dlrbayarea

Smart Lipo--2 Weeks Out--So Far So Good, but Painful - San Mateo, CA

I already messaged you privately through RealSelf. You should be able to go into your Inbox on the top of your account and see my message.

I can message you directly :).

Hi Buffnomore, Glad that my message helped a bit. No need to be alarmist at 2-3 weeks out for sure. My PS said that my body would be healing for even up to a year. What we did was very traumatizing, so your body needs to regenerate and heal. Makes sense. I mean, obviously he can't say for sure, and as you have probably seen on the forums, a lot of people have had problems with healing. Plus, even though my PS was great, I don't totally trust any PS 100%. At the same time, I knew the risks of this procedure, and if my results aren't perfect or if I have any latent bumps or scaring, that was the chance I took. But, I am definitely reserving my being upset until more months go by. Are you wearing a compression garment or wraps still? I removed mine yesterday as I think they were contributing to my unevenness--and I feel no different swelling or pain-wise. As for the pain. Yes, I am still uncomfortable and in pain, which is totally normal. In fact, I had a breakdown at my 2 week point and called the office complaining about it. Every day since it has actually gotten better and better. I am sorest in the evening and feel OK after I get up and take a hot shower. Seriously, hot showers seem to really help. I also get more sore at the end of my work day since I am on the computer all of the time. My job is super hectic, as I work at a start-up, and is sometimes a 12-14 hour day including my commute. So my pain is affected by how rigorous my day ends up being. Also, if it is hot, I swell. I'm not a doctor, but what you are experiencing I think is normal, as long as you aren't in deep pain all of the time. Mine certainly waxes and wanes. I stopped taking my pain pills and sleeping pills about 5 nights ago. I was worried about being dependent on the sleeping pills. Sleeping hasn't been easy not taking them, but I am taking some melatonin which seems to help. Hence, why I am up writing you back at 5:30am or whatever. As for the lymphatic massage, this is a must I hear. I had my first appointment last weekend at my 2.5 week mark and it was awesome. I mean, it hurt, but a good hurt. She massaged me for about 1.5 hours. I was in a bit of pain afterwards but it subsided throughout the day and I think helped loads afterwards. Are you willing to travel to SF? I think you are Campbell. The woman's name is Michelle and her practice is EOS Massage. She has weekend and weekday times. She is pricey though, but she does all of my doctors patients and other SF plastic surgeons patients. She is kind of "bay area woo woo", if you know what I mean and has this life coaching thing going, but her hands are amazing. I am actually going to someone else in Oakland for my consistent massages that I have used before for other non-plastic surgeries and is a miracle worker, but that is a bit far for you. I am planning on doing them about 1-2 weeks apart. As for massaging at home, also a must. You gotta just get past the pain and get in there! I actually find that it hurts more when someone brushes up lightly against me than when I actually get in there and start rubbing. Maybe take some pain pills at first if you are having trouble. Or some Ibuprofen. Try to massage the lumpy areas at least once a day. I try to do it for about 30 minutes or more. I also bought a handheld electric massager which helps if you are having trouble touching the bumps--like if they freak you out. Anyways, sorry for the long review, but I hope it helps a bit. I thjnk our cases are the same since we are similar age and size. Obviously our PS was different, but I think if we are experiencing the same thing we are probably OK ;).

Hi there. I am 3 weeks post op for arms, underarm, and back. I am 30, 5'2 and about 115, so similar size. I went to see my dr today for the same issue. As my swelling us going down i am noticing this cellulitiness. I stopped wearing my garment today because i think it could be causing some of the irregularities. And honestly, it seems better already. Anyways, he said everything looked normal and the way the underside of my arms look is part of the healing process. So I am hopeful. Have you gotten a lymphatic massage yet? I got my first last Saturday and am starting a series once every week or two. At home I am massaging everyday with my hands and also an electric massager. It seems like a lot of people have this bumpiness as part of the healing process.

I just got my arms done 3 weeks ago and am starting to see some lumps underneath. Are you seeing the same thing? You said you noticed "knots" and "pulls".