SmartLipo of Abdomen, Back and Arms

During the summer of 2010 I chose to have liposuction of my abdomen, back, and arms. I had lost weight and exercised, but had been disappointed that my silohuette hadn't changed despite these efforts. I wanted the outside of my body to better reflect how I felt inside. I wasn't trying to become "model thin" but just a better version of myself.

The pros of liposuction include: it didn't require general anesthesia, I was overall comfortable during the procedure with oral meds and local anesthetic, the down time after is minimal, and the areas to be worked on are very specific and customized to my goals.

The SmartLipo procedure includes a laser to help with skin tightening. I had been concerned about how my skin would look after lipo, but I'm very pleased with the outcome.

It has been 3 months since my first procedure. I continue to see improvements and positive changes in my body. I have some swelling left, but it is getting less all the time. I was told that the final results are evident within 4 to 6 months and I'm definitely on track for that.

Having gone through the process of liposuction and having an improved silohuette, I am now more motivated to exercise and be active. I enjoy dressing in clothes that fit well and show my body compared to before when I felt self conscious.

I can't think of any cons. After doing research about the various options, meeting doctors, and listening to my instincts about who I felt the most comfortable with doing my procedures, I was thrilled to start the process.

I highly recommend that you do make notes about your medical history (including all medications/vitamins) to take with you when interviewing a doctor. Ask about possible interactions with meds planned for your procedure. Be clear about your goals before you go to the appointment. Choose a doctor who listens to you and is supportive of making YOUR goals happen (rather than offering procedures they want to do for you...For example, one of the doctors I didn't select said I needed a breast reduction and included this in his presentation to me! I was insulted.)