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POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo REVIEWS

Sounded Great. Unattractive Result

ORIGINAL POST

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

natters7104
$4,500

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.

natters7104's provider

Dr. Keller

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

Replies (6)

April 30, 2008
I also was upset to realize, at the END of my surgery, that my well-known doctor did very little of my procedure, and when I go back for the second set of areas I will insist that he do all of it. I totally agree with you that if you are given the impression one perosn will do it, and then someone else does, you're not getting what you paid for.
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April 30, 2008
I also had smartlipo done on my outer/inner thighs, butt and banana roll exactly 2 months ago on 02/29/08 I am still waiting since results are very minimal :o( As you I got fat taken out but I am still the same weight before the procedure (I'm 5'3" 125 lbs) I do exercise 3x a week or more and eat right. I am very discouraged and sad that I spend $8,000.00 in a procedure that didn't give me the results that I wanted. The only thing left is keep hoping to see improvement in the next few months. Xenia
May 1, 2008
good luck to you. Hang in there. I hope you get what it is you are searching for. You sound like a good candidate. That's just an awful lot of monies to pay out.
May 8, 2008
Hi- I'm so sorry to hear all your bad news! Adding one more bad thing to your plate certainly wasn't needed. I too submitted a "not worth it" review for smart lipo. It's only been a month but I'm hopeful it will turn out better. I will concede that your cellulite doesn't look like somthing that happens naturally. There is an unevenness that seems a bit different. Not being a doctor myself but hearing your story and seeing your pictures, it does seem likely the procedure is at fault. I'm curious... how long after losing your baby (a failed pegnancy?) did yoy have this treatment? Do you think hormones could have exacerbated this effect? I say this to try and help you come up with all possible answers. I'm not insinuating pregnancy caused this but there certainly is a role with hormones and cellulite. Maybe the timing of the procedure didn't go well with the timing of the hormones. The doctor should note this so it doesn't happen again. I imagine science involved with optimal plastic surgery results. Anyway...no matter how much you paid...even if it was free...the doctor needs to make it right! What has happened is NOT accepatble. I beleive you would have a really good court case based on your story with the switching of doctors alone. However, Cellulite is VERY hard to fix. BUT if you were told too much fat was taked out, fat can be injected back in (OMG- sounds horrible I must admit). Have you talked with the doctor? I'm sure he will want to do the right thing. If he doesn't, start gathering other expert opinions to get a case together. Also, I would report it to the place you bought it from. They shouldn't want to ask for his donation again. One thing I have learned from plastic surgery...be VERY weary of anything that is lower priced. Deals happen for a reason and will cost you much more in the long run. I know! My $1000 lower priced breast augmentation 2 years ago is now costing me another 9K to get it repaired. So, I wish you better luck and pray that your doctor will do the right thing. It's time you start heading in the right direction! Julie
May 10, 2008
Thanks for your email and advice. All of your suggestions and hunches are great. As for the pregnancy I was 7 weeks along. I lost the baby on Aug 22, 2007. I had smart lipo on Dec 10, 2007. Give or take, 5 months. I guess very possible. However, now that I have put myself out there to the world a few of the sites that will repair Lipo deformities as they call them seem to say that this is not uncommon. It is called a 'cobble stone' appearance. Yea! Anyway, Another factor is that they removed way too much out of my thighs. Anytime that you work on the lateral thigh it seems trouble arises. I am not sure why they inserted the cannulas on the front of my thighs to do the outer. Thanks for the help on what to do next. Of course the doctor that performed the procedure is willing to do-over the site but that is not what I need. I spoke to 2 doctors who say I have to have fat graphs. But they are tough to accomplish too in my case. My doctor does not do graphs. Too bad on my part. I really blew it. Anyway, everything you said was right on. Thanks also for your honesty about your breast Aug. I am glad you got it worked out eventually. Some Deal, huh? What I would give for those chubby lil' thighs back. = )
June 11, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear what you have gone through... I have seen many photos where the person actually looked better before because the tone of their skin now looks so unnatural, and have been very afraid of that exact type of thing. I had a procedure called mesotherapy a couple of years ago for fat loss and cellulite, mostly fat loss. It's not permanent since the fat cells are not sucked out, but I have to say, my cellulite, at 43 and definitely I'm in worse shape, is much better than it used to be. I've heard that it can help even out the results of liposuction mistakes--it could be very worth it to check it out. Good luck to you-- Lisa
UPDATED FROM natters7104

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

natters7104

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.


Replies (18)

May 9, 2008
I wonder about your legs...my arm looked like that and my doctor did lymphatic massage...are the ripply areas hard in places? If they are, the massage might work for you, and clear out that inflammation. If not, endermologie can probably help. I have always read laser lipo does not help cellulite. Endermologie really does help it, but you do have to keep up the treatments once a month - otherwise it is temporary. I quit going after the first 14 treatments and my results eventually went away.
May 10, 2008
Thanks for the suggestions. I am willing to try anything. Money is low so before doing anything else amI researching Mesotherapy, Velasmooth, Velashape, Accent and I will check out endermologie. Thanks. I know one thing is for certain. I am smaller than I was. The fat is completely gone from that area. Anyway, if you come across anything else that looks helpful please let me know. And yes, a few areas are hard. Maybe I should ask about that Lymphthatic Drainage I know that with cellulite that is one of the reasons it occurs. Whether man made cellulite is the same I am not sure. How long did it take for your arm to correct itself.? I am excercising again and trying to build up some muscle in that area and see if that helps. I am also trying a cellulite type diet. The doctors from Fix my Lipo.com and and Lipostructure.com seem to think i have a cobblestone appearance after viewing my photos. Which unfortunately is a risk and common in older women. I am tending to agree with them but it is definitely cellulite at any rate.
May 13, 2008
Is there anyway you can email me the doctor that you went to? I'm interested in the procedure, however I don't want to run across the same doctor. I believe you're in the Bay Area of CA since you mentioned the Mercury News. I too am in the Bay Area and would love to know who to avoid. THANKS A BUNCH! I hope everything goes well.
May 13, 2008
The doctor information is available above under the title and in a section called "Smart Lipo provider:" You need to join (for free of course!) our community to see this information. Join here
May 16, 2008
I am so glad I read your story. I am really sorry for all of the trauma you have been through, I lost a baby at four months and understand the desire to make a change after something like that happens.I am having a scar revision (mini-tuck)for an emergency c-section (vertical incision), I was contemplating smart lipo on my inner thighs but now think I will just pass, they aren't that bad. I hope things are better for you and I appreciate you putting this information out there. All I have found is how great this procedure is and how there are no big complications. I guess they are not big unless they happen to ourselves...thanks again and good luck.
May 18, 2008
Thank you. I too appreciate you sharing your story with me!
May 19, 2008
It is hard to tell what you legs looked like before you had this procedure done. Do you have a closer shot of your legs before the procedure to look at? Did you do any post operative treatments like triactive or velasmooth? Nothing out there can fix cellulite but I know these two treatments after Smartlipo help to smooth everything out. I am sorry to hear that you went through such a tramatic experience.
UPDATED FROM natters7104

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

natters7104

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


Replies (11)

July 21, 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!
July 22, 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.
June 4, 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
July 17, 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.
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September 16, 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.
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December 17, 2014
Like Cameron Diaz ...her lowere body looks like my muscular husband..that's what I'm afraid of because I have some junk on my trunk and my junk is all natural! I do get a lot if I had brazillIan butt lift..there's a possibility of ducking a little too much fat esp when ur ideally close to your ideal weight. Thanks for your insight. This forum is definitely saving me future heartache, disillusionment and not to mention money for revision.
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December 17, 2014
Sorry for typo!
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December 17, 2014
Thank you for sharing your experience. .it's imporant to know not a lot if people have similar success with others..this is one of my fears..disturbing tissue and losing your god given curves and ending up like somebody you don't recognize at all....there's risks in all evasive or less evasive cosmetic procedures and no guarantee. ... the very worst that could happen is unchanging the change that's already achieved by bad results. .I myself was considering doing the smart lipo but as I read sevetalk of this experience. ..i will just be happy of the parts of my body I cannot change and continue to live a clean and active lifestyle. .. Goodluck finding a better surgeon ...
December 17, 2014
Yes, you are wise to do so. I'm sure I am older than you, much older (!) probably...but just five year ago the skin on my body was in much better shape. Now that I am in my sixties, all of my friends are coming to me and asking, "What is THIS?!" that's happening, and wanting to know what they can do about it. The skin starts to slack and no amount of exercise affects your skin elasticity. You can't make muscles big enough to fill out loose skin. So, we become a little desperate and gullible when the dermatologist or the technician says, "Oh, Pellefirm will tighten that right up!". Or Ultherapy, or Accent, or any of these radio frequency or ultrasound gadgets. And, sound of them simply don't work, so it's a waste of money...and that's the UP side. The downside are the ones that HARM! You not only spend thousands of dollars, but you are left with a wide swath of disfiguring scars on your body. One plastic surgeon said, "Yeh, they cranked it up too high on you, melted your fat. But, I can pull some fat out of your flanks and fill that in."! Here's that ruse....my friend had fat pulled out of her lower back to fill a scar from hip surgery that she didn't like, surgeon said no problem. Now, one year later she has a divet in her backside because she is sixty and the donor area is doing what sixty year old skin does...sinks! Especially when there is no fat where it should be to hold it up. So, my advice to you is STAY YOUNG!! If that doesn't work, stay away from these machines.
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December 17, 2014
Thank you..you look great for your age though..yes we get desperate to do this to try this...i have a stubborn lower belly fat...I'm 45 , I stay within my ideal weight. I'm 4'11 and fluctuate bet 110 -115 lbs. Im petire and have a short torso so a little weight shows !!!! I've always been athletic and have sensible lifestyle, diet..I have a 19 yr. old son..I've always carried little extra weight below my waist. Do I started thinking bout SmartLipo. ..but I hear uneveness, weight gain, lumps, swelling...then other experience like these. And it's not a cheap procedure either. . SmartLipo would normally would gave crossed my mind until 7 months ago I had a UFE Treatment done to block off blood supply on my enlarging fibtoids.. now it seems like my body has releases this estrogen that I don't even couldn't button up my regular skinny jeans anymore! So like many women who want to continue to look their best or just wanna look good period get sucked in to believing it will be better...when it doesn't really....
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December 23, 2014
Cupcake-1969, you have made the right decision. If I could be given the option to go back in time, re inhabit my smooth, natural body, with it's saddlebag imperfections and all, I would! I still used to wear a bikini to the beach, a swimsuit when doing laps. I wasn't ashamed of my natural flaws, I just stupidly thought I could easily improve them with a "bit of lipo." How innocuous does that sentence even sound- "a bit of lipo"? Boy was I wrong. I am a lumpy, deformed, saggy mess. I thought I could wear more clothes after getting the saddlebags removed. Now, with a collapsed butt, I have to wear nun-like clothes that are 2 sizes too big. My thighs have deep divots, actually more like craters of over-suctioned fat. I'm hoping a revision surgery will improve things but you can never be as good as you were before something like this.