got a gym membership, a personal trainer, and reshaped my body with much greater and lasting results. I only spent a 10th of what you did, but with better effect. What im saying is, please adapt your thinking to take care of your body and not go for the quick fix, as you so painfully learned. We look at celebrities, and think they get results solely by their plastic surgeon. We forget that these people are training with personal trainers upwards of 5x a week. Please consider adding the appropriate workouts to get your curves back, rather pumping your tissues with synthetic fluids. Your body is not a car, but a temple. Im not a trainer, im not selling anything. If you would like to get ideas on specific workouts for your body I would be thrilled to help. Good luck :D
Jordannne 28 Feb 2012
Well said!!! :))
Exercise 16 Sep 2010
Thank you for sharing your insightful experience. I'm sorry to hear that you regret liposuction too. It's very traumatic and disappointing. Only wished I knew better before I had lipo myself. I hope that your review and my review could prevent unnecessary liposuction from happening to other people... Liposuction is very unhealthy/unnatural-- and somewhat barbaric. I'm almost 2 months post-op but I regret having it done. By the way, ndmoreno, you DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT look like a man. My skin after liposuction is similar to yours and I'm only 20 years old (21 in March 2011). Anyways I really hope that our reviews will help people think twice before getting lipo. Exercise and a healthy diet is the only permanent/safe solution to get in shape-- it's way healthier too.
1188anon 16 Jul 2010
Thank you for your story! Wish I would have read this before doing my surgery as well. I wish I would have loved myself enough to have never considered this procedure. I am also worse off like you and am having weight issues in areas that I have never had. I used to wear skirts and shorts and now barely want to leave my house not even in jeans. I hope that people will see stories like yours and really take to heart what you said and went through. I know I wish I can change time and go back because I am so much worse off now. Now it is a matter of being happy with the new me for years to come :( Good luck and know there are other people suffering just like you.
8541anon 3 Jun 2010
Dear Natalie I just read your review after posting one of my own. I wish I had read it before having Smart Lipo. I have had some similar results, notably, two huge dents in my thighs that were never there before. I am going to get some second opinions about corrective surgery, but I believe he just took a 'sh#$'load of fat that he shouldn't have- being a supposed professional. I concur with your sentiments on body image and being happy with yourself, as this is not worth it. I really hope you get some restitution and a positive outcome. Rebecca
Pilu 21 Jul 2009
I'm so sorry your procedure did not turn out as you planned. My sister had a similar experience with smart lipo. Her main problem was "man made cellulite". She never really had any before having smart lipo on her inner and outer thighs and after the procedure it was terrible. She had Thermage done on thighs 3 months ago to try and correct it. So far she's happy with the result and I think it's a huge improvement. Thermage might be something you could try. Good Luck!
natters7104 22 Jul 2009
Thank you for thinking of me. I can't thank you enough for suggestions or even new comments. I haven't really heard about Thermage for man-made cellulite so I am excited. I will check into it asap. Thank you.

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