Steven A. Schlosser M.D.

The lower abdomen seems to take the longest for swelling to improve. Whereas the thighs and flanks improve greatly by the 2 week mark, it's been my experience that the abdominal swelling takes 4-6 weeks to improve and sometimes up to 3-4 months. I send all of my abdomen (and inner thigh and arm patients) for lymphatic massage at week one and week two. It is very gentle and opens up the lyphatic system which gets blocked in these areas leading to a faster recovery. Be sure you find someone who is certified in this treatment, as most massage therapists are not. Mine was trained in Europe and patients love the touch and the experience. Good luck. It will improve gradually over time, and hopefully you'll be pleased with the end result.

What the previous doctor is missing is that the "breakthrough" aspect of the Laser modality is the ability of well trained surgeons to use it in the "superficial fat" for the first time. For years, Plastic Surgeons have called this "superficial fat" the sacred centimeter, ie don't touch it... or you get poor skin healing, lumpiness, and irregularities post lipo. Here's what is NEW: The tiny laser fiber used in Smart Lipo is used quite aggressively directly in this area for the following reason : Fat cells are the most fragile and pop open quickly when they come in contact with the laser light. However, the firmer underlying structures here like nerves, connective tissue, ansd blood vessels are left pretty much intact...therefore a smooth sculpted contour results. *I often remove nearly as much fat superficially as I do in the deeper areas. THIS IS THE BREAKTHROUGH and that's why it's here to stay. Smart Lipo laser is not only effective at sculpting these areas beautifully, providing improved contours, but it promotes faster healing as well. There will certainly be future improvements and upgrades of course, but this current incantation is superb ! As for your question re: MPX v.SL, I would say that the SL yag works fine in all areas, but may take a bit longer. The MPX is hotter, faster, and definitely provides better skin tighening (important in arms, abdomens and inner thighs mostly) than SL.

Saddle bags or outer thighs tend to improve quickly so I hope you are beginning to see some results, and change in leg contour. The maximum Smart Lipo healing is generally seen at about 4 months  post procedure, and you can see results improve until then. Skin tightening and return of normal skin sensations can take 4-6 months. If you are not happy with your final result at 6 months, speak to your doctor and ask him to touch up the area for you. Most will do this at no charge. For now, be patient as it's still early. There is still plenty of time for swelling to diminsh and improvement.