I have been thinking and researching Smart Lipo for about a year. I had consults with several doctors and decided on Dr. Chike-obe as I really liked his results with sculpting. The process from consult to post op was awesome. All the staff was friendly, informative and really made me feel cared for.
Procedures:
Smart Lipo - upper/ lower abdomen, waist/flanks, bra back, lateral sides and auxilary fold.
Fat transfer to hip dips.
Total time: 5.5 hours
The day of the procedure I was a lot less nervous than I thought I was going to be. I attribute that to the staff making me feel so prepared and the adavan didn’t hurt either.
Once they got the IV going the nurses started on the tumescent fluid filling. I had my eyes covered so couldn’t tell why they were doing, but I didn’t find that part too uncomfortable. On the whole I didn’t experience much pain throughout the majority of the procedure. There were some weird sensations but they made me really comfortable and I was able to chat. Towards the end of the procedure things got a bit more ouchy. I’m not going to lie, the auxilary folds were really painful, but the nurses were so sweet and held my hand and pet my face.
The fat transfer to the hips was pretty uncomfortable as the skin stretched to make room for the new fat.
After everything was finished, they got me wrapped up and dressed very quickly and wheeled me to my moms car with a care package (extra pads, animal crackers, water).
I was really out of it afterwards and super high. I got home about 8pm and are a bit of soup. I felt pretty nauseous after eating, but didn’t throw up. I took a promethazine and crashed out hard.
The next morning was really rough. Difficult to to get out of bed on my own. The fat transfer was the worst part. It was very painful to the touch and burning sensation. I got up and out of the house for my 1 day check up. Once I was up and moving it was better, it’s the getting up and laying down that’s rough.
As I’m writing this I’m two days post-op and today was a lot better. Took my second shower and removed the foam that was stuck to my belly which sucked, but I was able to walk around a lot easier and even was able to sit at my craft desk and work on a project for a bit.
My skin is numb to the touch and feels weird.
Once I got the foam off my belly looks a bit bumpy and uneven, I’m hoping that’s just the healing and everything will tighten back up.
I’ll post pics tomorrow, I couldn’t focus to take any while I was out of my garments today. But I can definitely tell I look smaller and have more hour glass shape than before.
Updated on 3 Nov 2019:
This morning was pretty rough. I’m always stiff when I wake up, but unfortunately I had the extra fun of a migraine as well as recovery. I’m finding as the day wears on if I can push through and make myself walk around a bit instead of laying in bed, it’s much better. I still can’t feel my skin, it’s a very odd sensation and I swapped out the foam they stuck to me for the suggested abdomen board and it is not nearly as comfortable.
My hips where they put the fat are MUCH better today, hardly any pain and it just feels a little tight.
Updated on 3 Nov 2019:
I was finally able to get some post op pics. I have some bruising around the hips and arm pits, but I can already see my new shape coming through. Just gotta get through the next few weeks/months of swelling.
Updated on 10 Nov 2019:
Had my week check up the other day and they said everything is healing up well. All my incisions are pretty much all closed up and healed. I’m pretty swollen, but if these are my results with swelling, I’m thrilled to see it get even better. I’ve been taking Lymph Stim herbal stuff (which tastes horrible). And arnica tablets. Which seems to be helping keep the swelling down. I’ve started today doing dry brushing as well. One more week and I’ll start lymphatic massage.
I’m still fairly sore and tight feeling. And the skin feels very tingly. When I get a good long walk in, I have this weird hot tingle sensation that is less than pleasant. My hips where the fat transfer went in are pretty much pain free at this point d the bruising has faded. It’s a little hard, but softening every day.
Updated on 19 Nov 2019:
I’ve finally got sensation back in my skin on my trunk. Pain has gone drastically, but I’m feeling very tight and swollen. Started doing stretches and scar treatment. The incisions have all healed very nicely and I can’t see most of the spots. I’ve got some mottling on my skin where it looks lumpy but they said that would smooth out with time.
I can definitely tell my hips aren’t as full, but I hope it sticks where it is now or else it would not even be noticible or worth the 3k to add that part in.
I have a check-up schedule for Friday so will ask about that