I just had my procedure today (lipo of upper and lower abdomen, flanks, and chin. While I obviously can't see results, the whole experience has been great! Office staff, nurses, and of course Dr Z far exceeded my expectations! I had complete trust in Dr. Z and so excited to see results! I would highly recommend Belted center for Aesthetic Surgery to anyone with no hesitations.
Updated on 19 Jul 2020:
Friday night (night of procedure) and yesterday were absolutely miserable! I couldn't get comfortable due to my abdomen and lower back both hurting. As long as I was still, I was fine. But getting in and out of bed were brutal! I have an adjustable bed, so that helped a lot. I took my last pain pills at 2 this morning (so roughly 36 hours after surgery started).
Today was so much better. I have been up moving around the house much more. Now my stomach and back feels like I had a really tough workout. I'm not draining anymore. I was only able to get 1 "after" photo after my shower. I didn't want to be without my compression garment for too long. I'm still swollen, and it's still sore to touch.
My chin has been the worst! It is so hard to talk and eat with this compression garment on my head. I still haven't taken it off..that's my chore tomorrow.
Updated on 20 Jul 2020:
It took me a while to upload the pictures. The after pic is 2 days after my procedure. My ab area and lower back are still sore but completely manageable I'm not taking anything for pain anymore I'm hoping to be able to take my chin garment off today and get some pictures of it.
Updated on 22 Jul 2020:
Abdominal area: This is still pretty much the same. It's still sore and tender to the touch, but it's not bothersome at all. I'm still swollen, which is to be expected. It seems to the worst at night.
Chin: This area has been more difficult for me even though it's supposed to be the easiest area! I guess it's because I'm used to sore abs from working out, and I've had a few surgeries on my stomach. I've never had anything to my jaw/neck area so maybe it's just more tender? It still hurts to eat, and I have to chew very slowly. The swelling is worse today than it was 2 days ago. My ear and head have been hurting, but that is probably from the compression garment (which is a nightmare!). Yesterday my throat (like inside with tonsils) started getting really sore. I don't know if it's from the trauma so close to it or if im getting a cold (really hope it's not that option!). I can't tell as much of a difference in this area, especially my side profile. My husband said he definitely can though. I feel like my chin area is the area keeping me down! I have no desire to go do anything because every swallow hurts!
Updated on 24 Jul 2020:
It's been officially one week. I'm feeling much like my old self now and actually got dressed and out on makeup. My throat is no longer sore, so I think that was just a side effect of the trauma so close to it (though I didn't read this anyway, so if you get it, it's fine!). Every part is sore to the touch if you push on it, but I'm not in any pain. I'm still sleeping elevated and on my back due to my chin and garment. Now, this is the most difficult part. I'm a side sleeper!
Chin: this was the area that gave me the most trouble. I switched my compression garment 2 days ago, and what a difference it made!!! It offered more support and the extra swelling and extreme tenderness went away by the next day. I'll see if I can post a link to the one I bought. I highly recommend it!
Abdomen and lower back: I just want to say I'm so thrilled with my back view now!! Having the lower back done allowed those bra rolls to fall and go away (like Dr said they would-but I was skeptical!). This has been the least troublesome area. My abdomen has definitely swollen over the past couple of days. I'm not stressing as I know this is all part of the process and it will shrink back down in the next weeks.
Bruising:. I was surprised I didn't bruise more! My chin/neck didn't bruise at all. My ab area has some yellow tinge to it. I only have 1 dark bruise (and I think this is from the closure on the garment-im switching to another one when it arrives), but it's shaped like a heart so I don't mind :)
This was a long update, but I loved reading all the details when I was thinking about having it done. If you are, it is sooo worth it!! I'm a baby when it comes to pain and overthink every little thing! But I have absolutely no regrets!!
Updated on 24 Jul 2020:
Here is the link to the chin garment I switched to that I love:
https://www.amazon.com/Chin-Compression-Garment-Post-Surgery/dp/B00BRV3DO6
I added a photo in case the link because inactive.
My biggest recommendation is to find a surgeon you trust!! I went to 4 different ones until I found Dr Zemplenyi. I had complete confidence in him and his abilities, so I was never stressed about the end result or really worried about complications. I had my procedure late Friday, and he called me that night and on the weekend to check on me. Confidence in your Dr definitely leads to confidence in your recovery.
Updated on 25 Jul 2020:
I've read a lot about the emotions you go through during this process, but I've been pretty even keel and just going with the flow. Until 10 last night. I stood up to go to the bathroom and my upper stomach was REALLY tight. Of course I looked in the mirror, and it was even more swollen. It had like a little shelf. Right under my boobs it was flat and then it just bulged out looking all crazy like a shelf. I laid awake all night stressing! What if i have a build of fluid and have to get it drained? What if my compression garment is too tight? What if it isn't right enough? Why did I even do this to myself? ALL NIGHT LONG! I finally reached a conclusion about the swelling in that area. My compression garment is just a binder right now and I think it's too long for my torso. This makes it bunch up in spots and divot in other spots. I've been sleeping and watching TV in my adjustable bed up pretty high. So I think all the pressure was just getting squeezed there. I also did way too much yesterday. So, today I'm lying down more and in a flatter position. Hopefully this will ease some of that tension in the upper ab area.