I am about 10 days out from getting my upper and lower abs, waist, hips and pubic area done and 4-5 days out from getting my inner thighs and knees done. Bruising and swelling was bad with the tummy area but the thighs for sure have had the worst swelling so far. It is so painful I can't sit or stand. I feel I like I have weights wrapped around my thighs and knees. Bruising is worse behind my knees. I just hoping this is heal fast. Yummy area is doing okay. Still stiff and sore but nothing like my legs. Any advise or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!! Updated on 28 Dec 2016: My thighs are so swollen I want to cry. I can barely walk. They are so big and painful I don't know what to do. I am on Arnica, ibprophrine, and am drinking lots of water. I didn't swell this bad with my total tummy laser liposuction. I realized I am still in the main bit of healing, but I was told 3 days of leaking and I have had 5 days of leaking out of 1/8 incisions and it's still going strong. Updated on 28 Dec 2016: I can't bend my knees and or put any weight on them without wanting to cry! I see the doctor for a follow up on Saturday. Updated on 28 Dec 2016: Updated on 30 Dec 2016: My stomach is still sore but nearly as bad as it used to be and bruises are fading! So thats a plus. My thighs and knees are still giving me issues. I see my doctor tomorrow for a 2 week follow up visit. Hope he can teach me how to message the areas correctly. My stomach areas are tight and hard but I do see progress. I should have said at the beginning why I decided to opt in for Sonobello Laser Liposuction. I have struggled with my weight and health for years. I have had over 30+ surgeries and I am only 27 years old. I broke my back on July 4th right after running a 5K 47 minutes faster than the one I ran 2-3 months before. I March I had my hiatal hernia fixed for the 4th time. I had a hysterectomy about 2-3 years ago due to cysts that caused my ovaries to twist. After that my weight gain got serious. I could look at food and gain weight. I was up to 250 in Jan of this year. But before they could do the hernia surgery I had to loose at least 30 lbs- due to complications that would arise because of my weight. Instead of getting depressed like I usually do, I became determined. I lost the weight with diet and exercise. I have continued my exercise and lost an additional 30 lbs. But because of my stomach issues I have been told not to do core exercises or to lift over 20 lbs the rest of my life. So after much thought and considering a tummy tuck, traditional lipo, coolscuplting, etc. I decided on Laser Lipo. Not only because it can help tighten my sagging skin but to melt the fat away. I have learned that fat stops growing after adolescents. When we get fat, it is our fat cells expanding. Fat holds onto sugar and releases it when it is needed and it also caused inflammation in the body if you have too much. I was diagnosed with severe arthritis, fibromyalsia, and hypoglycemia (my body releases sugar randomly and my organs dont know what to do with it). Since the first procedure I am SURPRISED to say, I am not hurting in my joints as bad as I was and my sugar levels are starting to normalize. (I went from having lows of 30 or below everyday to 74 as my lowest in two weeks.) I am not saying this is a cure, all I am saying it is helping me as far as I can tell. I realize it has only been 1-2 weeks but I am amazed how I feel despite the soreness and swelling from the lipo. They got 3+ liters of fat (they let it separate from the red fluid) from my stomach and I am going to ask for the amount they took out from my legs tomorrow. Updated on 2 Jan 2017: So I saw my doctor on Saturday. He said the swelling will go down and that it is actually looking great despite how it feels. He wants me to up my fluid intake (which I was drinking at least 3-7 liters of water a day). The swelling is slowly subsiding. The bruises are going from a dark purple to a greenish- yellow color which means I am healing. I got the okay to massage the areas that I had lipo on. Doctor suggests the rolling pin (my thought: to roll my "dough" out flat- haha). The nurse suggests using your fingers and palms to get in there deeper (she had it done too). I like the rolling pin for now but I can see what she means by "deeper". The Bumps are hard and painful right now but I know it is worth my time to massage it out. Sore but it seems to be getting better and easier for me to do my daily activities (being a mom, wife and doing my duties at work). It is normal to be craving salt and sugar like crazy?! It is driving me nuts!! I am also wanting to get back into my routine of running a mile or more a day but I am still hesitant. Thoughts? Updated on 2 Jan 2017: After they let the fat and gunk separate they showed me that they got out 2750 mL in the first surgery and then 1350 mL out of my thighs on the second surgery. For a whopping total of 4100 mL!!! That makes me super happy! Updated on 3 Jan 2017: My pre-op measurements were 37 Waist 44 Hips and 26 1/2 on my right Thigh. I am 18 days out from 1st surgery and 11 days out from 2nd surgery. I am the same size today as I was Dec 15, 2016. (the day before my 1st surgery). I am surprisingly okay with that. I know I am still really swollen. I can walk better today than I did yesterday. Bruises on my legs are starting to lighten up and I an able to bend my knees if I am slow and careful. It still hurts to actually kneel and put pressure/weight on them but it is so much better then a few days ago. Pictures to come on Friday (3 week/2 week mark). I am colder now that my fluff is gone and I feel like I am starving, however, I am trying to control my diet. I am super tired and craving salts and sugars. I got the okay to massage my areas- it is painful at first but I love it! I am itchy all over so the rolling pin to massage it out takes care of the itch and bumps at the same time. Two for one! Its like a BOGO deal. haha I am so excited to be able to see the results in the months to come! Updated on 4 Jan 2017: Still swollen and sore but I finally got back on the strider and did a mile in 13 minutes! I know that my sound lame but I could only do a mile in 20 minutes on the treadmill last week because I was so sore. Updated on 6 Jan 2017: Please tell me if you see a difference.... I see a slight difference but I don't know if that's because I want to see results as bad as I do or if I am actually seeing a difference.. what do you think?? Updated on 9 Jan 2017: All the areas that were treated are hard and sore. My skin is so dry it's ridiculous. I got Cocoa Butter and it seems to be helping a little bit. I also am scheduled for a lymphatic massage this Friday. I am so nervous. I have never had a massage... what do I have in store for me during and after the massage? Updated on 9 Jan 2017: I am down 10 lbs!!! No way?! I got back to my hour work out today. Started out with yoga and running a mile. I have been doing a "before bed time workout" routine. (10 squats, 20 crunches, 40 sec plank, 20 legs lifts on each side and 5 pushes then bed) It helps me sleep. Still hurts to do things to fast or bend too far but it was nice to work out for an hour. Updated on 11 Jan 2017: It is Tight in all the right places where as the first one was becoming loose and the zippers wavy and aggravating. Only suggestion is to get it in black not beige. I may have done too much exercise the past three or four days. :( It hurts to stand at first - my lower tummy and thighs are so sore. I get punches in my thighs around my lower inner thigh, around my right side of my belly button and around my upper left abdomen. How much is too much massage (if I do the rolling pin and/or use my fingers)? How much pressure am I supposed to do with the massage? I am nearly 4 weeks out from my tummy lipo and almost 3 weeks out from my thighs and knees. How much is too much exercise right now? I want to get back to what I was doing on a daily basis. (Running a mile, 30 minute Abs and legs and 30 minute arms) Last night I did more than I have since the first surgery. I did around 1 hour of abs, legs and arms- now I am hurting bad. Can I hurt my recovery by doing too much too soon? Updated on 14 Jan 2017: I am so happy I got the massage today! Totally worth it!! I am 4/3 weeks outs from my surgeries and feeling a bit better. I am back to a lot of my routine exercises. Which is nice since it was pulling my hair out getting so bored. My knees are still super sore but getting better. I just hope I keep progressing! Updated on 17 Jan 2017: My massage therapist informed me that if the doctor prescribes lymphatic massage and if my insurance covers massages. Well I called up my doctor and asked if he would prescribe the massage and the receptionists told me no and that if you can do it on your own you dont need a professional but they do suggest lymphatic massage. REALLY? Whatever, I have to pay for my insurance to why not use it? I know, just after one massage, that it is helping so much! So I will pay my massage therapist out of my own pocket. But is seems kind of pointless for a doctor/company I paid over $9,200 for lipo to not even prescribe lymphatic massage when they suggest it. Just confused here???? Anyway, on another note, I am feeling a lot better. I am able to do a mile or more on the rower, arc, strider and treadmill with out too much of an issue with tightness. I am also doing Yoga once to twice a week and my own little routine in the morning and at night. My diet and cravings are a constant nagging problem that I want gone. I have only had two low blood sugars since I did the lipo. When before, I was having low blood sugars almost daily. I am still super tired and I have lumps and knots all over. My lower stomach and pubic area are super hard and sore still; however its like a sheet of a hard lump....does that make sense? I am down from 194 lbs (pre-op) to 184 lbs (post-op) Before measurements waist: 37 hips: 44 right thigh: 26 1/2 Yesterday measurements waist: 35 1/4 hips: 41 1/2 right thigh: 25 1/4 left thigh: 25 Still there are Improvements coming! Excited for the next few months!! Updated on 19 Jan 2017: I am starting swell up again and it's been 5/4 weeks (tomorrow) since my surgeries. Shouldn't the swelling be going away by now? Also, since the surgery on my in ear thighs and knees I have had super bad swelling and I just now noticed that as a result I have veins popping up?! Wth?! Is this normal and will it go away? Updated on 31 Jan 2017: I work at a gym. They have an awesome scale that measures weight, fat %, fat mass, bmi, impedance, etc. Well.. I hooped on and it said I was down to 178??? I got off and recalibrated it. Low and behold.... all the same results!! 178, 34%fat!! I was above 39% fat and over 195lbs before the surgeries. Helps that I am working out too, but damn!! I would have never of thought! Picks to come tonight! Updated on 31 Jan 2017: Updated on 3 Feb 2017: I I thought because I am almost back to my usual workout routine that I could do Sit ups to help with my lower tummy. Bad idea! I did one sit up and my lower stomach felt like my c-section scar (from 3 babies -youngest is almost 5 years old) tore. It didnt but the pain is still lingering really bad! All I want to do is curl up into a ball, cry and sleep. I had the tummy, hips and flank lipo on Dec 16th, 2016. should I still be hurting this bad? I got my inner thighs and knees done a week later on Dec. 23rd, 16. It is so weird to actually so and feel the tendon. lol I guess I did have a lot more fat than I thought I did. My inner tights and knees hurt if I put pressure on them.. but it has gotten better. I see the surgeon in March.. Hopefully I will be able to get my before and after pictures! Updated on 2 Mar 2017: Not seeing much of a difference. However I feel better. There are times where my inner thighes and knees hurt really bad. And sometimes in my back. But it's not too bad now. it's still a process. Updated on 18 Mar 2017: Well it's been three months post my post liposuction section. I'm still in a little bit of pain in my stomach and my right knee where the veins are. There's a lot of scar tissue that's building up. They told me to start massaging even more now. But I am on the right track. I have voiced my concerns, they have written them down, and hopefully I don't have to do this again to fix the stuff that he missed. Here's to fingers crossed. Is there anybody else out there that is still bumpy and hurts to touch around the bellybutton area? My concerns are; the veins around my right knee are still dark like a bruise, I'm really bumpy in my stomach area. I am not symmetrical in my flanks or my thighs. And there is a hard bump in my pubic area at the top. They told me it Is that scar tissue and hopefully it will go away. Updated on 29 Mar 2017: I saw the nurse for the 3 month check up and I showed her all the spots that I was concerned about. She looked and had an excuse for everything. "scar tissue, just massage more." "ummm, not to worry, that veiny patch is just the blood vessels coming back and healing" ''we cant do anything until you hit the 6 month mark"......I came out of the office more concerned then when i went in. So I sent my before picture, a month ago picture (where it was flat flat..good!) and the current picture (which clearly shows lumps, bumps, and uneveness..bad!) to the consultant. She called me and said to set up a Health Check appointment with an "actual" RN and the doctor. K wait....then who checked me?? an aid?? there is a reason why RN's get paid more...they have more schooling and knowledge--in this area anyway. So i have the "Health Check" on April 6th. I feel like they should have an "actual" RN and the doctor peak in on all visits. Is that just me? Updated on 6 Apr 2017: I feel like it was a waste of time and money for me to travel three hours away to go see the doctor today. All he pretty much said was it's guard tissue, the spider veins would have come up in your 50s – So all the surgery did was speed up nature, and "I took out 10 pounds of fat and you were up 9 pounds of what I took out... you need to lose weight." ( he made it sound like it was pure fat that he took out. But I know it was the fluid that's pumped into your body to be able to suck out the fat and the fat.) I never want to eat again! I know there is a difference... I just wanted to know what I could do to help the healing process become smoother.. Updated on 4 May 2017: I am lumpy bumpy. Which I am not happy about. I don't look symmetrical like I thought I would. scars are not getting any smaller. They are getting darker. My weight is fluctuating. I am exercising, but it hurts on my stomach. Updated on 2 Jun 2017: Updated on 30 Jul 2017: 6 months doctor says it's just extra skin and he pretty much washed his hands of me.
I gained almost 100 lbs after the birth of my last child (up to 232), I was exercising to lose weight, but my mid section remained looking as though I hadn't delivered him. I looked into plastic & cosmetic surgery for almost a decade, & finally decided that Sonobello had the best upgraded technology & reputation, so I had my first procedure done. From my first call everyone was helpful, friendly, took all my calls with all my questions (& repeated questions to be sure of things) without hesitation. Amy Curtis is a wonderful addition to the Sonobello experience. She was who I had at my first consultation with, & she answered all my questions & was honest with me about what areas she would recommend getting done & what areas she would NOT recommend getting done, meaning it wasn't just about making more money off of a willing client, but what was best for me, healthiest, & the best outcome. The nurses & staff were all wonderful. Amy & them, responded to my calls quickly always eager to discuss things with me. I've known many women who have had other procedures from other offices over the years, & I was expecting judgment & side glances from picture perfect staff, but not once did anything like this happen. Quite the opposite. Full support. I was also figuring that scheduling any procedure would take 2-3 months to get in, but they told me from the beginning that they can easily fit us in within 2-3 weeks(if not sooner), & that is exactly how fast I was able to schedule once my financing came through. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Dr. Avila from the Utah Sonobello to anyone considering any of these procedures. Keep in mind that my procedure was the most risky & the largest area, & it's been a good experience. I have already scheduled another procedure with him & I'm excited. *** That is another plus. I thought that it was medically unsafe to schedule any surgical procedures within months of each other let alone weeks, & this is not the case. Not only because you are not under anesthesia, but I spoke to another doctor who worked in a trauma unit & he said he has seen people come in getting their ribs cracked open for heart surgeries, one right after the other, day after day to save their lives in extreme circumstances, & seen them walk out 30 days later. Just ONE example. This kind of surgery is not the same so yes, as long as you are in reasonable health, then you can schedule procedures as you can afford them, weeks in between & heal & be just fine. It's been 2 weeks since my procedure on my upper & lower abdomen, & my hips, & I am amazed at how little discomfort I've had. Yes there is some pain & discomfort, to be expected, but the level of it I've had since day one through now, has pleasantly surprised me. Right when I think I might call them the next day, I wake up to a follow up email from Sonobello & Dr. Avila answering exactly what was on my mind lol. I was worried about the size my stomach swelled up to, the hardening, lumps & bumps & if/when they would go away, & everything was addressed right on time, among other things. I was off all pain medication by day 3, & even tried to walk slow on my treadmill by day 5. They suggest that you wear your post op garment straight for the first 48-72 hours & after that you can take it off for up to 12 hours a day, but I tried it to sleep a little more comfortable & found that it was MUCH more comfortable to just keep it on at all times. Now that I am 2 weeks out, I take it off for a few hours at a time & work my lotion into my areas to help the scar tissue bumps & liquid from the surgery start to heal faster. (I use skin tightening Nivea Q-10 just for extra help if you are curious, I use it everywhere including my face.) I was relieved to know that I would not be put under general anesthesia, but localized lidocaine for areas, demerol for pain, zanax for any accompanied anxiety, & phenegren for any nausea attributed to pain medication. I was able to respond the entire surgery. I was even given more medication because of my tolerance to them from having a previous injury, & not only was I able to still respond the entire time (going in & out of a type of rest in between talking to them), but Dr. Avila & I were singing, & had a competition on who could name the 80's song, band, etc. He whooped me 3 songs to every 1 I got BUT it was his I pod, so next procedure we are playing music off the internet so it's an equal match ;). Updated on 1 Oct 2013: Well, the itching has gone away. It lasted for approx. 5 days during week 3 & was a bit more uncomfortable than any other time, but tolerable, & STILL WORTH IT! I actually had my chin & neck done 2 days ago, same doctor (Dr. Avila) & will be posting about that as well soon. This was a much easier procedure & I'm healing even faster. As for going into the 4th week for the original abdominal procedure, almost all of the swelling is gone, it's all flexible but there is still a ways to go to see the final results but it can easily be hidden with a "mommy onesie" for a while until the skin begins to tighten.
Hello, I'm desperately wanting smart lipo done on my arms. I was blessed with a small waist, midsection but Large arms run in my family, on my moms side, we have these fat elbows that I hate!! ever since I gave birth to my kids (youngest is 13) I've been extremely self conscious of my fat arms. I have to buy larger size jackets, tops to accommodate my arms and later have the waist altered snakler because it's too big! And I Will not wear sleeveless tops or anything under a 1/4 length sleeve because I'm too embarrassed to show my arms!! :'( The one thing holding me back from Smart lipo is I'm really nervous because I've read negative reviews from people in other states...the arms turn out really saggy, lumpy, bumpy, a lot of burning, regret etc etc. I went to a consultation at Sono bello here in Utah and I felt like the "sales lady" was like a car dealer. She said my arms would be fine, they wouldn't sag and they could get 70% of the fat. I wanted to see pictures of actual Utah patients but they only have pictures of patients from their other facilities around the country! :-/ Why?? I want this procedure so bad but I'm very apprehensive. Is there any one who has had experience with Sono Bello here in Utah? Updated on 28 Jun 2016: I have large upper arms due to genetics. Thanks mom! I literally hide them even during summer months. right now it's in the 90's-100's and I still wear cardi's, boleros, cropped denim jackets etc. I will not wear sleeveless or anything shorter than 3/4 length sleeve shirts. I have to alter my jackets or tops in the waist because I have to buy Larger sizes to accommodate my arms. I'm hoping to have this procedure done very soon and I think I'm close to picking my doctor but I want to make one last consultation with him before i make my final decision. Its been difficult to find pics, reviews of others who have had the arm area done because it's not as common as stomach, thighs, flanks etc. I'm excited to think Theres a possibility I may finally feel free to wear whatever I Wsnt and on the other hand I'm scared that the doctor won't take out enough fat or that I'll be botched with lumpy, loose wrinkled skin! Fingers crossed! Updated on 8 Jul 2016: I was cursed with large upper arms from my mothers side. We have these huge arms and fat above our elbows. My arms don't match my body. I have curvy figure but my arms make me appear fat. I do everything to hide them, cropped cardi's, Bolero jackets, shrugs, every type of denim jackets, nothing shorter than 1/4 length sleeves shirts, even in summer time! here in Utah it gets upto 100+ degrees.I have been procrastinating because I'm scared I won't get the result I'm looking for. I'm a perfectionist and I wont be happy with so so. I've consulted with different dr.s and I think I have narrowed my decision down to Dr. Joseph Jensen. I've had two consultations with him so far. He's honest, caring and confident in his abilities. He made me feel very comfortable. He took time to talk to my Husband and I, I never felt rushed Even though I was late to my appt. I always left his office feeling positive. He said he believes I will have a great result. I hope this is true! Fingers crossed! I'm going next week to put deposit and schedule my surgery.One thing I didn't like is, they want me to buy two compression garments from their office at $150 each but I don't really like them. While Online I seen another lipo arm sleeve garment at lipogarments.com that I like way better. This particular garment has adjustment on sleeves to tighten or loosen to your arms as they swell or go down and you can wear your own bra underneath. Plus, it's way less, only $48 each. I wonder if It is an absolute requirement to purchase from the office? The office lady seemed to be pushing it on me. I told her I seen another I like better and she said I would need to call "this number" to see what they say about that And she handed me their CG brochure. Updated on 13 Jul 2016: I was cursed with large upper arms from my mothers side. We have these huge arms and fat above our elbows. My arms don't match my body. I have curvy figure but my arms make me appear fat. I do everything to hide them, cropped cardi's, Bolero jackets, shrugs, every type of denim jackets, nothing shorter than 1/4 length sleeves shirts, even in summer time! here in Utah it gets upto 100+ degrees. I have been procrastinating because I'm scared I won't get the result I'm looking for. I'm a perfectionist and I wont be happy with so so. I've consulted with different dr.s and I think I have narrowed my decision down to Dr. Joseph Jensen. I've had two consultations with him so far. He's honest, caring and confident in his abilities. He made me feel very comfortable. He took time to talk to my Husband and I, I never felt rushed Even though I was late to my appt. I always left his office feeling positive. He said he believes I will have a great result. I hope this is true! Fingers crossed! I'm going next week to put deposit and schedule my surgery. One thing I didn't like is, they want me to buy two compression garments from their office at $150 each but I don't really like them. While Online I seen another lipo arm sleeve garment at lipogarments com that I like way better. This particular garment has adjustment on sleeves to tighten or loosen to your arms as they swell or go down and you can wear your own bra underneath. Plus, it's way less, only $48 each. I wonder if It is an absolute requirement to purchase from the office? The office lady seemed to be pushing it on me. I told her I seen another I like better and she said I would need to call "this number" to see what they say about that And she handed me their CG brochure. Updated on 27 Feb 2020: I had Smart Lipo to my Arms on January 12, 2020. I traveled all the way from Utah to Los Angeles. I've been researching for a few years and decided to go to dr. El Asmer because I have seen good results from someone I know. This person had immediate and noticeable results right out of surgery. She said she believed the Key was due to the doctor lásering her arms ‘Twice’ since he thought they looked saggy after he Lipoed. She was very happy with his decision so I thought that would help so much with my own arm issues. My arms are quite large (no stretch marks) and I also have fatty area on my elbows. I talked to the doctor about my concerns particularly the Elbow area and I remember during surgery he did mention he’ll Lipo it since it bothered me. My right arm circumference was 14” and left 13.5” as of today, they've only gone down about an inch and not to mention, my Right Arm is still larger than my Left. :/. From the beginning I’ve had No swelling, very little bruising, no pain, no Drainage of anestesia, No lumps or bumps. I’ve wondered if maybe the doctor was not aggressive enough? No pain ? No gain? He lipoed about 700 cc’s of fat. During surgery, I kept thinking, no! Suck more fat! Lol I was fully aware and awake during my procedure. Dr. El Asmer was very nice and personable. He chatted with me throughout and He made sure I was comfortable and not in pain. I’m currently almost 5 weeks post op and see very little difference. I still have Fat arms and Elbows and they are Saggy. I've drank Arnica tea, I wear my arm compressions 24/7 since I had surgery. I take vitamin c, collagen, vitamin E and do cavitation, RF therapy. They say results can take up to 6 months to a year but i honestly don’t think they’ll get any better. I’ll continue to wear my arm compression for a while and try to remain optimistic but as of right now, I’m disappointed and discouraged. I feel it was a waste of Time and Money. I wish I could say This procedure has been life changing for me but unfortunately so far it’s not. I feel bad because he was really nice but he just hasn’t met my expectations. So I wouldn’t recommend Smart Lipo from dr El Asmer for anyone looking for noticeable or exceptional Lipo results. *** If I see any positive improvement in the next few months I’ll definitely update my review.Thank you for sharing your experience, the results speak for themselves!