chrysalis13

{Editor note - we posted this above in the area for provider information. Thank you}

Ask your doctor, and if they don't offer it call around to the med spas. This is not performed with hands - it is performed with ultrasound equipment and a big powerful massager. The ultrasound warms up the dermis (though you can't feel it happening) and then they run this massage head down each area over and over again. It isn't pleasant when the areas are already sore but it's bearable to a point, and really did help me a lot.

It was more of an ordeal than I had hoped but still definitely completely worth the money, the healing time, the initial discomfort. I think how misled you are depends on what doctor you talk to. The first place (a med-spa in a shopping center) I talked to made it sound like a walk in the park, and wanted to schedule my two surgeries four days apart! They made it sound like no big deal. But when they said they have a "crash cart" just in case, I was done! I went to a real doctor in a hospital building, where I could be truly cared for if anything went wrong. They were much more realistic with me about results and expectations, and believe it or not, a little less expensive too. I definitely agree everyone should have at LEAST two consultations before doing it. I have not had those problems, though the swelling may outwardly look like bloating. I am 2.5 weeks post-ab surgery, and have started measuring...my waist can vary by 2-3 inches depending on the day. (Today's a good day, my hips are three inches smaller than before!) It's kind of crazy but I understand the swelling could continue for three months, so I'm just rolling with it.

So then was it still not worth it? I think 2 days post-op is too soon to judge. I am about 7 weeks past my back/arms/flanks and 2 weeks past my upper/lower abs and lateral sides (and flanks touch-up). I have been wearing compression for all this time (though I stopped wearing the arm bolero about week four). Yes, it is annoying, especially as I do not have a long body so sitting in the ab binder makes it bunch. But I feel so much more comfortable and when I don't wear it the swelling is more pronounced. I made the investment to order a Design Veronique compression bodysuit and also some garments from Macy's, to compress when I don't feel like wearing the binder. It's tough to hide under some clothing! I am very happy with my results overall though my arms aren't as reduced as I'd hoped. Over time I am noticing gradual improvement in the swelling...the flanks and upper abs seem to be the worst area for this on me.

Yep, everyone wants you to think this is no big deal...and most of the initial reviews (pre-April) reinforced that. But it is surgery, and definitely has been a longer recovery time than I expected. I think I have had a good result (arms, back, flanks, full abs) but my arm improvement is a bit underwhelming. The conclusion I have come to regarding smartlipo and thighs is don't do it. Seems like no one is getting a good result.