24 Yr Old, Micro Body Contouring to Remove Stubborn Areas (Abdomen, Flanks & Banana Roll) - Irvine, CA

After lots of thinking and review reading I decided to undergo Micro Body Contouring (Smart Lipo) on my upper/lower abdomen, flanks and the banana roll - more on one side since it's very uneven (see the photos). I'm having my procedure done 8/26/14 but I want to share my story from start to finish so here I am a few days before.

A little background: I'm a fairly active 24 yr old. I've kind of fluctuated my weight throughout the years due to injuries/reconstructive surgery and some personal rough patches where my emotions got the best of my eating. I currently weigh 170 and most of the excess fat is in the typical trouble areas (stomach, thighs, arms). My current measurements in the first photo. I'm very happy with my overall body shape - small waist, big hips/butt. But those trouble areas are killing me. I haven't felt comfortable in my own skin for a long time and I'm excited to make this step towards a happier me.

So far my experience w/ Athenix & Dr. Song: I originally purchased 3 Velashape sessions at Athenix via Groupon. I had 2 sessions done w/ Lindsay at the Irvine location (She's a doll) but it was a little uncomfortable and I saw no results so rather than go back for the 3rd I opted for a consult for MBC. I went in and met w/ Maribel. She was very friendly and explained the procedure before we reviewed the areas I wanted to have done. She had me flip through some before and afters while getting a quote. I was a little shocked at the # when she first came back - the facility fee specifically (more than one treatment area alone). She said the value of the Groupon would be deducted from the total and also lowered the banana roll price since it would be focused on one side. I bit the bullet and agreed to the final price, then we talked dates. The next available date was a Tues which I was apprehensive to take since I'd have to take at least 2 days off to recover, but Maribel offered another price reduction if I took this date. Because it was so soon I had to have my pre-op the next day. I was nervous to meet w/ Dr. Song but it went very well - he was very thorough and I must say cute too. Before pictures were taken and then he examined the areas. He was confident that I'd be pleased w/ the results and he'd even take a little off my back hips to even my front and back out. He provided some post-op instructions that were not in line w/ the paperwork that I was provided but the assistant had already warned me and said his methods showed results. I was given my pre-op checklist and prescriptions and sent off on my way.

That's all I have for now - only 2 days before my procedure so I will be back with more!

Hi again!
So I had my micro body contouring yesterday and it went very well (I came out loopy and rambling according to the nurse and my sister so I think that's a good thing). I was brought back to surgery area and the nurse took my vitals, had me change into a gown, compression stockings (for blood flow) and another thicker pair of socks for warmth. Then she tucked me into a warm gurney and asked me some more generic questions before Dr. Song came in and drew all over my abdomen, flanks and butt. I looked like a topographical map when he was finished.

Another nurse came in to give me my cocktail (~5 pills) and set up an IV. That was the hardest part - took 6 tries in various veins to get the IV to stay put. This was NOT a reflection on the staff however - I have HORRIBLE veins + with no water for almost 10 hours I'm always a pin cushion. After the IV was in place, she administered some antibiotics, saline and an overall numbing fluid that I can't recall for the life of me (the cocktail was already kicking in then) but it was instantaneous. Then another nurse came in and the 2 helped me into the OR where I was "washed" neck to toes with an antibacterial soap solution. They had me lay down and gave me more numbing fluid.

During the procedure I did feel some discomfort when we was working on my back flanks & banana roll. Not really painful but in my semiconscious state all I wanted was roll over and have it stop. The nurse gave me a little more numbing fluid through my IV and next thing I know they're getting me ready to get into the wheel chair to go home.

I was continually nodding off in the car and to be honest don't remember getting up the stairs to my apt or anything (maybe I'll have my sister come & write up what I was like after surgery - that would be entertaining at least lol). She got me set up on the couch w/ large gauze pads (reminded me of puppy pads) over a beach towl. I did have a lot draining, and still have on my back side... Have to change out my dressings on the back about every 4-5 hours because they are soaked. That part is a little gross but it's part of the process.

Even though I am swollen and bruised up, there is a really noticeable difference from 2 days ago just by looking at the pictures. I'm not as ecstatic yet about my banana roll but I'm think that it will change once the bruising and swelling go away.

I currently weigh 171 - 4 lbs lighter than pre-op weight. My first post-op is this afternoon so I'll probably be back w/ more.