Liposuction on abdomen and flanks (stomach and back)

Hey all! So! before I got surgery I was looking through all these reviews to try to get a price estimate that was accurate to the date. So some help for people looking for that information I paid for Lipo on my stomach, Lipo on my back, the anesthesia, hospital fees, and post opt appointments, it came to a total of about $9,000. I know my pictures might be graphic and scary for some looking to get lipo and I'm going to be as real as I can be. I got my surgery May 25 2022, I am currently 4 days post surgery. These are the only pictures I could take because I am not removing my pressure garment until after my first post opt. As of today I can tell you, it's honestly not that bad. So do I look and feel like I got hit by a truck with bruising, yes. BUT, you only feel sore when you move. I could lay here in bed and feel like I didn't get surgery at all, until I shift a little bit and then I could feel the bruising. There is no draining tubes and nor do doctors really do that for just Lipo. I am able to sleep on my side, stomach, and back. I hate sleeping on my back so I'm definitely a side sleeper that hugs a pillow under my leg, and I could do that with no pain once I get down. When they do the Lipo, they suck the fat cells out between the skin and the muscle, which I believe disrupt the nerve endings and blood vessels. So when I lightly touch my skin, I don't feel it. Almost like when your hand falls asleep and you could use your other hand to touch the texture of your skin. They prescribed me hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5-325, and to be honest that medicine was doing nothing for me so I switched to just taking ibuprofen, and that is what's helping me the most. I do have a very high pain tolerance, so the ibuprofen might just be enough for specifically me. As far as how the actual procedure went, I wasn't allowed to eat or drink after midnight The day before surgery. I showed up to the surgery center at 10, they prepped me and did my IV. The nurses were all amazing and the doctor came and seen me before I went back. He marked my belly with all the places that he planned on taking out fat. And also marked that he was going to take fat out from the front of my pubic area, which I was soooooo excited about. I was very comfortable and got to hang out with my husband before they took me back. On the way back they gave me medicine to relax, and honestly I don't remember much after that. The surgery lasted about two hours, and then I was put into the recovery room for about an hour. My memory is a little bit foggy because obviously I was still getting the anesthesia worked out of my body. I do remember on the way home that I was super nervous that the bumps were gonna hurt me, but I ended up just falling asleep. As I have been home I noticed each day I'm getting a little bit more mobility and energy. But I will promise you the one thing you're gonna need help doing is going to the bathroom because there is no bending or twisting, so wiping by yourself is almost impossible. About two hours ago I did notice a weird feeling in my lower back, it almost feels like there is an air pocket under my skin. It's not painful at all but I frantically looked up reviews or other people having this issue, and it seems that it is a normal occurrence that some people get. I'm going to notify my doctor in the morning, but after reading a ton of reviews it said it would eventually work itself out. And now for the sole review of Dr. Jeffrey R. Antimarino! I promise you guys, he is a genuinely kind, respectful man. Right before I met him for my consultation, I was sitting in the room, uncomfortable and nervous that I was about to show someone all my insecurities that I have tried to hide for years. I barely let my husband see me naked because of how much my stomach and back bother me. But I sat in the chair waiting, and then this man walked in with a huge smile and introduced himself. I feel auras, so when he came in, I instantly was so comfortable. I explained my situation to him and told him what another doctor had recommended (lipo 360 and a full tummy tuck). Dr. Antimarino explained to me that I might be able to get my desired look with just lipo. He also told me a lot of information that the other doctor did not inform me about. Dr. Antimarino has so much knowledge and it really puts you at ease and makes you feel confident in your decision of picking him and his team. Fast forward to surgery day, he came in before hand to make sure I was excited and ready to go, he confirmed to my husband that he would keep him updated with everything. It made my husband comfortable as well. Later that night after my surgery, Dr. Antimarino called me and told me that I contoured amazing and he was excited to see the results. He asked me how I was feeling and if I needed anything. He told me if I had any problems or questions to contact him at his personal number by call or text. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a doctor willing to give up his home/personal time for his patients. His bedside manner is an A+. Dr. Antimarino thank you so so soo much, you are absolutely amazing.
Ps, I will add updated images and reviews as I go through the process.

Hey guys so I figured I’d give an update! So I’m starting to see the results! The doctor and the PA said that I would still have a little bit of swelling and that the final results would be six months after the surgery. But let me just tell you I’m already excited with my results now, Yet alone in another 4 1/2 months! It sucks cause I don’t really have any before surgery pictures, I was way too insecure. The one I have posted on my first review was only a few minutes before the actual surgery and I was sitting down. For reference though, I could tell you guys that my stomach used to hang halfway over my “fupa” if you will. I used to have massive love handles that would almost make me look like I had double hips. And then of course my fat around my ribs was terrible I had such a bad fat crease even when I was standing up. As far as the update I have absolutely no bruising anymore, and there is no pain or soreness. I still am numb on my lower stomach but I could feel more and more each day. I thought the incisions were going to be kind of noticeable but they’re starting to heal and I’m sure they’re gonna disappear. As I was healing I noticed that the incision area always tended to be the most swollen. And either though I am still a little numb and have swelling here and there I’m able to get back to my normal life, running around with my six-year-old, riding my dirt bike and motorcycle, swimming, and hiking. I get to wear formfitting shirts now and not be insecure. I haven’t got to the crop top life yet but I’m sure I’m on my way. I’ll be sure to post another update again! But please if you’re on the fence about surgery, definitely go see Dr. Jeffrey R. Antimarino at Bellissimo!