“Vaser to the Neck and Waist”

At 49 years old I decided to treat myself to fixing a life long battle with love handles and the fat under my chin. I had done a lot of research and visited many doctors in the states.

I decided to go with Vaser because of it being the least traumatic on the body using ultrasonic waves to destroy the fat cells.The only thing that was holding me back at the time was the cost.

My wife is from Colombia and continually pressed me into looking for a surgeon in Medellin Colombia. I was always scared of having any type of medical procedure done outside the U.S. but after seeing the results of the work her sister had done I took the plunge and checked with a few doctors in Colombia. I decided to use the doctor that performed the surgery on my wife's sister. After speaking to him on the phone, (and yes he spoke fluent English), and learning that he was a board certified plastic surgeon I felt comfortable with my decision.

I had intended to have a neck lift and Vaser lipo done to my neck and Vaser to my waist ,lower back, and abdominal. The doctor advised me to have all my tests done before I arrive; blood work, chest x-ray, etc., and expect to stay a minimum of two weeks after the surgery.

I flew in on a Monday and met with the Doctor that same day. After examining me thoroughly he felt that I did not need a neck lift and that Vaser lipo would get the best results. I wanted to have the surgery done the next day but the doctor related that I would have to wait until Friday because my body would have to adjust to the higher altitude of Medellin compared to Florida.

Not knowing what to expect the day of surgery I was pretty nervous. The procedure was done at a local Medellin hospital. I was thoroughly impressed with the facility and it's staff. I received general anesthesia and the procedure was completed without a hitch.

After I awoke from the surgery I felt a burning sensation in my abdominal. An adjustment had to be made in my medication to relieve the pain. It took about one hour before I felt relief. I was released sometime later and stayed at my sister-in-laws home. It wasn't until my body was clear of the anesthesia that I felt a lot better.

I spent the next couple of days hanging out at the house with little pain. Most of my discomfort was from the compression garments I have to wear. One for my neck and the other for my waist, (these items were included in the price of the surgery). After the weekend I was up and about with little pain or discomfort. I then started massage treatments every day for the next two weeks that I was here, ( this to was included in the price of the surgery). The massages were for 30 minutes and I have to tell you the first one was fine but after that they hurt like hell! the rubbing, the pressing and the kneading were taking its toll. I couldn't wait for it to end. But once it did I felt great. I had some minor bruising and inflammation from the surgery but that too subsided with time.

My experience thus far has been very good with only some minor irritants. Just remember that the surgery doesn't come without it's incidentals; compression garments, medication, therapy, meals,taxi cabs to all procedures and the cost of your stay. And I would recommend that you have someone who speaks spanish so you can get around. I don't believe that I could have done any better as far as the doctor, hospital and cost. Its been one week since my surgery so I will keep you posted on my progression.

Updated on Jul 6, 2009:

Well its been 3 months since my surgery and I can tell you that I have made significant progress. the vaser lipo to my neck and abdomen came out well with no more double chin and a flat tummy. My only area of concern were my obliques. My doctor was in the U.S. in June and was kind enough to come to visit me and my wife so he could examine his work. I questioned him about the obliques. He showed me how even though the fat was removed I still had extra skin which gave the appearance that I still had love handles. Maybe I was being too picky because there is a noticable difference there but I was probably expecting a more streamlined look. He has invited me back to Colombia to do whatever touch up's I would like to have done. My wife says I'm crazy for considering it but being the perfectionist I am I may just take him up on his offer. My doctor was top notch. His conservative professionalism shines through!