Adam Lokeh, MD

The cosmetic and functional results of the ThermiVa are quite impressive.  Our patients have been universally happy with the change in their appearance after three treatments.  I would emphasize that a proper exam and discussion of expectations is critical.  Find an experienced physician to have a detailed discussion of the technology and their results with ThermiVa.  Good luck!

That is definitely not the normal experience.  I have had some patients describe some discomfort during the procedure, but we then tailor the procedure to their comfort level.  Every patient is different.  It is important to have a physician who listens to you and is actively involved in your evaluation and treatment.  I'm so sorry you had a bad experience with the treatment.  We have been very excited by the results and patient satisfaction with our ThermiVa.

You are definitely a great candidate.  The advice to make sure you've had a proper exam and pap/hpv testing is right on.  I have had patients with a tremendous response after one treatment with ThermiVa but you are really not taking full advantage and I universally ask that my patients get a full course of three treatments.  It is the kind of therapy that has an additive effect and you want to maximize the results by following through with all three.  

Without an examination obviously it's more difficult to be definitive.  In my experience, patients have a spectrum of post-operative discomfort after panniculectomy.  While you didn't have any "muscle work" done as part of a simple panniculectomy, the discomfort can be surprising and last longer for some people.  You've had two procedures in the same areas back to back so I wouldn't be surprised if you were more sensitive and tender than anticipated.  That being said, it is certainly worth consulting your surgeon.  There is a lot of scarring and healing that happen in the first 3 months after the surgery and then a process of maturation of the scar tissue so I would go straight to worrying at this point assuming you've recently had an exam by your surgeon.  If you haven't I'd get in to see them.  Hope that helps.

I'm sorry you had the hematoma develop.  That is a risk when tightening the abdominal wall.  Based on the CT scan, there is still a considerable amount of related swelling and I think compression garments and massage will help certainly.  It can take a considerable amount of time for the after effects of the hematoma to resolve so don't lose hope. It will likely get better with time.