I’ve always been very fit and healthy. However, due to my genetics, I could have abs and then look overweight from the back. I have had love handles for as long as I can remember. No one would believe me about how bad they were. I was just really good at hiding them. Anyway, fast forward to 2018-2019, I’m now 30 years old and had a baby. I gained over 50 pounds while pregnant and my love handles were out of control. I lost all the baby weight, but the love handles stuck around — even worse.
I was in a hurry the day of surgery, so I didn’t get a day or before surgery, but I do have a picture from a few weeks before. I was a tad bigger in the pictures than the day of the surgery. Regardless, you’ll get the idea!
I love that Dr. Calkin uses local anesthetic instead of general. That way she can ask you to move and shift to ensure she gets every area needed. And, while sore, you leave still feeling like yourself instead of groggy and out of it. I don’t know for sure, but maybe your body heals faster without having to go under general anesthetic.
Dr. Calkin explains what is going to happen and what is happening during the entire process. Her demeanor is calm and relaxed, which makes you feel relaxed as well. They do prescribe a relaxant to help if you’re feel anxious, which I did take. Dr. Calkin staff is also extremely friendly and caring. They make sure that you’re well taken care of before, during, and post surgery.
I went back the day after the surgery and received a z-wave treatment to help blast any remaining fat and to help soften the treated areas. I have gone back for 2 more z-wave treatments that helped with some of my areas that felt a little stiff.
I was advised at my 1 month post op, my surgical incision scars will be treated via laser. I wasn’t aware this was included prior, but even if it wasn’t, I would still be thrilled with my results.
I’m two weeks post op and beyond thrilled with my results thus far. I finally feel like I have a shape that I’m confident of regardless of what I’m wearing. My underwear, my jeans, my skirts, dresses, everything fits so much better. I finally feel like I have my little waist that goes into hips instead of little waist - love handles - then hips. No more donut at the top of my jeans!
If you are hesitant about lipo for a problem area, just go for it. You won’t regret it.
Updated on 8 Sep 2019:
I’ve still had some issues with my left side having a weird swelling line. We think it may have been caused by my garment and who I sat/slept. Anywho, I’ve been getting zwave treatments and I saw my massage therapist again. She worked the area and used wooden tools to breakup the swelling. She said she was going light, but it freakingggg hurt!! She said she could have gotten all of it in one sitting... but that I’d hate her afterwards. So I made another appointment for this coming week.
Updated on 14 Sep 2019:
I’ve lost 4.5in on my love handles and 1inch on my waist. We didn’t do too much to my waist and upper back, but still... an inch! I’ll take it. And, I was told I’ll likely lose .5-1in more. That information came from my massage therapist, not my doctor though. And, I had another massage treatment to breakup the hard spot on my left. Hurts soooo much when she uses the wooden tools to break it up, but makes a world of difference for the hardness and swelling. If you haven’t planned on going to someone for a drainage massage, you should!!
Updated on 21 Oct 2019:
Just posting another update! And, wanted to share the info for my message therapist that broke up the hard spots on my side. She totally helped balance it out.
My left side (my left/ right side in the picture) still a little higher, but I believe that is due to my shape. I was much bigger on that side prior and from weight training for years before, I may have gained muscle off balance.
Jungle & Grace 1029 H St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Updated on 17 Dec 2019:
Just wanted to show another post op picture. 4 months post op — I’m actually a few pounds heavier since I was sick for about a month and eating poorly! But you can see my sides have come in even further. I’m about 136 pounds right now.
Updated on 17 Dec 2019:
Helps seeing the comparison! Left is my before and right is my 4 months post op. And I’ve even gained a couple of pounds. Eeek!! I can’t believe I waited so long for this surgery. If you’re having doubts, look at this picture. Lol