“Not sure yet if it was worth it.”
Smart Lipo: Worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
Had Smart Lipo on Oct. 27; so today is day 4 after procedure; had my upper & lower abs and inner thighs done. I did it because I have a thyroid condition that has kept me from losing weight and I kept gaining weight in my stomach and inner thighs. I was uncomfortable performing any of the activities I used to enjoy like yoga and various other activities. I was working out 3-5 miles on a treadmill 3-5 times most weeks but that didn't help my problem areas. I was so uncomfortable so my reasons were more for comfort rather than looking good although I will now enjoy the benefits of both.
Day after the procedure I was very sick because of the pain meds; stopped taking them so day 3 was better. I felt sore, miserable and uncomfortable until yesterday because the garment they had given me was too tight. Now I'm more comfortable with the larger garment I received yesterday. I did not realize that I would ooze out of the pads I had been wrapped with so be aware of using extra padding under you that is waterproof. I could not get out of the garment alone so you will need help from someone on a daily basis for the first week or so. I could not get in and out of our bed that is high off the ground so I needed help with that too. It was difficult to sit down on the toilet so I would advise anyone to get something to help with that for a day or two after the procedure if you are doing the areas I did.
Things to have ahead of time are extra pads (menstrual pads work great), extra body tape or wrap to keep the pads on your body, lots of bottled water within reach and Tylenol. I used arnica montana pellets in addition to the gel supplied by the dr. I also used Pain X (Biogenesis) and after my shower on my body where treated I used essential oil of organic lavender and helichrysum (helps with bruising, burning, etc.). (Please talk to a qualified aromatherapist).
Today I'm feeling better but cannot go back to work yet. It's difficult for me to bend down or sit for long periods of time and I am still sore when I walk. It's nice to look down and not see that large belly sticking out. I would only advise someone to do this procedure as a last resort after you have tried everything else (diet and exercise) as it is not an easy procedure and it is expensive. I will update more as time goes on and download photos.
Updated on Dec 29, 2008:
There needs to be a "Not sure" if it was worth it category until after you heal! Had Smart Lipo on Oct. 27; so today is day 4 after procedure; had my upper & lower abs and inner thighs done. I did it because I have a thyroid condition that has kept me from losing weight and I kept gaining weight in my stomach and inner thighs. I was uncomfortable performing any of the activities I used to enjoy like yoga and various other activities. I was working out 3-5 miles on a treadmill 3-5 times most weeks but that didn't help my problem areas. I was so uncomfortable so my reasons were more for comfort rather than looking good although I will now enjoy the benefits of both.
Nov 1, 2008Comments and replies (17)
45 posts
2 Nov 2008
Hi MariHouston - Hope you are beginning to feel better with each day that goes by. I had this doctor do a full thigh job and my upper arms the first week of July. Thighs are a bear, but hang in there. I really does get better with time. Take care and feel free to contact me if you have any questions with respect to the healing process.
12 posts
3 Nov 2008
Thanks that is so nice of you. I'm actually doing better than I expected. It was reading about your (and one other person's) experience that gave me the courage to just do it and the reason I looked into your doctor.
45 posts
4 Nov 2008
I have to say that I was a little skeptical about the whole thigh procedure, but really liked this doctor the first time I met her. I was miserable for the first few weeks post op, and while I am apx. 20 lbs. lighter and look much better in jeans than I have in years, I'm still hoping for more skin tightening and a better "end" result. She has been just great about doing what she can to make sure I get as close to my desired end result as possible, and I am grateful to she and her staff for their continued kindness and concern. Keep smiling :)
2 posts
5 Nov 2008
Hi I had smart lipo done last week and i look worse than i did befor i am still swollen and bruised..i dont know what to do they said it would be a dress smaller right after ya right..is this normal? and the procedure took four hours
45 posts
6 Nov 2008
Don't know what you had done, but my full thigh job took 8 hours. Looked like the Michelin Man for days post-op. Hang in there - everyone reacts differently. I'm now 4 mos post-op, both a full thigh job and upper arms and things are lookin' good. Lost over 20 lbs, skin is tightening up and bruising gone. Still a little discoloration and numbness on thighs and under side of upper arms, but on the whole I'm pretty happy. Friends all say I look great, and jeans do look much better than they have in years. Don't give up hope, massage treated areas and workout out all you can.
1 post
13 Nov 2008
I am happy to hear your procedure so far turned out positive. I recently was diagnosed with Thyroids problem like two weeks ago and prior to that could not understand the 20 pounds shift in my weight, In the same area stomach and inner thighs I am a very tall, narrow shaped person and have been fairly thin my whole life…. Actually, I gave birth at this current weight, and I do understand when you said, “u was uncomfortable performing any activities” That’s what made me go to the doctor in the first place, if your body is not use to having that kind of weight on it everything begins to hurt..Lol…The past 3 months, I have been researching smartlipo, and with my doctors clearance I will consider. .Best wishes
12 posts
14 Nov 2008
Hi Reneesthighs! Just want you to know that it takes a very long while to heal and I'm not 100% satisfied yet. I was told to have patience and give it 4-6 months or longer; I will post more as I heal. My followup with my doctor who performed the procedure is in December and it's my understanding I will then receive some massages that will help firm the bumpy lumpy skin (and I hope so). Even carrying that extra weight my skin (and fat) was very pretty & smooth (if you can imagine that). I'm now up to walking 3-5 miles 4-6 times a week again and when able I'm going to incorporate weight training to firm up more. While I am more flexible every day, it still feels as if my skin could tear. I am using some very good lotions, oils and essential oils to help with the dry skin and detoxing and drinking all that water. While others have posted about the long healing process, I think I was in denial. Just know if you do the inner thighs it will be a while before you can wear shorts or a swim suit. Going on week 3 and I still look as if my stomach & thighs have been in a wreck. Was told that I have to wear that garment for 4 weeks and it's tight & uncomfortable. I did not lose that much weight with the procedure; my stomach is not completely flat (yet) and my inner thighs are still swollen. With that said (wanted to give you the cons) I still believe when I'm healed I will be happy because like you it's just not comfortable having a big belly or thighs that rub together when you walk and even swollen my clothes fit better than before.
45 posts
14 Nov 2008
Hi MariHouston! Just checking in with an update for you. I'm now 4 1/2 mos post op on my full thigh job. Since Dr. Marino wasn't totally happy with my results at this stage (and neither was I) she set me up with a series of LipoEx treatments. After the 4th one yesterday I'm finally seeing more positive results. Don't loose hope, thighs are the toughest area to do and to recover from. At 3 weeks I was still really swollen and felt like the skin on the front of my thighs was going to split open. Likely you'll begin to feel the nerves healing shortly, and that's no picnic either, but you'll get through it, so hang tight!
12 posts
16 Nov 2008
thanks so much; it helps to know someone else who has gone through it. feeling better since reading about your journey. I've been applying a very good lotion for sunburns and that is helping so much the last few days. still taking the natural supplement Pain X and that turns off any of the strange sensations. good to know that our dr. is working with you. my followup appt. with her is in December. thanks again for your support.
4 posts
28 Dec 2008
I live in Tomball Texas and I'm thinking about having vaser liposuction. How was your Dr. and are you happy with your results??