POSTED UNDER Liposuction REVIEWS
Flanks, Bra Line, Abs, Hips, and Inner Thighs; Layton, UT
ORIGINAL POST
I had my procedure on Friday 3/22. It took about 5...
brookiecookieMarch 29, 2013
$5,600
I had my procedure on Friday 3/22. It took about 5 hours and it wasn't a great experience. I woke up from the conscious sedation and I could feel the pain from the procedure. I have been very worried that this may have affected my results since I was crying out in pain for awhile which I imagine could be distracting to the doctor. I haven't gotten the reassurance from my doc that I have been looking for when I have brought it up a few times. They also had to put a catheter in because the procedure took so long which was very unpleasant when they took it out and the day or so after. I will also through out there that they were six hours late taking me back because the surgery before me was much more complex than anticipated. I was starving, thirsty, and nursing a killer caffeine headache for most of the day prior to my surgery. Right now I am not sure if I should have done the surgery. It was so expensive, very unpleasant, and I can't see a difference yet, so this is a hard time, for me and a lot of people I think. I am trying to be patient but it is hard. I am up 8 pounds since my surgery and even though I know it is water, it is hard for me deal with it. Fortunately, I only have bad bruises right around the back of my knees and really no where else so that is a plus.
I have been struggling with compression because I haven't found anything that is tight enough on my thighs that will still go around my tummy without squeezing me to death.
UPDATED FROM brookiecookie
2 years pre
Today I have felt better than I have since before...
brookiecookieMarch 29, 2013
Today I have felt better than I have since before my surgery. My pain level was significantly less today than yesterday. I had to go back to work today and it wasn't too bad. While I have minimal bruising, I have quite a bit of swelling. My lower back is especially swollen and is still numb, so I think I must not have great circulation back there since the tumescent hasn't come out all the way yet. He said he took out about 6-7 pounds of fat, but I am up five pounds from surgery. Hopefully I have at least ten pounds of swelling right now!
I did get the compression garment I ordered from amazon today in the mail and it is much better. Thinner material, but tighter. It was only thirty dollars too so I am happy about that. I might get one more and take back the others I bought in town that were more money and not as good. I am going to try to take pictures tomorrow. I don't have before pictures except from the doctor so I need to see if he will give them to me. It might be interesting though for you all to see the progression from now to the next month or two, even with out the before shots.
I did get the compression garment I ordered from amazon today in the mail and it is much better. Thinner material, but tighter. It was only thirty dollars too so I am happy about that. I might get one more and take back the others I bought in town that were more money and not as good. I am going to try to take pictures tomorrow. I don't have before pictures except from the doctor so I need to see if he will give them to me. It might be interesting though for you all to see the progression from now to the next month or two, even with out the before shots.
Replies (21)
March 30, 2013
Wow that is a long surgery, why did it take so long? I am getting inner / outer thighs upper and lower abs hips knees and bra line and mine is only supposed to take about 2 hrs. Glad your bruising is minimal hopefully in a few days everything will be looking up.
March 30, 2013
He says it usually takes three hours, but they were having difficulties keeping me sedated. I would oscillate between too much sedation and too little. They were having a hard time controlling me. I wanted to leave I guess. He is also meticulous in his work (they tell me) and he also talks a lot. Seems like everything with him takes twice as long as you would think.
April 2, 2013
I am 5-1/2 weeks post op. My surgery took three hours and other than a 5 mg Percocet and an anti-anxiety pill, I was awake for the whole thing. There was an occasional ouch and pinch here and there, but overall, once they got the tumescent fluid in me, I really did not feel it too much. Recovery is long though. I still wear my garment every other day or so because it just feels better but I am very happy with the results.
April 2, 2013
I'm supposed to wear my garment for 6 weeks. We'll see! It is getting loose! I can't believe you were awake for the whole thing. If I ever decide to do my calfs, I could see being awake for it though. Yikes! Glad you're happy with your results!
March 30, 2013
You have had major surgery. Take it easy. Lipo is not a walk in the park with that much fat removed. I had 4000CC and in all the areas as you. Full back, full abs, flanks and inner thighs. Even my back neck...yikes..
Compressions garment is so important and the medical grade is recommended till 1 month after. Photos really tell the picture for you to see the difference. With that much removed you must be really swollen to not see a huge change. It was so rough for me for 2 weeks. I wanted to die and cried a lot. Now 2 months I am amazed with the difference and I did lose 8lbs which has kept off. So once your swelling goes down things will change a lot. I used arnica tabs and gell faithfully and my bruising was gone in 2 weeks mostly.
That is a long surgery and you just had local?? OMG...keep us posted and know we all feel what you are feeling!!
March 30, 2013
I am sorry you felt like that but it does make me feel better too. I have just been in so much pain and so tired. I think I will feel much better when I get down to my pre-surgery weight. I know weight shouldn't matter but I obsess about it and I don't think that will change any time soon. Why did you cry a lot? From the pain or something else?
March 31, 2013
I cried because I looked at my body and said why did I have to do this? So obessed with how I look. Now I have done this by choice. I couldn't complain to anyone how much I hurt or swelling or bruising..it was done
But now I feel so much better and so glad I did it. Just the emotions from surgery. I wont ever do it again as I am over 60...
April 1, 2013
I feel the same way as both of you two ladies. I'll post 3 weeks pics tomorrow but there have been so many ups and downs. MORE UPS than downs but It is a long process. Hang in there1
April 2, 2013
I underestimated this recovery process! I'm glad to hear that my feelings are fairly normal.
April 2, 2013
It gets better. I just hit day 21 today. The first week or two are a blur. I'm frustrated as nothing fits right though. Still sooooo swollen in my knees and thighs and my waist and belly are slimmed down quite a bit so pants are too big in the waist, too small in the legs! Ugh! I hope that gets better.
I'm still sore too - but I also have my breast lift and implant to contend with!
April 3, 2013
I'm glad to hear it isn't just me! My knees are still really swollen. Patience I guess!
March 31, 2013
Wow! I can't believe it took 5 hours but that was a lot of Lipo hun! I am 19 days out from abs, flanks, outer thighs, and knees. I also have a breast lift and implant and was under for just over 3 hours with general.
Did they not provide you with a compression garment? I would suggest the Marena garment. I live it in at minimum of 18-20 hours per day (doc says 16 minimum) and was in it 24 hours a day for the first 4 days before my post op.
As believenow says, the arnica homeopathic helped me before and after. Before it was provided by my doc and for 3 days after. I picked up more from the health food store and arnica lotion/gel. I didn't really see changes until 10 days(ish) you can see my pics on my profile. I still don't see changes in my knees or hips as much as I do my abs/flanks. But I'm still bruised, lumpy and swollen though totally managable! Just got back from taking my dog for almost a 3 mile walk - so yes - it's been managable. The first week was tough.
I would get a full body of one of these based on your current measurements. You wouldn't regret as you'll need to wear it 18-24 hours for the next 6-8 weeks.
http://marenagroup.com/
Hang in there! It does get better!
April 2, 2013
They put me in a garment directly after surgery to wear for five days. It was so uncomfortable I got a different one to use after that, with my doctor's permission. He doesn't provide or charge for secondary garments. He said he had too many complaints when he provided them and people often bought different ones. I got spanks-like garments and I am doing okay with them. They are comfortable, but I do wish they were tighter on my thighs. The compression on my stomach and flanks is great though.
About Arnica... I am in school to become a pharmacist so I looked it up when I heard so many people were using it. Oral arnica has serious health risks, including arrythmias, death of heart muscle, severe increases in blood pressure and heart rate, inflammation of the GI tract, and muscle paralysis. People have died ingesting arnica. There is no proven benefit. Beware!
April 23, 2013
I agree about the Arnica. The oral tabs made my heart race. I even tried the gel to apply topically and after 3 days, I had the same thing happen again, heart rate was up so I stopped using the gel as well.
April 1, 2013
We had surgery the same day! Mine was only 2.5 hours...
Btw, I'm still very numb on the lower back (flanks).
And still swollen. I refuse to weigh myself but I was 12lbs heavier the morning after 10lbs heavier right after surgery
I'm sure it's much better now because I can fit into my normal clothes again
Weight is very relative just keep walking and drinking tons of fluids. It will help!!
Your body went through a lot and your shape will change. Don't expect weight loss!! At least for now
Low sodium, low carb diet works best for me. I was barely swollen on day 4! I always swell more in the afternoon but wake up almost normal and better as each day goes by
Happy healing!
April 2, 2013
Low carbohydrate diets have always been the only thing that has every worked for me, but I really don't want to start dieting! I am feeling desperate though so I started on a low-moderate carbohydrate diet today. I cut out salt once when I went paleo and it was so hard! I know it will help, so I am giving it a go.That is great you had so little swelling! Stories like that had me hoping I would also have minimal swelling, but I have so much!
April 2, 2013
I guess it's not hard for me because it's a lifestyle more than a diet.. I do eat the occasional carbs (pizza, McD, junk food in general) But it's not everyday, and maybe once or twice a week and I do not binge.
The rest of the days is just high protein, low carb for the most part. I'm not into any atkins or paleo or anything, just cut out all flour, sugar, and carbs in general. I do eat fruits but not that many in the winter, a lot more in the summer.
Other than that, walk walk walk!! and drink at least a gallon. Your pee should be clear each and everytime!! I go to pee at least 4 times during the night but it's so worth it. I wake up so skinny!! swelling during the day is normal, we JUST had surgery!!!
UPDATED FROM brookiecookie
1 year pre
Day 10: I got my first lymphatic massage today. It...
brookiecookieApril 1, 2013
Day 10: I got my first lymphatic massage today. It was wonderful! I went to a therapist familiar with lymphatic massage, but not necessarily after liposuction. It didn't seem to matter at all. She was very gentle over my tender areas and said she could feel the hard pockets inside and was able to release them. I felt so loose after and just better! It did make me realize how numb I am everywhere and I am not sure if loss of sensation is normal and temporary. My lower back is almost completely numb. The therapist told me it seems to be especially concentrated around my incisions. I paid $45 for 30 minutes including tip if anyone needs a reference value. I scheduled a second appointment on Thursday. So worth it!
On a more general note: I have not taken any Percocet today, which will be my first completely narcotic free day since surgery. I am still taking Tylenol and still have quite a bit of tenderness in my thighs. I walk funny enough that at least one person notices every day. I also finished my antibiotic which makes me very happy since it was four times per day. I am as swollen as ever, more so because of my overindulgence yesterday, Easter. I am trying to eat clean today, moderate carbohydrates, low salt, whole foods, and lots of water. I didn't do as well as I had planned but I always do the worst on the first day or two and then it becomes easier. I guess I am officially dieting! This six pound weight gain is making me feel desperate!
On a more general note: I have not taken any Percocet today, which will be my first completely narcotic free day since surgery. I am still taking Tylenol and still have quite a bit of tenderness in my thighs. I walk funny enough that at least one person notices every day. I also finished my antibiotic which makes me very happy since it was four times per day. I am as swollen as ever, more so because of my overindulgence yesterday, Easter. I am trying to eat clean today, moderate carbohydrates, low salt, whole foods, and lots of water. I didn't do as well as I had planned but I always do the worst on the first day or two and then it becomes easier. I guess I am officially dieting! This six pound weight gain is making me feel desperate!
Replies (8)
April 2, 2013
I didn't eat too well on Easter either. It wasn't horrible, mostly shrimp and veggies from the brunch buffet, but the smoked salmon got me. I didn't even touch anything cake-like. Eh - But I just figured out I was actually PMSing. So - yup. That would explain a lot of my bloating/swelling! LOL!
Hang in there - you're doing well! One day at a time!
April 3, 2013
Sounds like you did well! Ug, that ham I ate was so salty, but so good! Salmon sounds good for you. Was it too salty?
April 3, 2013
Yeah 0 smoked salmon is salty. I didn't have that much. I'm also wondering if perhaps my 3 mile walk with my dog contributed to the swelling also! LOL! I've been trying to increse my walking - speaking of... OFF to the gym!
April 4, 2013
What compression garment did you get? My PS is having me wear 2 which I don't think I will be happy with its the capri type pants and a stomach wrap. I think I want a one piece. And since I am getting my bra rolls done maybe one with a built in bra???
April 5, 2013
I have had major issues with compression. Just remember it is for your benefit and comfort, especially to reduce early swelling. If you read on the question and answer from the doctors many say there is no evidence compression changes long-term outcomes. I have found it really difficult to find a compression that is tight on every area. The ones I have found tend to be looser on my thighs and bra line and tight on my abdomen. Gravity really helps with bra line swelling so it isn't as important, according to my PS. A sports bra might work just fine if it doesn't cut into you anywhere (you don't want permanent indentations). For me, I have found the most comfort and support with carpi type pants that go up to my waist with a spanx-like tank top on my upper body, sans bra. I sometimes wear two garments on the bottom because I haven't found anything that gives me great thigh support. The less support I have on my thighs the more difficult it is for me to walk without pain. It does depend on the pants I wear though.
Here is link for you, but I found all of these garments to be expensive.
http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/liposuction/liposuction-compression-garments-t55681.html
I bought a body suit on amazon I like except for the bathroom hole being useless. I have to undress to go which is annoying. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007J5RPXE/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
April 5, 2013
Get the Marena garment. My PS supplied one. It is a capri, with a band under the breasts. Zippers on both sides. I loved it until it got toooooo big - just 3 weeks. I'm now wearing spanx, flexies, panty hose, leggings. Really whatever I can find to give a little support. The garment slides down about 6 inches as soon as I stand up. It doesn't help me anymore.
July 8, 2015
Thanks for the info I need to have a message also in my lower abdomen area. I had a tummy tuck and Lipo 9 weeks ago!! Still excited! Good luck with everything. Also you can tune into lifetime TV on July 31 it's the first episode I will be in one of the episodes on A reality show called Atlanta plastic !!
Replies (0)