“Very happy with my smart lipo!”

I've read this forum leading up to my smart lipo procedure to get some idea of what level of discomfort I might experience during my procedure, as well as what my recovery might be like.

I had my smart lipo procedure on May 7th,2009. I'm 5'2, 132lbs. I am an active mother, but maintain no certain workout routine. I had smartlipo of my upper/lower abs, flanks and the area just under the bra.

Pre-surgery I took a lorazapam to relax me. Eveything I needed to wear during my procedure was provided for me, including slip-resistant socks and a spa robe. I was able to wear my ipod which I had loaded up with my favorite relaxing music.

During the surgery I experienced the most discomfort with the administration of the tumescent fluid, it was quite uncomfortable. During the laser portion, there was very little discomfort. During the suction portion, the level of pain was higher, depending on the angle of the canula. There were times when I felt my muscles were jabbed. Fortunately awake surgery allows you to communicate these things to the doctor. He paid attention to my facial expressions and any tenseness of my body, at one point adding additional local anesthetic to one area. All I could think about at the time was that this was a means to an end, and end to my problem areas. My sites were done one by one, The abs were first, and then each of the sides were done. My flanks were the most painfull during the suction, it being the most agressive step.

I thought the staff were awesome, keeping me very relaxed and comfortable in a spa atmosphere. My doctor had excellent bedside manor assuring me of how fabulous I would look post-surgery. He even helped dress me in my compression garment afterward. We also discussed a regimen for treatment of other areas of my body with supplements and a diet plan to enhance my results.

On day two a different Dr. changed my dressings and gave me a pain prescription. She was great, being carefull of my tender incision sites.

I am in day three of my recovery. The draining lasted only one day. I felt like I'd done like a million sit-ups the morning following my procedure. It was hard to walk upright as the garment/skin was very tight and swollen. My body had to warm up each time I started to walk and eventually was able to staighten up. You don't realize how many things you use your core muscles for! I'm a salon owner/hairdresser. I went to work to do just one client the day after my surgery. I wasn't ready! Shampooing the client was very uncomfortable. Saturday I worked half a day using an assistant and did very well, thanks to a Percocet. The whole tylenol thing is bull-hockey! I noticed a bit of extra swelling after working. I took my two-day post-op pics after working, so there is a bit of swelling apparent in the front. I also suggest BenGay under the garment for muscle soreness, ahhhhhh! I greased myself up! Wearing the garment is also a pain in the butt.It's hard to get comfy while sleeping.I'm over it already, but I'm very happy with my results thus far. I will post more progression photos as I take them.

They also does Triacive and/or ultasound following your procedure for optimal healing. I have my first treatment on Tuesday, five days post-op.

Good luck to anyone who's considering the procedures.

Updated on May 11, 2009:

Now it's May 11th,2009. I'm on day four of my recovery. I ran around doing errands today. After a while I got uncomfortable in the lower ab area, so i took a percocet and 30 min later, my shopping trip resumed it's pleasantness. I'm sick of wearing the garment. I cut into the top portion of it, as it was too long for my short torso. I have enclosed two new pics of myself wearing a guess dress i purchased at Goodwill for $7 months ago hoping I would be able to wear it one day...Today is the day! i have my compression garment underneath. I'm lovin' my new curves! 

Updated on May 18, 2009:

Updated on May 26, 2009:

Updated on Jun 15, 2009:

2 days post-op

pre-op

pre-op (larger on left side)

markings are nearly gone

no bruising so far, excuse my ashy butt!

4 days post-op

still swollen in front, flanks lookin marvelous

11 days post op

scar below my left breast (center of photo)19 days post-op, barely visable

scar above my left thigh (center of photo) 19 days post-op

June 4, 2009. 1 month post-op

6/4/2009