34-year-old Male, (Flanks/lower Back) ... Found *the Best* Surgeon to Do It - Los Angeles, CA

Smart Lipo, from the right doctor, can yield a great outcome. I've been down this road three times with Smart Lipo and once with traditional lipo. It takes an investment of patience and persistence on the part of the patient (wear your garment, rest as much as possible and 'take it easy' for about a week post-procedure or you'll swell and bruise and that affects your healing / keep up your diet & exercise after that). The key is finding a great doctor--don't take shortcuts. Look for someone who is experienced in performing this procedure, preferably board-certified in plastic surgery. (I've made the mistake of *not* doing my research before Real Self was around.) There's a lot of debate about Smart Lipo being effective. Here's the deal: it won't work for you if you're overweight as the amount of fat that is drained isn't extreme enough to make a difference. But it CAN sculpt a 'new you.' It can help you look your best if you are already dieting and exercising and working on yourself. That's where you'll achieve the best outcome. (Or where I've seen mine.) The discomfort is surprisingly mild and it's normally the day after the procedure, not during. But I can't stress it enough: find a great doctor, not an ophthalmologist who has learned how to do Smart Lipo on the side. Do your research. You need a plastic surgeon who has dedicated him or herself to this craft. I've been pleased and I've been disappointed before...now I know why, what to do and who to look for.