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POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo Reviews

SmartLipo - Abdomen, Flanks, Upper Arms - Birmingham, AL

UPDATED FROM bhampisces
20 days post

3 Weeks Post Op - At some point (I couldn't tell...

bhampisces
WORTH IT$4,000
3 Weeks Post Op - At some point (I couldn't tell because of the significant bruising at first) I developed a red allergic rash on my lower abdomen that, while it did not itch, concerned my Doctor so I was ordered to not take any more pain meds and to start taking Benedryl nightly. I also applied topical steroid creme to avoid having to take a Medrol dose pack (which I really don't like doing). That was about one week post-op. I stuck to that regiment until this weekend and the rash has mostly gone away.

I stopped wearing the CG at two weeks exactly. This happened to coincide with "that time of the month" so by the end of the day I was gladly back in it, but did not sleep in it. I did this again the next evening, but then stopped wearing it altogether. During the day at work I started wearing a Spanx bodysuit, but stopped wearing that over this past weekend and haven't worn it since. Yesterday was my first day back in the gym and while I could not run (the jostling was very uncomfortable still on my belly), I did walk 3 miles and do all of my normal arm exercises with my usual weights. I'm going to attempt leg day tomorrow - we'll see how that goes!

I have my one month post-op next Tuesday. Will let everyone know how that goes as well!

bhampisces's provider

William J. Hedden, MD

William J. Hedden, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 544 Reviews
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bhampisces rating for Dr. Hedden:

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Replies (4)

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November 13, 2012
u LOOK AWESOME PISCES....KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK :)
November 14, 2012
aw thank you :)
November 13, 2012
Hey bhampisces!! You look GREAT... still :P!! I bet your glad to be back in the gym :) Is it still uncomfortable to be out of a CG (normal one or spanx) or do you prefer it just because of the swelling?
November 14, 2012
It is at times... it's still uncomfortable to go from sitting to standing after I've been at my desk for a while at work, but mostly it's ok. I work two jobs, one sitting at a desk, and the other one standing up and I find that I feel sore and a little uncomfortable after standing up for a while too. Nothing unbearable and it gets better every day. And yes, getting back in the gym feels wonderful! Excited to go again tonight
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November 14, 2012
Hey pisces...I went to Zumba Monday and will go again tonite...felt really good...but boy was I swollen after and sore...DEF got a work out...I had the workout pain and then the tenderness pain...still achy today from Zumba Monday...but gonna push thru it...Keep up the great work hun :)
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November 14, 2012
I WANT YOUR belly....lol
November 23, 2012
I second that! :)
January 31, 2013
Hi! Your results look GREAT! I just had my arms and upper back done a week ago, so just curious about how long it took for the swelling in your arms to reside? I can see a slight difference in my arms (nothing major or as good as I'd hoped for immediately), but I recognize that they are pretty swollen. I'll be VERY happy when I get to stop wearing this compression garment!
UPDATED FROM bhampisces
5 days post

Post Op Day 5 - Back to work! Worked a full day...

bhampisces
Post Op Day 5 - Back to work! Worked a full day without any problems. Had to take a little "desk nap" on my lunch break but after that I was good. Wore a smaller compression garment so it wouldn't be so obvious to my coworkers and I seem to be a little more swollen this evening, but I'm back in the big one now and I intend to sleep in it tonight. Starting to get some tingles in the backs of my arms when I reach certain ways - must be the nerves waking back up. Only complaint so far is the lingering bruising, but other than that everything is good!

Replies (5)

October 29, 2012
Yes I've had brusing there too. I've pulled the garment as tightly as possibly to hold my tummy in. I didn't have what you would call a "pooch" before and now I do. I have lost all of the weight from the surgery that I had gained so back down to 135 (I'm 5'4").
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October 30, 2012
U look GREAT Cs....awesome results.... :)
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October 30, 2012
Pisces....GREAT results so far...u look AMAZING...wish my tummy was that flat....
October 30, 2012
Are you putting anything on your scars? My doctor removed my stitches today and told me I didn't need to do anything. I'm so discouraged. I was hoping for more results right away. I hope my stomach shrinks more because I paid too much money for it not to. Plus I told my husband I'd wear a bikini next summer and not be ashamed.
October 30, 2012
I haven't put anything on the scars yet but little band aids to keep them from getting snagged. I have scars all over from orthopedic surgeries so I'm not too worried about 'em. I just commented on your page, and I hope you feel encouraged. I honestly hope my stomach looks that good after two babies!
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October 30, 2012
I just started to use Maderma..(not sure if that it) its for scars and expensive..I have only 4 holes...2 lower abs and 2 lower back...and I dont plan on wearing bikini...not with having 3 kids...I knew going into this I wouldnt be a washboard...but just wanted to be comfy in jeans and tshirt with NO MUFFINTOP...Im 46...Im not happy with my tummy yet either...DEF way better than when i started but side view still ICK...I was told could take months to see final result with Vaser...thats what I had. Im trying to be patient but i hear ya on all the $$$ and I too expected faster results.
October 31, 2012
Oh I think you look great! You've had really incredible results so far. I think it's just harder to see your own results than it is to see others'. Plus if you're still feeling swollen and blah it sets you up to see yourself worse. But seriously - rock that bikini come springtime!
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October 31, 2012
LOL...ur to kind pisces....for real....NO BIKINI hear....good for u though....thanks for the compliment as well...maybe ur right...we see ourself as ICK more so...THANKS....ur too cute :).......You can ROCK IT for me girlfriend....
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November 1, 2012
I'm using Kelocote.... It's awesome! My daughter used it when she had surgery to her lip. I have a bunch left over.... Really helps minimize any scar!
October 31, 2012
What arm sleeve does everyone use. Mine is a bra with sleeves attached. I can't wear many of my tops because the "bra" part comes up so high you can see it in the neck part of my shirt. Also how tight would you say the compression garment is? I think mine has shrunk. :(
October 31, 2012
I actually went to a sporting goods store and bought some "work out sleeves" and I wear the skinny side on top. If the sleeves are too long for your outfit you can just roll them up to where they're only covering your upper arms. Has worked great for me! RE: Compression garment - I'm wearing mine a little more loosely since I went back to work on Monday because apparently sitting up in a chair all day makes your butt, legs, and lower abs hurt like whoah. I have two garments so I didn't have to dry mine after washing. Maybe drying yours shrunk it a little?
UPDATED FROM bhampisces
4 days post

Post Op Day 4 - Considerably less sore yesterday...

bhampisces
Post Op Day 4 - Considerably less sore yesterday and today. Was out and about running errands to get Halloween costume materials and wore myself out, but had a little nap and was able to stay out until 1AM with friends happily being the DD for festivities. Slept in this morning and taking it easy still. It's a beautiful day out so I'm going to put on my running shoes and go for a s-l-o-w walk later on. Will post some pics later today after I'm cleaned up.

Replies (5)

October 28, 2012
GREAT results so far!! Were you put under a general or local anesthesia or something else?
October 28, 2012
@jenna Thank you! I was put under what's called "twilight". you're completely out, but they don't have to intubate (put the tube down your throat and breathe for you) like the do under general anesthesia. I would definitely recommend this type of sedation - being awake for this kind of procedure would be terrifying!
October 29, 2012
OMG... yea, Ive NEVER been under any type of anesthesia or had any sort of surgery so didn't realize till recently that anesthesia= being intubated! You think my boyfriend (an EMT) would have mentioned this lol... but twilight sedation sounds like a WAY better option!! Your results look AMAZING!!!!!!!! Hope my tummy does out that flat and perfect!! CANT wait!
October 28, 2012
Post Op Day 4 - Considerably less sore yesterday and today. Was out and about running errands to get Halloween costume materials and wore myself out, but had a little nap and was able to stay out until 1AM with friends happily being the DD for festivities. Slept in this morning and taking it easy still. It's a beautiful day out so I'm going to put on my running shoes and go for a s-l-o-w walk later on. Will post some pics later today after I'm cleaned up.
October 28, 2012
I also just had smartlipo done (oct 25). I had my upper and lower abs, faded into my flanks, putter thighs, and upper arms. I have two little ones running around so I'm trying to rest as much as possible. I have minor brusing on my stomach but my putter thighs are rather bruised. I get my stictches taking out fm this coming Friday. The arm compression garments are driving me crazy. :) Still very swollen in my stomach. I'm much bigger than I was before which is discouraging.
October 29, 2012
@csfedyshyn the arm compressions are driving me crazy too! makes me feel claustrophobic. Don't get discouraged about your stomach though - I've read it can takes months to really see your results depending on how much "laser" vs "suction" was done in a particular area. I think the only reason mine already looks so much smaller is because I cinch the compression garment up really tightly and I haven't had much of an appetite since the procedure. Plus I can't stop drinking water. Maybe that would help? Btw, have any of you experienced the bruising on your ::ahem:: lady parts? That has hands down been the most unexpected and bizarre side effect I've experienced so far. Doc says its "common" but I'm ready for that to go away asap