Happy! Happy! Happy! - Houston, TX

This forum helped me so much during my search for the right plastic surgeon, and more importantly, the right type of surgery for me....at the time, I was unsure whether I should attempt smart lipo....or vaser lipo. So now I would like to share my experience, which may help someone else. I initially set my mind on smart lipo because the low cost was so alluring. Went for a free consultation with a Dr. on Fannin St., in the medical center {that only offers smart lipo} and was excited that the quote given was $3180 for upper & lower abs w/flanks under local anesthetic only [also included compression garment] but was disappointed that I couldn't meet the Dr. before the surgery date. So, I then called a highly rated plastic surgeon located on Clear Lake City Blvd. and was given a quote over the phone of $2500-$4500 for total abdomen vaser lipo, and was assured that meant upper/lower abs and flanks. When I asked what would make the fee jump up $2000, she said it would be if ultrasound vaser was performed. Being that I didn't want to spend more than $5000, I was excited about this quote & made an appt for consultation.
I did get to meet the Dr. this time, but not only did he seem as though he didn't really have time to speak with me....I was given a quote of $6385 for entire ab/flank area, and then told if I wanted to put the surgery on a credit card I would be charged another 3% of the total fee for their trouble! I was so upset that I had been scammed to pay a $25 consultation fee for this kind of poor service! Feeling rather despondent at this point, I figured I might as well call to get a consultation with the Dr. I REALLY wanted to go see in the first place, Dr. V I already assumed I could not possibly afford his services, but something told me to at least go meet him & see what advice he could give me on the type of surgery I should be considering. That consultation was the turning point in my search! Dr. V was so personable, and understanding...but more importantly, so professional and up front about what I really needed. He must have been so frustrated with me when I said I knew I needed a tummy tuck, but really wanted to attempt smart lipo first. If he was frustrated, he never showed it...instead, he listened to my concerns, and worked WITH ME on a plan towards getting me started on my path towards a smaller tummy! He explained I really needed traditional liposuction, and helped me stay within my budget of $5000 for total ab/flank area, even allowing me to schedule it in Memorial SE hospital day surgery unit, under general anesthesia! I couldn't believe this cost covered everything involved, including surgery pre-op costs, and compression garment I wore home. It has been 3 weeks now since I had traditional liposuction, and I have felt terrific the entire time. That is not to say I didn't have moments where I felt like I had been roughed up a little...and for the first week, I was very bruised and sore...but never was in actual pain! I will say I am still pretty swollen in my upper pubic area, and I know that is because the majority of the lipo was done in my extreme lower abdomen. I also have spots of lumps all throughout my upper & lower abs, where the fluid was placed during surgery. When I went for my one week follow-up, I was assured this would dissipate over the next couple of months. What I want everyone to know is that I felt so very comfortable the entire time with the choice I made....and I feel it is to the credit of Dr, Vitenas, his staff, and the staff @ Memorial SE hospital. I would recommend him to anyone & everyone searching for a high quality surgeon that actually cares about his patients. Will update with before/after photos once the swelling goes away.