POSTED UNDER Lipedema Surgery Reviews
Bye-bye, Saddlebags!
UPDATED FROM ellearsha
7 months post
?I want to start off by saying that I really liked the Doctor...
$4,400
I want to start off by saying that I really liked the Doctor....but, I just wish I was happier with my outcome. I had lipo to the upper thighs, specifically with the goal to eliminate my saddlebags, but they're still there. (And I have stayed exactly the same weight).I brought this up at my one month follow up, but was told that I was still swollen. 6 months later they look EXACTLY the same as then: Uneven, and the saddlebags are still bothersome and showing when I wear skinny jeans. I'm happier with my inner thighs - yet the right looks better than the left. I know asymmetry happens, but overall there's still just too much junk left in my trunk and I want it gone.
ellearsha's provider
UPDATED FROM ellearsha
23 days post
3 weeks PO
Feeling almost back to normal. I have started biking to/from work again (2hrs/day). Pain only sometimes upon getting up. I’m still wearing my garment, and one that is a bit lighter. My post op instructions were to wear it for 2 weeks, but I’ve read that people get better results by wearing it longer.
I do see improvement for sure, but I’m not 100% satisfied. my right and left thighs are very asymmetrical. And I do not see that changing because I’ve noticed it almost immediately. So, when I go for my follow up next week, I’m going to tell her I want to schedule a touch up. One leg I’m happy-ish with, but the other is still very curvy in the inner and outer thighs. That was my more painful side, too (naturally).
Also—why does the front look so much better than behind?! I hate that behind pic, but I’m gonna post anyway. It really shows that I store ALL my fat in my limbs and not in my torso. Ugh! Arm lipo is happening in the future for sure!
I do see improvement for sure, but I’m not 100% satisfied. my right and left thighs are very asymmetrical. And I do not see that changing because I’ve noticed it almost immediately. So, when I go for my follow up next week, I’m going to tell her I want to schedule a touch up. One leg I’m happy-ish with, but the other is still very curvy in the inner and outer thighs. That was my more painful side, too (naturally).
Also—why does the front look so much better than behind?! I hate that behind pic, but I’m gonna post anyway. It really shows that I store ALL my fat in my limbs and not in my torso. Ugh! Arm lipo is happening in the future for sure!
Replies (5)
November 9, 2020
I think you look absolutely fantastic! I went back and read that she only took out 1.5 liters. When looking at the picture, it looks like a whole lot more than 1.5 liters. Did she tell you why she didn't take more out? Though, I personally think you look very natural and proportional. I need multiple areas treated for lipedema/lymphedema. Dr. Su's admin told me they can remove up to 4 liters and if you need more, you need to wait either a few more weeks or months for another treatment.
I am looking at getting my implants removed as well. I'm just over them. I have not had any issues with them at all. I just want them out. Though, I scared to think of what my chest will look like after an explant. Did you ever consider doing a fat transplant from your legs to your chest?
I am looking at getting my implants removed as well. I'm just over them. I have not had any issues with them at all. I just want them out. Though, I scared to think of what my chest will look like after an explant. Did you ever consider doing a fat transplant from your legs to your chest?
November 11, 2020
She told me it was 1.5 liters of FAT. There were 4 big bags, but much of that is tumescent fluid. Some Dr's count all of it as the amount that was removed, but she didn't, which I sort of appreciate. She said it was a lot for my small frame, but because I had done so much research and heard of others getting 4-5 liters removed my heart sunk upon hearing that.
I got my explant about 1.5 years ago. At the time I was sort of considering fat transfer, but I really actually wanted to have small boobs again. My implants made me look so matronly, and I think small boobs are cute and youthful. I don't regret it at all, however my thighs then became the big eye-sore once the big knockers weren't there anymore! LOL
I got my explant about 1.5 years ago. At the time I was sort of considering fat transfer, but I really actually wanted to have small boobs again. My implants made me look so matronly, and I think small boobs are cute and youthful. I don't regret it at all, however my thighs then became the big eye-sore once the big knockers weren't there anymore! LOL
November 11, 2020
Thanks so much for the response. I was not aware of tumescent fluid. I guess I need to get my research hat on! I am looking forward to a smaller chest one day! Ha! How would have thought! Thanks!
February 19, 2021
You look great! How long did it take for the swelling to go down enough to see results? I am 3 dpo from liposuction on my hips and outer thighs, they are a swollen and numb mess!
UPDATED FROM ellearsha
16 days post
Update 2 weeks post
I don’t think anyone is really following his review (except you, sweet Eileen64!) So, I probably won’t be doing anymore updates.
Healing very well. But some of my incisions started to look worse this week. I think I had a reaction from a material in the band-aids. Swelling has reduced a little, and I feel less pain overall— except when getting out of bed in the morning.
Unfortunately all this lack of exercise is making me puffy all over, not just the thighs. I’m semi-happy with my procedure, but I will likely get further work done to drain the swamps of fat that are still disproportionately in my legs. Probably going to have that done by a lipedema Dr. in Europe, and get the upper arms done too.
Anyway, that’s it. Write comments if you’re interested in seeing future updates/pics. But right now, it feels like almost nobody’s following in this review.
Healing very well. But some of my incisions started to look worse this week. I think I had a reaction from a material in the band-aids. Swelling has reduced a little, and I feel less pain overall— except when getting out of bed in the morning.
Unfortunately all this lack of exercise is making me puffy all over, not just the thighs. I’m semi-happy with my procedure, but I will likely get further work done to drain the swamps of fat that are still disproportionately in my legs. Probably going to have that done by a lipedema Dr. in Europe, and get the upper arms done too.
Anyway, that’s it. Write comments if you’re interested in seeing future updates/pics. But right now, it feels like almost nobody’s following in this review.
Replies (5)
October 31, 2020
I think you look great. If you are looking for additional work/second opinion, you may want to check out Dr. Su or his other counterparts at Art Lipo in Tampa, Florida (www.artlipo.com). I have lipedema and lymphedema and am seriously considering them. They specialize in lipedema/lymphedema patients.
November 1, 2020
Hi! Thanks for your message! I actually was considering them. Artistic Lipo does excellent work and I had sent in photos for a quote. During COVID times, I was hoping to get it done without having to travel so far. (On a plane). But next year, I'm moving to France ( hopefully if it's not delayed). But I would definitely travel in the future to Artistic Lipo in the future for their "celebrity arms"!
November 1, 2020
I understand. I live very far away from Florida. I am just going to wait out COVID even though it may take another year or so. :( I don't have any surgeons at this level who I would trust nearby. Happy Healing! You really look fantastic!
November 1, 2020
Thank you! :) Yeah, I had some impatience waiting out COVID, which led me to doing this one now. But, I hear ya! It's hard to find Dr's that do good work on legs!
October 31, 2020
I can really see the difference! Do you like the new compression garnet? Please keep posting.
November 1, 2020
Thanks for your comment! I'm starting to see some change, but I have a very critical eye when it comes to my thighs. Yes, I ended up getting a few garments because it's hard to know what will fit until trying it. I got a Marena with the shoulder straps, but I cut off the straps so it looks like leggings. Much more comfortable that way! ;)
November 1, 2020
I've been following, I due to get it done this coming Wednesday so following your progress closely
November 1, 2020
Hi! Oh, thanks for your message! I hope you have an easy recovery and post a review! Which doctor did you decide on?
November 1, 2020
Hey- I’m here!! Just found your review, I’m very interested in seeing your progress. I need to google lidederma but why are you thinking big going to Europe for the next procedure?
November 1, 2020
Hi! Thank you for commenting! :) I am planning on moving to France next year (hopefully without COVID delays). And there are several doctors in Europe (Spain & Germany) that have had incredible results at removing larger volumes of fat from the thighs circumferential-- like 5-6 liters worth of fat. The before and afters are impressive! In the US, it's harder to find Dr's with that experience or they won't be willing to remove that much fat at once. There's a couple in LA with good results, but the cost is very steep.
November 4, 2020
Would you be willing to share the names of the doctors in Europe that you are impressed with? I'd love to see what those results would look like. Thank you!
November 7, 2020
Of course!! There's a great community on IG where I've found those Dr's .. just search #lipedemasurgery or #lipedema and you'll go down the rabbit hole like I did! The best Dr is Dr Burgos in Madrid, but there's some in Germany -Dr. Heck, Dr. Demitras(turkey) Dr. Vaia (Italy) Dr. Gupta (UK-I think) . I'm leaning towards Dr. Burgos- his before and afters are impressive and prices on his site seem pretty reasonable compared to what US dr's charge. Although I'm seeing several ppl in the US getting insurance to cover it, but it's not easy to get approved.
Replies (5)
I'm wondering if those lines going down the side of your thighs completely vanished?
Thank you for posting updates.