POSTED UNDER Cellulaze REVIEWS
Cellulaze June 6, 2012 - Will Keep You Posted As Time Progresses (Age 47) - Los Angeles, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Had cellulaze yesterday, June 6, 2012. Spent...
Brittany6755June 8, 2012
$7,200
Had cellulaze yesterday, June 6, 2012. Spent almost 3 hours on my stomach with the last bit of the time on my back. Had the sides of my ledgs done, the backs, the buttocks (about 4" from the crease of my butt up my buttocks) and part of the fronts of my legs. Was given an adavan (spelling?) and a valium for the procedure. The numbing part, as you've most likely read, is PAINFUL, and the procedure itself is not, withe the exeption of the sporadic and surprising pang of heat in places most likely not completely numbed.
My doctor has me in a compression garmet from above my waist to below my knee. They gave me two and said when I have my stiches out in 5 days they may give me a size smaller if the swelling has started to go down. They said it's going to look worse before it looks better. They said starting at about 1 week I will think "oh my goodness, what have I done!" and that I will regret it. They said about 4-6 weeks I will "start" to see results and this process will unfold for several months and even up to one year. They said the procedure appears to be permanent as people who had it 3 years ago still have retained their good results.
I'm in pain, it hurts to sit, stand, walk, etc. It's not as bad as the lipo I had nine years ago which had me in bed for almost a full week. Bruises are starting to appear as you can see below. My 1 day picture looks like no result at all but I'm not going to start condeming the process when I know my body needs to be in a state of recovery for results to appear. I figure I've had celllite my whole life, I can wait another couple of months to see how this unfolds. Happy to be able to share it with you all.
Note: My doctor did not take any pictures at the 24 hour point. They are waiting to take pictures at the 6 day point when I have my stitches out.
Brittany6755's provider
Replies (12)
June 9, 2012
Brittany, it sounds like your doctor has done a great job of preparing you for the emotional roller coaster that often comes with treatment. I think that is so great, so at least if/when you get to that stage you will know those feelings are completely normal.
Hoping the pain subsides quickly for you, and that you are able to get a decent nights sleep tonight.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing!
June 9, 2012
Hi usercalifornia, thanks for that information. That seems to explain why the incisions look too big to just have one stitch. In my minimal knowledge of stitching, I would have thought at least three. Given what you've shared, I'm going to email my doctor. I appreciate your comment.
Megan P, thanks for the warm welcome and personal email. Day 2 of recovery, I'm feeling better. Almost off of the pain meds, much sooner than I expected.
Megan P, thanks for the warm welcome and personal email. Day 2 of recovery, I'm feeling better. Almost off of the pain meds, much sooner than I expected.
June 9, 2012
hey there- I am just over 5 weeks out. Also in LA - who was your MD? Mine was in Bev Hills, Dr. Nikolov. Â
Okay, re: stitches, I had one in each of the four incision areas. My guy did one loosely. He says he thinks the skin heals better with a stitch. I had it in for a week. And believe me, I leaked like crazy the first night and I can't even find the incision sites on my lower thighs today.    So trust your MD.  You went with him b/c you trusted him. It's done now- so don't dwell on it. Â
Second, this first week is BAD. Don't fool yourself. It will be painful for a bit now. But hang in there, it gets better daily, then weekly. I can now exercise (started two weeks ago the second he gave me the go-ahead).  I still can't run or play tennis, but I can plop down on the couch and can get in and out of my car normally, where I definitely couldn't do that weeks ago. We all heal differently, so be patient!   I am seeing a ton of improvement - I still have some cellulite, but I am worlds better and only 5 weeks out. Can't wait to see at 3 months and 6 months!Â
If you need any encouragement, I'm here. xoxo Laurel
June 11, 2012
Thanks Laurel. I appreciate the 'trust my doc' advice. I agree and am focusing on that now.
Day 4 - noticing how when I run my hand over my legs it feels numb in addition to sore. Doc said could be numb for several to many weeks for all the feeling to come back. Sitting for long periods is still very tiresome. A few hours of driving starts to border on pain. I say this not having taken any pain meds during the day for my 2nd day now. So far so good.
Also, I am rubbing arnica montana over the entire treated area 2x per day - I take down the support garmet, rub it on, pull up the garmet. This is under the direction of my doctor too.
Day 4 - noticing how when I run my hand over my legs it feels numb in addition to sore. Doc said could be numb for several to many weeks for all the feeling to come back. Sitting for long periods is still very tiresome. A few hours of driving starts to border on pain. I say this not having taken any pain meds during the day for my 2nd day now. So far so good.
Also, I am rubbing arnica montana over the entire treated area 2x per day - I take down the support garmet, rub it on, pull up the garmet. This is under the direction of my doctor too.
June 11, 2012
also- if rubbing Arnica on is too senstive - It was for me- then take it orally.  5 tablets/3tx a day. they dissolve under your tongue. Whole Foods has a surgical dose of Arnica.   Also, I took and am still taking Bromelian,. 500mg 2x/day. This is the ingredient found in pineapples that is supposed to reduce inflammation.  I am also taking Vitamin A, 10,000iu/2x day and Vitamin C 1000mg 1x/day.  Only the Arnica was suggested by my MD. I found the rest online. Vitamin A and C are very good for skin.  You're still in the first week- it gets better and better- you just need to give yourself time. xx
UPDATED FROM Brittany6755
Just realized I could add comments to my initial...
Brittany6755June 13, 2012
Just realized I could add comments to my initial review, instead of in the comments where we all talk.
Update on Day 7 - posting some updated pictures for you today.
Doctor said so far so good.
Said the compression garmet needs to stay on for another 1-2 weeks.
Said put neosporin on each of my incisions for 1 week, then vaseline after that to keep the scabs moist so they say softer and don't interfere with healing.
Said continue with Traumeel 2x per day over the entire area. (Note, I looked at the ingredients for Traumeel and it is very different from just plain arnica. Traumeel looks like it would work better based on ingredients.)
Also, doc said there is really only lipo to compare the healing process with and she thinks the brusing will be mostly gone by week 2.
I'm functioning well, sitting all day at my job. But it does feel uncomfortable still to have sore "skin" and not a more common sore muscle feeling.
Brittany
Update on Day 7 - posting some updated pictures for you today.
Doctor said so far so good.
Said the compression garmet needs to stay on for another 1-2 weeks.
Said put neosporin on each of my incisions for 1 week, then vaseline after that to keep the scabs moist so they say softer and don't interfere with healing.
Said continue with Traumeel 2x per day over the entire area. (Note, I looked at the ingredients for Traumeel and it is very different from just plain arnica. Traumeel looks like it would work better based on ingredients.)
Also, doc said there is really only lipo to compare the healing process with and she thinks the brusing will be mostly gone by week 2.
I'm functioning well, sitting all day at my job. But it does feel uncomfortable still to have sore "skin" and not a more common sore muscle feeling.
Brittany
Replies (9)
June 15, 2012
I had Cellulaze 2 weeks ago yesterday and had no idea that I must wear the compression garment for 2 to 3 months for the best results. I would have waited till after summer to do it.
June 15, 2012
Thanks for your comment spykiss. I'm surprised your doc wants you to wear the compression for 2-3 months. Yikes. What is the reasoning (I'm curious) if the swelling is gone in a few weeks?
June 17, 2012
In the intro seminar I attended on cellulaze the tape they played for us said that you wear the garment for 2 weeks. After I had the procedure my Dr. said that the garment had to be on for 4 weeks, but that 2 to 3 months would show a much better outcome. With all the pain involved in this procedure, I want to receive the maximum success possible. It's been 2.5 weeks today and the back of my thighs and my butt feel OK, but my front thighs are still very uncomfortable and bruised. I couldn't wear shorts and feel good about it as of today. I just think there's a lot that is going unsaid in the consultations.
We should have all the correct information upfront about what to expect after the procedure.
Some of the things I'm experiencing are:
. major swelling of feet and ankles and my activities are normal.
. the areas of my skin that were treated are VERY firm to the touch.
. I have some knots under the skin.
. 2.5 weeks out I'm still very sore.
I know that my legs are not going to look good in shorts for at least another 3 weeks. That means I've lost over half the summer to this procedure. I just wish someone would have told me all this so I could have enjoyed my summer and had this at the end, like maybe Sept. I'm just saying...
We should have all the correct information upfront about what to expect after the procedure.
Some of the things I'm experiencing are:
. major swelling of feet and ankles and my activities are normal.
. the areas of my skin that were treated are VERY firm to the touch.
. I have some knots under the skin.
. 2.5 weeks out I'm still very sore.
I know that my legs are not going to look good in shorts for at least another 3 weeks. That means I've lost over half the summer to this procedure. I just wish someone would have told me all this so I could have enjoyed my summer and had this at the end, like maybe Sept. I'm just saying...
June 17, 2012
Thanks for sharing these details spykiss. That makes sense. I think the docs are so new at all this we are the test cases, fine tuning the process. I am interested in your progress and healing. Since you are a week further along than me.
June 21, 2012
Wow :( , sorry to hear that spykiss. I'm with you. You really need to be fully informed, so you can be prepared in every way, including mentally. Thank you so much for posting your experience. This really helps me in my decision-making. And I SO wish you the awesomest results!
June 15, 2012
Thanks for posting the updated photos - your bruising looks a ton better!! So glad to hear you are doing ok sitting at work. Hope the soreness goes away soon!!
June 16, 2012
Brittany, thank you for sharing your journey and posting pictures! It is so helpful. Looks like you are healing nicely and the bruising will be gone within a couple of days! Hopefully you will not be sore much longer. Great that you got all your bits done at the same time so only have to recover once!
Is the level of soreness different from the back of thighs and front? I had Cellulaze done a few days ago to the back of the thighs, and would like to get the front and bum done in the future. My doc is also in LA. Who did yours?
Looking forward to seeing your "after" pictures!
Is the level of soreness different from the back of thighs and front? I had Cellulaze done a few days ago to the back of the thighs, and would like to get the front and bum done in the future. My doc is also in LA. Who did yours?
Looking forward to seeing your "after" pictures!
June 17, 2012
Hi Fazhionista, thanks. Glad my info is helpful.
Honestly, I don't remember if the front was more painful than the back when I was actually having the cellulaze done. I remember there were spots front and back that were less numb at times and I felt the shocking heat which you've read about.
As far as healing, the fronts are pretty sore, but they are more available to living, i.e. they serve as my lap and I forget it's sore, or I bump the fronts with my hands, etc. At 10 days out they feel equally sore to me. The fronts feel a little number than the backs. Not totally numb but somewhat. Dr. Spring did my surgery. I'm happy with her.
Honestly, I don't remember if the front was more painful than the back when I was actually having the cellulaze done. I remember there were spots front and back that were less numb at times and I felt the shocking heat which you've read about.
As far as healing, the fronts are pretty sore, but they are more available to living, i.e. they serve as my lap and I forget it's sore, or I bump the fronts with my hands, etc. At 10 days out they feel equally sore to me. The fronts feel a little number than the backs. Not totally numb but somewhat. Dr. Spring did my surgery. I'm happy with her.
UPDATED FROM Brittany6755
Day 13 My bruising is almost gone. Legs still...
Brittany6755June 19, 2012
Day 13
My bruising is almost gone. Legs still tender but not as much. The support hose still feel good and supportive. I am still using arnica gel two times daily and am to continue for another week. I see the doctor on Day 30. Side note, I'm have a breast augmentation tomorrow :-)
My bruising is almost gone. Legs still tender but not as much. The support hose still feel good and supportive. I am still using arnica gel two times daily and am to continue for another week. I see the doctor on Day 30. Side note, I'm have a breast augmentation tomorrow :-)
Replies (12)
June 19, 2012
Thank you for sharing - it was very helpful to me. I just had it done yesterday. The numbing process was Painful especially the back side. I just took off the garment (to wash) and appears like nothing has changed on my back of legs and buttock area. How is it looking for you now that it's been over a week? Also my doctor never said anything about traumeel or Arnica so I wondered how that is working out for you? I was just informed by my boss that an extremely important meeting is taking place today and I am thinking of wearing spanx then the garmet but not the foam pad (for 5 hours) - did your doctor have you wear the foam pad? Any advice would be appreciated.
June 19, 2012
Hi Nanaillinois,
I would definitely use the arnica or traumeel. I think it's necessary but of course I'm not your doctor. I think it has absolutely helped.
Here's how I use it:
2 x per day I pull the compression garmet down and put on the arnica. I put it on pretty thick all over the brusing. Then I pull the compression garmet back up which goes on easier with the arnica on there. I am to use it for 3 weeks. I'm 13 days out and my brusing is almost completely gone. I just took new pics today and will try to post tonight.
As far as the spanx. I understand from my doctor that I can wear them it's just that on day 1 with the swelling, they may be hard to get on. And it will probably hurt (ouch.) At my one week check up they said I could use spanx no problem, or I continue to use the compression garmet they gave me. I'm still using the compression garmet because it's handy with the hooks and zippers on either side.
I would definitely use the arnica or traumeel. I think it's necessary but of course I'm not your doctor. I think it has absolutely helped.
Here's how I use it:
2 x per day I pull the compression garmet down and put on the arnica. I put it on pretty thick all over the brusing. Then I pull the compression garmet back up which goes on easier with the arnica on there. I am to use it for 3 weeks. I'm 13 days out and my brusing is almost completely gone. I just took new pics today and will try to post tonight.
As far as the spanx. I understand from my doctor that I can wear them it's just that on day 1 with the swelling, they may be hard to get on. And it will probably hurt (ouch.) At my one week check up they said I could use spanx no problem, or I continue to use the compression garmet they gave me. I'm still using the compression garmet because it's handy with the hooks and zippers on either side.
June 19, 2012
Where did you get the traumeel or arnica? The pharmcist at target didnt have any. Did your doctot have you wear a foam padding with the garmet. Thank you for your advice it helps a lot since they barely tell you anything at the doctors office
June 20, 2012
Oops forgot to comment about the pad. No pad for me. I do recall a pad when I had lipo 9years ago. I don't know the purpose of the pad. You can get arnica gel at Walmart or CVS. You can also order it on amazon.com but I wouldn't wait that long to start using it. I think it's important. Hope you are feeling better today and your meeting went ok. I am happy to help however I can.
June 20, 2012
Wow, you are getting a full on makeover! :) Hope your aug tomorrow goes smoothly. In a month, you are going to be strutting your stuff!
Nanaillnois, I wore foam padding for 4-5 days. I wanted to for comfort, otherwise they would have been removed 24 hours after the procedure. Hope your important meeting today went great! You are quite the trooper being back at work the next day!
Nanaillnois, I wore foam padding for 4-5 days. I wanted to for comfort, otherwise they would have been removed 24 hours after the procedure. Hope your important meeting today went great! You are quite the trooper being back at work the next day!
June 20, 2012
Brittany & Fazhionista thank you for your support...it truly is an emotional experience. If anyone out there is going to get it done or thinking about it - I would plan to take the day after off of work. I went to my meeting and I gauzed and taped up my legs then put the garmet on - which I'm not sure was the right thing to do (I couldn't fit in any of my "fat" clothes otherwise) - the swelling is intense...I even have it around my knees (which normally I have chicken legs for my calfs). This morning while I'm washing the spanx and garmet I looked around my knees and I have a bulge where I'm thinking fluid may have built up. Brittany GOOD LUCK today hope your surgery goes well!!
June 20, 2012
Brittany6755, I hope things went well with your aug. today. We have an entire breast augmentation community. The ladies in it are great, and I'm sure they would love to hear your story so pop over there & check it out when you are feeling up to it.
I'm sure today is an uncomfortable day, but I hope its not too bad, and that you will be feeling a bit better each day!
Very interesting point you brought up usercalifornia. I submitted a Q&A so we could hear the opinions of the board certified doctors who volunteer on RealSelf.
It usually takes 24-48 hours for answers to be posted:
Are There Any Absolute Reasons Not to Use Stitches After Cellulaze or is It Just a Matter of Preference for the Doctor?