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“Love It--worth Every Penny and More”

swastew 26 posts

Comments (70)
Updated 18 Sep 2008
Posted 11 Aug 2008

Worth It

Spent: $5,500 in Melbourne, FL

I am 50 years old and I was always relatively thin--5'6'' and a size 6-8 and I gained weight to a size 8-10 but only in my waist-tummy thigh area. It wouldn't go away. I don't have children so that wasn't an excuse. I went to see the doctor and he said I'm a perfect candidate for Smart Lipo of the abdomen and love handles. The procedure took about 1 hr and I had no ativan, etc., just local anesthesia. NO BIG DEAL. I never had a pain pill except Tylenol just because I thout it would hurt after I got home. Surgery was on Friday, July 25, and on Saturday-26th, I went to Orlando Airport to get my parents who came from Dallas to Florida. It's about 50 miles to airport and I was FINE. Tis nice doctor workd my mom in for Smart-Lipo on Tuesday (7-29) and she did fine as well. She had DOT laser as well--that hurt. I'm going back on 8-29 to have my thighs done.
I can't say enough about this procedure. I'm a Flight Attendant and I work around so many pretty girls and this really helps my self esteem--it's bothered me for a long time.

Updated on Aug 21, 2008:

8-21---Boy this is great!! Swelling is still getting better and my skin is tightening and I couldn't be happier. One thng i forgot to post--DO NOT settle for a tummy tuck before you check this procedure. My Mom's plastic surgeon in Texas told us both that we would need a tummy tuck. Several ladies I know had the same experience and had this done instead and all are pleased. Tummy tucks take so much down time not to mention scars, etc. He didn't do Smart Lipo so.... If a doctor that DOES Smart Lipo tells you you need a Tummy Tuck, OK but otherwise, check this out! Thighs to be done on 8-29 and I will post pics after that.

Updated on Aug 24, 2008:

I will have thighs done now on 8-25 and I will post photos after!! I will measure thighs before and after. They call these "saddle bags" (how cute...). I plan to return to my job as a Flight Attendant on the 29th. will let you all know!! Please email for questions.

Updated on Aug 27, 2008:

New inner thigh pics and "hip roll" pics. I am still in my compression garment and swollen--procedure was done on 8-25 so I'm 2 days out. A little sore from this one because the area worked on was a tender area anyway. Already in smaller size pants (6) and I couldn't be happier.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

inner thighs before

2 weeks after. 1 day before period, too All home photos.

Abdomen before

Abdomen 2 weeks post op Notice waist, too.

Abdomen before (love handles, too)

2 days post op with lovely girdle.

Vote: 33 members found this review helpful

Comments (70)

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Natalia (2 posts) 18 Aug 2008

All I can say is...DANG! I hope I look as good as you at 50!~

swastew (26 posts) 20 Aug 2008

THANK YOU!!!

Princess7118 (14 posts) 18 Sep 2008

Oh my God! You look awesome...How much fat did they take out? How long was it before you seen results?

swastew (26 posts) 18 Sep 2008

Hi there. I don't know how much as far as a measurement but I can find out. You see results immediately and then you will swell so after the swelling goes down it just gets better & better. Again, though, my first pictures are after a week. It is a wonderful procedure and I am so happy I did it!. I will ask how much and then let you know. Thanks for the compliment! Robin

Princess7118 (14 posts) 19 Sep 2008

Hey, I don't see results immediately and it is 48hrs later. Is that normal?? I haven't also drained much and I am wonder if there is something I am doing wrong.

swastew (26 posts) 19 Sep 2008

Hi there. I don't think you're doing anything wrong. From reading your post, it seems that he kept you there a while before he suctioned you out. That could be why there's not much drainage. Do your clothes fit any differently? They will. It just takes a while. I saw quite a bit of difference fairly quickly in my clothes. You do swell, though so don't "fret", everyone's different. I think you could call your Dr's office and ask them about you size difference. They will probably say "give it some time" but it may make you feel better. The swelling can fool you on your size though. You will go up and down for a while. Also, limit salt intake--my day of beef jerky made me swell (DUH) so it does make a difference, too. As far as weight--fat doesn't weigh much at all so you won't lose much in pounds, just in size. Swelling weighs more so... Hope this helps. These are my experiences. Anyone else? Robin

perfection (31 posts) 19 Sep 2008

Hello Princess 7118, I just read your post about no results 48 hours later. I just want to tell you not to worry. Because of swelling and uneven healing, lumps, bruising, etc.... you will look worse in the beginning. In the 2nd week, 14 days plus, you may see improvement. Ask any doctor, to see final results, it will be 3 months and could go up to 6 months. I am in week 3, and I am FINALLY feeling less discomfort. As far as results go, I am very confident I am going to look great, but i am still retaining fluid in some areas. my skin is still hard and tight. So, at 3 weeks, I am still far from "Results'....so hang in there. It takes a lot of time to heal from such a invasive procedure. National studies show that the % of satisfied patients from Smart lipo is VERY HIGH, in the high 80's- A GREAT success rate.

Princess7118 (14 posts) 21 Sep 2008

Thanks for the info all encouragement is very appreciated..I will keep you guys posted

Princess7118 (14 posts) 21 Sep 2008

Thanks..with stose numbers we just have to see reults. I will remain hopeful because he is great and done a great job I just thought it was wiered when some people said they seen results immediate.. I guess all bodies are not equal just different,,lol

sanjosewoman (37 posts) 19 Aug 2008

Hi, I want to do it too but don't know what doctor I should pick. COuld you please advice? I'm in San Jose. Thanks.

swastew (26 posts) 24 Aug 2008

Hi. I think it's good to find a doctor who doesn't do a million different things. My doctor does mostly facial surgeries and he was chosen to teach other doctors this procedure. I think it's important too, to feel comfortable with the doctor you choose. Ask if he has patients who will talk to you about the procedure. I personally wouldn't have more than 2 areas done at a time. Some of the reviewers that had more done at once seemed to have more negative comments about the pain, etc. You can also check the medical society 0f the county in which you live to see if there's been any diciplinary action or lawsuits. Lawsuits are sometimes frivilous but if there's dicipline, that's a sign to consider. Hope this helps and good luck--hope you're as happy as I. ADDED 8-21 Also, be sure he/she is board certified and which society they are certified with..there are several. I worked for a Plastic Surgeon in Texas in the 80's, so I had some insight, Unfortuntely, in the 80's, I didn't need anything done!! Email if you have questions.

robin

KathrynS (20 posts) 27 Aug 2008

Did you go to {edited}? I am scheduled for abs and love handles 1 week today and hope my results look as good as yours. I'm not really worried because I know he is a good doctor. thanks for the post you look great. How did the thighs go? I am scheduled for that procedure on September 23, 2008 Kathryn Editor note: Provider information is located above the review for registered users. Viewing this information requires free registration for an account.

swastew (26 posts) 27 Aug 2008

Hi there. I went to {edited - provider information is located above the review for registered users} in Melbourne/Orlando and he's fabulous. The inner thighs are great. I'm in a size smaller pants already. I had them done on the 25th as they had an earlier opening. I can't say enough about Dr. Bassin and the staff--they're wonderful! Instead of thighs, I did what's called the hip roll (cute) but it made a huge difference as well. It's the area where your love handles stop and your hips are--front and back. It all went really well and I am a bit sore from this because of where the work was done. I just feels like I worked out too hard. Good luck! You'll be beautiful!

Toddius (1 post) 27 Aug 2008

Wow! I'm thinking about this and you're picks looks great!

swastew (26 posts) 27 Aug 2008

Thank you! It is the best thing I've done for myself! Just be sure the Doctor makes you feel comfortable about his/her experience with the procedure and try to see pictures of their actual patients. If you live anywhere near Florida, just go to Orlando or Melbourne and see this Doctor. He was chosen as one of the few people to teach this procedure to other plastic surgeons. Alternately, the doctor he was instructing is going to LA on Sept 1st and I wouldn't think twice about him doing the procedure either.1-he's learned from the best and 2- I let him do my thigh while Doctor Bassin did the other and he's very talented, too. I don't work for these doctors so that's not why I'm so gushy about them, I'm just so happy with my results. Pain obviously, is relative. I didn't require any pain medicine, etc. but ask your doctor if you think you need it--they should do that for you. Hope it works out the way you want it to--it's a thrill for me to put on my skinny pants!!

KathrynS (20 posts) 28 Aug 2008

did you have any shivering from the epi in the fluid thanks for sharing

swastew (26 posts) 28 Aug 2008

No, I didn't. I've not heard of that. But it is a great procedure and I hope you have a good result. There was a little sensation during the laser part but not pain, then it's nothing (to me at least). If you don't tolerate pain well, I'd ask for an Ativan or something as long as someone will drive you home. I drove myself home the second time. No problem sharing--I'm so thrilled!!

KathrynS (20 posts) 29 Aug 2008

thanks again.I don't usually have alot of pain with procedures either. Had a baby with no epidural or pain meds !!!! Can't wait, I'll keep you updated if ok thanks k

swastew (26 posts) 29 Aug 2008

Please do, I'd love to hear.

swastew (26 posts) 2 Sep 2008

Hi there. Thinking about you today. Still don't know who your Dr. is but I hope you're doing ok. Let me know when you feel like it. Robin

KathrynS (20 posts) 2 Sep 2008

Hi Robin I go tomorow for the abs and love handles. My doctor is the same as your"s.....{edited}. I am going to the Orlando office. A little nervous, but thanks to you I feel much better. I'll let you know in the next day or 2 how things went. Kathryn ps do ya want me to tell them hi for you???? lol Editor note Provider information is located above the original review.

swastew (26 posts) 2 Sep 2008

Sure!! You'll love them! Tell them HI!! Also, wear some clothes that you don't mind getting yucky--and put covers on the seat of your car--there is some drainage and it will get in both places. I used maxi pads on the holes because they have a plastic liner on the outside that keeps things from getting too messy. Don't be alarmed at the drainage-that's normal. Please let me know how you do! Good luck--you'll be gorgeous!

KathrynS (20 posts) 4 Sep 2008

HI Robin (and others reading this) Well it has been almost 24 hours now since I had my abdomen and "hip roles" done. WOW I love it already. I actually had a good time during the procedure. We laughed and joked during the procedure(professional only nothing foul)and Clyde held my hand the entire time. Allison was real sweet also. There was an occassional "ouch second" but they would stop then resume with no pain. The whole process from start to finish was less than one hour. It was so easy and I am thrilled with what I see today. Thanks for the tip on the maxi pads. The drainage is about 75% better this am. I would recommend to take 2 extra strength tylenol right after the procedure. I started having some discomfort after I got home but it went away with the tylenol. Everyone said to tell you hello!!!! Also {edited} was still there and for those of you in LA, give him a call, he is awesome and so is {edited}, but we are gonna keep him here in Orlando/Melborne. I'll post pictures in a week or so for those of you undecided. Thanks again Robin Kathryn Editor note Provider information is located above the original review. You can also share this information privately by clicking on the usernames of other registered users.

swastew (26 posts) 4 Sep 2008

I'm sooo excited for you!! I'm glad it went well. I didn't know if Clyde would be there or Nancy but they're both great!! Alli is so nice, too. I'm anxious for you to see your results on down the road, too. The drainage gets better fast, so that part will be over and the rest is just cake!! I'm glad you got to meet Dr. Lu (?). I think he'll be great. Let me hear how you're doing! Robin

KathrynS (20 posts) 5 Sep 2008

Hi again!! 48 hours post op and all is well. The drainage stopped sometime last night and now no pain,(pain was never really bad) just a little soreness if I lay on a certain site. Otherwise nothing!! I am thrilled and can't wait to have the thighs done next. They look more prominent now I guess because the belly and hips are so little!!! Not complaining lol. I don't have much bruising at all.. I think it was because they are so gentle when they do the procedure. I AM THRILLED. Talk to ya soon Kathryn

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“Love It--worth Every Penny and More”

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