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POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo REVIEWS

All Over Smart Lipo...Hoping for the Best - Coral Gables, FL

Name: All Over Smart Lipo...Hoping for the Best - Coral Gables, FL
Item: Daniel Careaga, MD
Rating: 5
Author: ALL OVER SMART LIPO

ORIGINAL POST

I had the Smart Lipo procedure performed under...

ALL OVER SMART LIPOMay 6, 2013

WORTH IT$6,000

I had the Smart Lipo procedure performed under general anesthesia four days ago on 5/1/13 at 305 Plastic Surgery by Dr. Daniel Careaga on my inner arms, lateral axilas, flanks, upper and lower abdomen and back, along with my inner and posterior thighs...all over. I was told to arrive at 9:30, I had a urine pregnancy test, routine medical questions and then at around 10:45 the doctor marked me up and took pictures.

The procedure started at approximately 12:00. Considering that the procedure was performed under general anesthesia, I didn't feel a thing. There was a minor issue with finding my vein for the IV and I got pricked three times but that was the only thing I felt. The procedure took about three and a half hours. After I awoke from the anesthetic, there was a nurse with me, and I already had on a full body compression garment. Once I was warmed up with air heaters and blankets. Besides the soreness, I felt extremely thirsty and my mouth was dry due to the anesthesia. The nurse initially gave me ice chips and told me to have some apple juice when I got home. Then I had water. I found that chewing gum helped with the dryness in my mouth.I was sent home with the necessary instructions and prescriptions for antibiotics and another for Vicodin for the pain, which I chose not to have filled and opted for Extra Strength Tylenol instead.

I had gauze placed over the incisions and when I got home I slipped in some thin but extra absorbent sanitary napkins. I was sore but the first night went well. I was able to walk around since the anesthetic was still in my system. I was draining mostly from my legs and my right flank. Then next day, I was still pretty comfortable although I was extremely sore. I also went to my post-op visit at 4 P.M. Dr. Careaga said that everything looked well and that he had removed almost the maximum amount of fat allowed by law. When the garment was removed, I noticed that I had a lot of swelling in my lower abdomen and down into my bikini zone. The doctor said that due to gravity, it was normal for fluids to accumulate in those areas and that it would subside.

Immediately afterwards, I opted to have my first lymphatic drainage massage. Now, this was painful!!!!!!! Nonetheless, based on everything I have read and others who have had this done, the lymphatic drainage massages are key for good, smooth results. The massage stimulated more drainage. Having the procedure done under general anesthesia instead of local tumescent anesthesia there isn't as much drainage. The massage therapist also gave showed me a massage I could perform on my swollen abdomen to improve circulation. The second night was a little worse than the first one since the anesthetic had worn off. On the third day, I was still in pain, but I did purchase a good quality compression garment at Catherine's in Miami Lakes.The garment along with the massages is key to the healing process. The one given to me at the surgeon's office was not the best quality and it was big on my arms. The garment I purchased is Colombian, and it is called, "FAJAS Disenos de Prada" This is a quality post-surgical garment made out of cool microfiber. It has vitamin E which helps in the healing process. It also provides the right amount of compression. It can be placed in the refrigerator for an hour than it has to be left out for 15 minutes and when worn it works as a cold compress. It's wonderful!!!!!!!

Overall, I have had a very positive experience at 305 Plastic Surgery. They are a new practice that opened in Jan of 2013, so they still have to work on providing the patient with written instructions of how to prepare for the surgery and on providing a specific time to arrive at the center the day of surgery. They accustom to call the patient the day before their surgery is scheduled at 4 P.M. I had called earlier and someone got back to me and told me that I had to be at the center at 9:30. I believe it is imperative that a patient have as much information as they possibly can, so they can adequately prepare. This helps keep the anxiety levels down. Now, to end a positive note...the doctor's staff is kind and polite and responsive to all questions. Dr. Careaga has a wonderful bedside manner and puts one at ease with his confident demeanor. He cares about his patients by putting safety first and he really listens. He met with me twice prior to surgery and he called me the day before surgery to put my mind at ease. I highly recommend him. I will be posting pictures and updating my progress in days to come.

ALL OVER SMART LIPO's provider

Daniel Careaga, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.5 | 127 Reviews

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Replies (2)

nitachabib

May 10, 2015

aren't you worried about doing procedure under general anesthesia ???

sharrelldargan

January 30, 2016

Thank you so much, you were very detailed. I am looking into it as well and this gave me some relief.

UPDATED FROM ALL OVER SMART LIPO

6 days post

Post Op Days 4, 5, & 6 - On day 4, I decided to...

ALL OVER SMART LIPOMay 7, 2013

Post Op Days 4, 5, & 6 - On day 4, I decided to research lymphatic drainage points online and lymphatic drainage massages on youtube.com. After massaging the areas for about three hours, I found that I wasn't in as much pain. I was moving around easier, and I actually tried on clothes for the work week. I had my first bowel movement. General anesthesia can cause constipation. My doctor said it was okay if I took probiotics, and he also recommended Dulcolax-a stool softener. I also purchases a cast binder. It is very thin board made out of cast material, and it is covered in fabric. It is inserted in the front part of the girdle, so the stomach lays flat and doesn't buckle where the closures are at. Not only that, it actually gives you support when you're getting up and sitting down.

DAY 5 - Every day I am feeling a little better. I was going to go back to work, but I thought of sitting all day long in discomfort, so I decided against it. Instead, I went to get my second lymphatic drainage massage. It was painful but nothing like the first time. The massage therapist used an ointment with menthol. Afterwards I was extremely itchy. I purchased a HoMedics Percussion Massager. It helped with the itchiness. The massage therapist said that I was healing well since a lot of the bruising has gone down. She also said that I don't have any lumps. Another thing I have noticed, is that with the compression of the girdle, I don't get very hungry. I've been drinking a lot of water, too. I finished the antibiotic, and since I am just sore, I decided to stop taking the Extra Strength Tylenol. So far, so good.

Day 6 - Today I went back to work. It still hurts when I have to sit and get up, especially getting in and out of the car, but I was fine driving. I went to work. I am a teacher. For the most part, I was pretty comfortable. Although I have noticed that I tire easily, and I sometimes have to stop to catch my breath since everything I do takes a little extra effort. The girdle is extremely snug, and I can't wait until I get to take it off since it is full arm, body and legs (to my knees). My doctor says that I have to wear it non-stop for 60 days, so that the skin lays smooth. Tomorrow is my one week follow-up visit.