Wish I did this sooner! I was very nervous about the procedure. But the nurses and docs at Finesse are total pros and know exactly what they're doing. It turned out great. I'm only 3 days in so I've got a way to go but already loving it. So happy to have that miserable muffin top gone!!
Updated on 3 Jul 2021:
Days 3-6 were peek swelling, and even with that it wasn't so bad. It just felt tighter or poofier under the compression garment. Hard to describe. Now on Day 11, the swelling has subsided substantially so I have to continually adjust the compression garment so it won't wrinkle and pinch. The compression garment is supper annoying but necessary for support. Yellowish bruising is still apparent. In a few areas, there is numbness, tenderness and some lumpiness - all very subtle. It sounds worse than it really is (in my case) and I'm told all will subside over time and with help from the deep tissue massages that come starting week 3. I'll send more pics later today. Thank you all for you comments! It's been a great relief to have this community to share.
Updated on 3 Jul 2021:
Here are photos from Day 11 - when I compare the before photos to these I feel emotional. Just so happy that old belly is gone! The compression garment has zippers and eye hooks on both sides. It's annoying but it works for support.
Updated on 4 Jul 2021:
Just a little advice if you're researching or have already decided to have the procedure. Some things that I found helpful ...
- First, of course, take your time to research - use sights like realself and get references from friends. Learn about the most recent technology and what would suit your needs best. Look at the docs before and afters and talk to some former patients if you can.
- Once you've decided to do it, get yourself set up at home. Set up your nightstand or a tray stand with all the stuff you will need - tissue, water, meds, crackers, puppy pads, a small wastebasket next to the bed. Your computer, phone and chargers, tv remotes, books.
-Have the maxi pads and mini pads within easy reach where you'll be changing them out. As well as a garbage bag that you can easily dump all the used pads into. (I had the puppy pads under the bed but soon realized it was not easy to get under there to get them. So put the things you'll need UP higher - a countertop or bench or chair - and within reach. Bending over and reach down is not easy to do for the first few days.)
- If you don't already have some, get a couple loose and light weight, black or navy, midi dresses that you can easily slip on and off, and even sleep in. Especially that first week. I went to Marshall's a bought a few shifts for $12.99.
(a quick note on the the puppy pads and maxi pads - they are for the water that leaks out after the procedure. The puppy pads were sufficient for my case. Some recommend sheet protectors. It's up to you.)
That's all I can think of now ...
If you have any questions let me know ...
Updated on 7 Jul 2021:
Feeling great. Every thing is looking as it should. I'm feeling much more energetic than I used to. It must be the extra fat is gone and not weighing me down. I've been walking five miles a day for the past 3 days. I'm determined to keep the weight off. I have one biggish lump on my right flank, and still swollen there too. But I'm not worried about it. It's going to take some time for it all to even out. I'm very happy with the results. I'm going to post again around the one month mark and then the final results around the three month mark.
Updated on 23 Jul 2021:
All's well ... I don't wear the compression garment or the shaper anymore. I had the first of 3 massages with Velashape. I didn't like it. It's uncomfortable because it sucks up the treated area and smooshes it. It breaks up and smooths out any tissue that's forming into lumps and tightens the skin. So I'll continue with it. But my tummy is still a strange combination of numbness and tenderness and the Velashape caused a little swelling, which is normal. Just when it seemed like it was all going down.I have a couple very small lumps in lower tummy, which will resolve with time. I'm very happy with the results. I'll post more in 3 months.
Updated on 2 Oct 2021:
Feeling great. So so happy I had it done. My muffin top is gone for good. What a drag that tummy was to lug around! What a difference it makes in my everyday life to have it gone. My clothes fit beautifully. When I sit my tummy isn't squishing and rolling out and making it hard to breath. I have more energy, more confidence, and feel so much happier in general. I went into the procedure weighing 157 and now weigh 140. It's the best thing I could have done for myself. My husband said it looks amazing too. And he notices I'm much happier without all that fat and bloat around my middle. Here are the last of my photos. If you decide to do it I wish you the very best!!
Updated on 2 Oct 2021:
I can never tell if my reviews are being posted so sorry if you're reading this twice. I've posted my 3 month pics. I'm feeling great. I'm so so happy that I had this done. The muffin top is not only gone so I look great and feel great in my clothes, but I feel lighter, happier and more confident and I have more energy. I truly believe all that lugging around all that fat and bloat was taking up a lot of energy and wearing me down. Smart Lipo was the right decision for me. I highly recommend to anyone thinking about it. All the best!!