POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo Reviews
Smart Lipo Was the Best Thing I Have Ever Done for Myself - 5'3", 165
UPDATED FROM MonkeysMommy2008
Update
MonkeysMommy2008April 22, 2015
WORTH IT$5,400
Still very happy, but now I have gained weight so looking at the gastric sleeve...I am 20 pounds heavier now, but my waist size hasn't changed much. I still highly recommend it!!!
UPDATED FROM MonkeysMommy2008
It has been about two months and unfortunately, I...
MonkeysMommy2008August 2, 2010
It has been about two months and unfortunately, I don't feel much has changed since my last post. My appointment was rescheduled to get more pics, so I will be going this Saturday and I am hoping I will see more results in pictures than what I see in the mirror every day. I am still numb in a lot of places and my back itches a lot, but there is really no pain. I really would like to have a second procedure done and take out more, as well as do my upper back, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon, unless I win the lottery.
I did want to say that I have met another wonderful "RealSelfer" through this post and she has had a pretty rough time of things, but she got a lot done in a short period of time. Between the two of us, I think we can agree that it is much better to break up the sessions if you are doing a lot of areas. Also, she had some laser burns, so it has been pretty rough going for her. The good thing is that she has had some pretty drastic results and looks great, but the reason I am writing this is because I don't want anyone to think that this is "lunch time lipo". I am sure for some people it is really easy and they go back to work the next day, but my guess is that is not the norm. If you are going to do this, you should plan well in advance and give yourself at least a week for recovery and hopefully your job will be flexible enough that if you are able to go back to work early, they will let you, but it would be far better to plan on being out a week and going back early than to plan on going back after one or two days and then needing a week.
Also, I would highly recommend getting reference from your doctor and talking to them about their procedure. If your doctor tells you this is "lunch time lipo" and/or is not anxious to turn over references to you, I have one word of advice...RUN! Will post more pics soon!
Replies (5)
8992anon
August 3, 2010
Hi All, I am the 'Realselfer" that MonkeysMommy2008 was referring to. I want everyone to know that things don't always go as planned with Smartlipo. Everyone's body reacts differently to it and it is NOT easy. I had 3 procedures done one week apart. I had abs and flanks done first, then thighs (which hurt the most), then arms. I have laser burns on my right arm even though the same settings were used for both arms and the burns have been very painful. I also developed a compartment syndrome because all the fluid was collecting and not draining in my lower legs and my calves and feet looked like they were going to pop. After trying a couple of things that did not work, I was treated with steroids to try to get the swelling under control. Also I am on day 4 after having my arms done and am STILL draining from my right arm.
If you are thinking of this, I echo MonkeysMommy2008. Think it over carefully. If anything had been any more serious with me I could have been looking at a serious medical problem.
So far I am lucky because I have had really good results, especially my abs. I honestly don't know if I would put my body through this all again. If you are having multiple procedures, be safe and have them at lease a couple of weeks apart to give your body needed time to recover. I am so thankful for MonkeysMommy2008 who has been so supportive and helpful through this whole process. Having support is very important.
I also want to say that if you are planning this as a 'lunchtime' lipo... forget it. It is real surgery and you have real pain as you are recovering, especially from the thighs, since those are very large muscles. Don't try to go back to work the next day.... Most people need at least a few days to feel like they can function again. I could not have worked sooner 3 days post.
MonkeysMommy2008
August 6, 2010
Great comments, 8992 and of course, SO glad I could help.
I am so glad you had such good results, but it is just a shame that you had to go through what you did to get there!
As always, I am here if you need me! :-)
August 31, 2010
I'm having the back bra area done in 2 days, kinda nervous...wish me luck!
September 1, 2010
You will do great! I am jealous...I want to get my bra line done, too! Best of luck to you and make sure to share your story and post pics, if you are comfortable. :-)
April 13, 2011
MonkeysMomm,
Your post is the best that I have seen! Thank you so much for all th informative, necessary information. I am in Dallas and started looking around for Drs. I am interested in getting my arms along with upper, lower abs. I have read some reviews to spread the procedure and some to get it all done at once. What is your opinion on that? Also you pictures look so great!! I can't believe you hardly had any bruising post op. The pictures I have seen have been covered with bruises.
I would be very grateful if you could email the name of your doctor and contact info, along with the Dr.s you shopped around for.
How are things looking now? Any other changes? Thanks
Your post is the best that I have seen! Thank you so much for all th informative, necessary information. I am in Dallas and started looking around for Drs. I am interested in getting my arms along with upper, lower abs. I have read some reviews to spread the procedure and some to get it all done at once. What is your opinion on that? Also you pictures look so great!! I can't believe you hardly had any bruising post op. The pictures I have seen have been covered with bruises.
I would be very grateful if you could email the name of your doctor and contact info, along with the Dr.s you shopped around for.
How are things looking now? Any other changes? Thanks
April 13, 2011
Hi, 8992anon, Realselfer,
I realized your comment was very informative and had very important information to know. Thank you!!
I am thinking of getting my arms done along with lower and upper ab.
I see that you had laser burns on my right arm even though the same settings were used for both arms and the burns have been very painful. Was that something normal to happen with the arm procedure?
Also, how did you treat your burns? My arms are the place I want to get most and I am trying to obtain as much info as possible, including if something goes wrong like a burn. Please help!!
Also, I see that you developed a compartment syndrome because all the fluid was collecting and not draining in my lower legs and my calves and feet looked like they were going to pop. Isn't it necessary to drain after? I have read that some Dr.s actually don't recommend that, which I find unusual because then where will al the fluid go?
I see that you were treated with steroids to try to get the swelling under control. Did you get injections by the plastic surgeon?
I am sorry to bombard you with so many questions but I saw that your post was so informative and was cruicial for me to ask you. If you can reply me back, that would be great. Also, could you email me the Dr. you went to for your procedures?
April 13, 2011
Lewisville3,
I am so glad my post may help you make your decision. I am still thrilled with my results and I am actually just saving up money to have more done (upper back and a little more from abdomen). The results did not change after my final post. I am still wearing a size 10 and maintaining my weight. The problem now is my bra line. I still cannot wear fitted shirts because I am not comfortable with lovely "bra bulges". I also would like my tummy to be smaller.
My doctor is wonderful. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. His name is Dr. Bukhari and the company name is Glow Med Spa in Irving on McArthur off George Bush tollway. Their number is 214-466-1970. I also met with Dr. Shalev at Horizon Aesthetics in Dallas. He was a very nice man and very informative, but I just felt much more comfortable with Dr. Bukhari.
I do not regret any part of my decision on doctors or the procedure and I still stand behind my posts title of it being the best thing I ever did for myself!
The one piece of advice I can give you is follow doctors orders! Wear your garments religiously and for as long as the doctor recommends! Invest in two garments so you can have one to wear while the other is being cleaned as you have to hang dry them.
Best of luck to you!
I am so glad my post may help you make your decision. I am still thrilled with my results and I am actually just saving up money to have more done (upper back and a little more from abdomen). The results did not change after my final post. I am still wearing a size 10 and maintaining my weight. The problem now is my bra line. I still cannot wear fitted shirts because I am not comfortable with lovely "bra bulges". I also would like my tummy to be smaller.
My doctor is wonderful. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. His name is Dr. Bukhari and the company name is Glow Med Spa in Irving on McArthur off George Bush tollway. Their number is 214-466-1970. I also met with Dr. Shalev at Horizon Aesthetics in Dallas. He was a very nice man and very informative, but I just felt much more comfortable with Dr. Bukhari.
I do not regret any part of my decision on doctors or the procedure and I still stand behind my posts title of it being the best thing I ever did for myself!
The one piece of advice I can give you is follow doctors orders! Wear your garments religiously and for as long as the doctor recommends! Invest in two garments so you can have one to wear while the other is being cleaned as you have to hang dry them.
Best of luck to you!
April 13, 2011
No problem about the questions. I have to post my latest pics, because they are quite dramatic. I have lost 42 pounds and I also had a touch up.
OK... here we go... The burns look bad, but they healed almost immediately with the steroid. They were however, very painful until I saw the doc to get it treated. It is uncommon to have burns. I have no residual sings of buns on my arm.
The compartment syndrome can happen to anyone, but I had a lot of work done on my legs which is probably why it happened to me. The areas were permitted to drain, but the fluid was collecting in my legs instead of draining out the incisions and they should have. The steroids immediately helped that also.
The surgeon did an injection of Kenalog.
I am VERY happy with the outcome and would do it again. Having said that, a lot of the outcome is because I changed my lifestyle. I went on an eating plan that works well for me and I am not a freak about exercising, but I do get out about 3 times a week to exercise. The surgery helped to scupt and give me incentive to change. The lifestyle change made the pounds melt off. You CANNOT lose 42 pounds with smart lip. The amount of fat they take off with smart lipo is not great, but it is very targeted to those hated areas so you really feel better when you see the difference. I was a size 12 before and now I usually wear a size 6. I wore large tops before and now sometimes smalls are too big and sometimes smalls are just a little tight so I go to medium. I am wearing the clothes I used to wear 5 years ago and I feel much more heathy!
Hope this helps! Good luck and make sure you find a good doctor!
OK... here we go... The burns look bad, but they healed almost immediately with the steroid. They were however, very painful until I saw the doc to get it treated. It is uncommon to have burns. I have no residual sings of buns on my arm.
The compartment syndrome can happen to anyone, but I had a lot of work done on my legs which is probably why it happened to me. The areas were permitted to drain, but the fluid was collecting in my legs instead of draining out the incisions and they should have. The steroids immediately helped that also.
The surgeon did an injection of Kenalog.
I am VERY happy with the outcome and would do it again. Having said that, a lot of the outcome is because I changed my lifestyle. I went on an eating plan that works well for me and I am not a freak about exercising, but I do get out about 3 times a week to exercise. The surgery helped to scupt and give me incentive to change. The lifestyle change made the pounds melt off. You CANNOT lose 42 pounds with smart lip. The amount of fat they take off with smart lipo is not great, but it is very targeted to those hated areas so you really feel better when you see the difference. I was a size 12 before and now I usually wear a size 6. I wore large tops before and now sometimes smalls are too big and sometimes smalls are just a little tight so I go to medium. I am wearing the clothes I used to wear 5 years ago and I feel much more heathy!
Hope this helps! Good luck and make sure you find a good doctor!
April 13, 2011
HA! That is SUCH great news!!! I am SOOOO proud of you!!! Sorry for the lack of communication, but you know how it is...life just gets away from you. I am just so thrilled for you and Lewisville, 8992 is COMPLETELY correct in the weight loss thing...this really will not do much at all for weight loss.
WTG 8992...SENDING BIG HUGS YOUR WAY!
WTG 8992...SENDING BIG HUGS YOUR WAY!
August 3, 2011
The info has been wonderful and helpful. I go in for my talk as they say Wednesday. I am scared but I have been doing a little reseraching but my quetion to anyone what questions would i ask the docotor?
August 3, 2011
Archielee,
Congrats on taking the first step! It has been over a year and I am still happy I did it. I do want more, but times are tough and it is just not feasible right now, but I do plan on getting more done someday. I think the most important thing to ask for is references and then call them and talk to them. If the doctor is not willing to provide references, that would be a red flag to me. I don't know that there is too much you can ask that you won't find here. Ideally, you should see if you can find a good doctor that is willing to do a second procedure at no cost or a reasonable cost if you have a lot to take out. I had a lot and afterward we determined he could have taken more out, but it is my understanding that there is no way for a doctor to know that right up front...it is sort of like a guessing game and of course, it is much better to take out too little than to take out too much, so even thought I am a little disappointed in my results (just a little), I am still glad he was cautious. Oh, of course, makes sure your doctor is licensed. There are a few websites out there where you can see reviews of doctors, as well as sanctions against their licenses. Other than references and making sure he is licensed, I think the best thing you can do is research on here and read people story. Somewhere on here someone posted a checklist of stuff to get before you go and that was SOOO helpful! Get lots of bandaids and put a shower curtain under some old sheets on your bed and sleep on towels because for the first few nights you will have to change them out several times and you don't want to ruin good bedding. Also, I cannot stress enough to wear your garments. Best of luck and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Congrats on taking the first step! It has been over a year and I am still happy I did it. I do want more, but times are tough and it is just not feasible right now, but I do plan on getting more done someday. I think the most important thing to ask for is references and then call them and talk to them. If the doctor is not willing to provide references, that would be a red flag to me. I don't know that there is too much you can ask that you won't find here. Ideally, you should see if you can find a good doctor that is willing to do a second procedure at no cost or a reasonable cost if you have a lot to take out. I had a lot and afterward we determined he could have taken more out, but it is my understanding that there is no way for a doctor to know that right up front...it is sort of like a guessing game and of course, it is much better to take out too little than to take out too much, so even thought I am a little disappointed in my results (just a little), I am still glad he was cautious. Oh, of course, makes sure your doctor is licensed. There are a few websites out there where you can see reviews of doctors, as well as sanctions against their licenses. Other than references and making sure he is licensed, I think the best thing you can do is research on here and read people story. Somewhere on here someone posted a checklist of stuff to get before you go and that was SOOO helpful! Get lots of bandaids and put a shower curtain under some old sheets on your bed and sleep on towels because for the first few nights you will have to change them out several times and you don't want to ruin good bedding. Also, I cannot stress enough to wear your garments. Best of luck and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
UPDATED FROM MonkeysMommy2008
It has been 4 weeks today and noticeable changes...
MonkeysMommy2008June 24, 2010
It has been 4 weeks today and noticeable changes have really stopped. I am sure there are still some changes happening, but I really have not seen any noticeable changes in the past week, so if there is anything happening, it is definitely on a small scale. My doctor did tell me that would happen, so I am not surprised or anything. Of course, I would love to get smaller, but as I said before, I am thrilled where I am right now! I stopped wearing my garments today (doctor said 4 weeks minimum) and I should probably keep wearing them, but it feels SO good to be free of them! Still no bumps or anything and I am still sore, especially in my back. The numbness started going away in my back last week, so I really wasn't sore there until that started happening. Not so sore that it disrupts my day or anything, but still sore, especially when excercising.
Replies (2)
June 28, 2010
Hi 8992anon...just got your e-mails today, so i sent a response...let me know if you don't get it.
thanks!
June 30, 2010
wow 6lbs thats great! roughly do you how much CC's that is? because i had my 1week post op today and i remember to ask my doctor how much he removed and he said with all the parts roughly around 2000cc.
btw how is your recovery going? i took your advice i brought the Arnica tabs & also the Arnica gel and 2 days later all the bruising is GONE! that thing is amazing! im still not as flat as i asumed i would be,but when i feel around my abbs and flanks its really hard so i know i am still swollen and my doc also confirmed today that there is A LOT of swelling still,he says that he waits 3mths post op to take after pictures..so im hoping as time goes on my belly will shrink,he gave me the "go ahead" to start working out..so i will probably start tomorrow =]
July 13, 2010
Hi infamfousz...sorry, but once again, i did not receive an e-mail on your post, so i apologize that i have not responded before now! i don't know how many cc's that is, but i am going to e-mail my doc this morning and ask him as i have noticed a lot of posts mentioning that and now i am curious myself.
my recovery is slow. i am still numb in quite a few places and still pretty sore, especially in my lower back. it is not enough that it bothers me a lot, but it does prohibit me from doing anything with extreme movement like jumping up and down, so i have yet to start running again and that is a bit depressing. i am ok to do my Slim in Six workout dvd and the eliptical (sp?), but nothing that takes more movement than that.
i know what you mean about the Arnica tablets. i can't honestly say that it was that or just the fact that the surgery was done right or that i don't bruise easily, but whatever it was, i have to think that Arnica played a part in it, so i am so glad i spent the $8.00 and used it!
i am definitely not flat and i don't believe i ever will be flat. i just don't think my body works that way, unfortunately. as i mentioned in previous posts, i only did this so that i could wear clothes that fit, so based on that and my results, i think it was 100% successful. of course, i would LOVE to have a flat stomach, but i just don't think it's in the cards and i am glad that i am realistic about it because it means that i am still thrilled with my results and i am not disappointed!
how are you doing? i hope you will post some before and after pics (maybe you have, so i will check after i post this). just remember, the swelling lasts a long time, so don't be discouraged. keep wearing that compression garment...i think it is so worth it! i wore it continually for 4 weeks and now i put it on when i get home from work and wear it overnight.
anyway, congratulations and keep us all posted! WTG!!! :-)
Replies (0)