I had my procedure done 4 days ago (May 27th). I have mixed reviews about my doctor and his staff. My consultation wasn't with the doctor (though, my other consults were with doctors). The staff didn't seem very friendly, nor were they rude. They just seemed to want to be polite, do their jobs, and move on. However, I decided to go with him because of how he performed the procedure (he combined SmartLipo, VASER, and VibroSuction to get the best result). Also, he has videos of him performing the procedure on his site, so I felt comfortable (and I did get to see him during my pre-op). Aside from that, I read a not-so-good review of one of the other doctors I had a consult with, so that made my decision even easier, in choosing the doctor I went with.
Well, on to my experience: I got my upper/lower abs, love handles, and inner thighs done (finally getting around to removing the pooch and thick thighs my pregnancy gave me). I went into the office, and they gave me the "cocktail" (antibiotics, hydrocodone, valium, and something else) just before the doctor drew on my stomach and thighs. He did inform me that my thighs lacked definition at some particular point where most women's thighs do, so he could not guarantee I would get the best result there, but he assured I would be very happy with my abdominal area. I did bring a list of questions to my pre-op (many of which I got from reading reviews on this site), so during the day of my surgery, he asked if I had any more.
I was pretty confident I had all of the info I needed, to proceed. I laid around a while (I guess so the meds could take effect), then it was time to take pictures and head to the procedure room. The numbing and tumescent fluid were no problems (the doctor told me I would feel a stick and a quick burn for each of the areas, and that's exactly what I felt (nothing more, nothing less). I didn't feel any of the incisions, but the SmartLipo procedure was mostly tugging and pulling (a little uncomfortable, but not bad).
However, I had a necesary medical surgery earlier this year and one of the entrance areas was my navel. So, needless to say, that scarred area was extremely painful when the SmartLipo laser was used around it. I kept jumping and that was angering my doctor. He gave me more numbing medicine in the navel area, but, he would start back with the laser before he gave the meds time to work. So, I continued to jump and moan, and at one point he said the reflex from my leg kicked him (though, I don't remember that).
He became frustrated and left the room for about 10 mins or so, then re-entered, telling me how he was using sharp objects inside of me, and I needed to start simply telling him it was hurting, instead of jumping when he hit the painful area. By then, I was in so much pain that I was shaking like a leaf, and couldn't stop no matter how hard I tried (the trembling also aggravated the doctor). Well, finally, after giving the extra dosage of meds time to numb the area, he was able to finish up with no problem.
I had a pretty good amount of leakage on the first day, but after I changed the dressing, only a few areas leaked the next day, and now, 4 days later, my thighs are still leaking heavily and are very bruised (which I was informed would happen). I can already see good results with my stomach, and can't wait to see the end result in a few months. The jury is still out with my inner thigh area. They don't look any smaller than they were prior to the surgery, but they are obviously still filled with fluid, bruised and swollen, so, I'm willing to be patient and see how this will work out.
I'm still pretty sore and still numb in both of my sides (love handle areas), but I try to move around a lot. I seem to stiffen when I sit in one position for a long period of time. Tomorrow will be my first day back to work, so this will also be interesting.
My first post-op appointment is this coming Monday. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.
