Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo REVIEWS

Upper & Lower Abs, Flanks & Arms - Great Results So Far! - Miami, FL

ORIGINAL POST

One of my friends had smart lipo last year and I...

Caro_11
$4,300

One of my friends had smart lipo last year and I really liked her results and after careful consideration, I decided to do it as well. I did lots of research and found a great doctor. I'm generally in good shape however I have let myself go in the past few months.

Before procedure:
5'2
140 lbs

- Day of procedure: May 11, 2012
I went in to see Dr. Blinski early around 8:30am. They made me sign a few more paperwork. Then, Dr. Blinski marked my body where the procedure was going to be. Then, I met with Dr. Jimenez, the anesthesiologist. He asked me a few more questions and explained how the anesthesia would be done.

Then, they took me in the operating room. I was really nervous by then as i knew it was really happening. The first thing, they put blankets over me. They also made me wear these socks for my circulation in my legs. Then Dr. Jimenez came in and gave me some local anesthesia on my left hand. He needed to put an IV in my vein from my left hand. The anesthesia he put first was a small burning sensation, not too bad. Then he put the IV in but unfortunately he couldn't get the vein so he had to prick me again, over the local anesthesia so that one hurt a bit, but still not too bad.

Then shortly after, he gave me the anesthesia and I remember drifting away, feeling drunk. Then I completely knocked out. The only thing I remember was hearing voices. I know I heard Dr.Blinski at one point. When I fully woke up, there was a nurse there, Pilar, she came over, cleaned my eyes and gave me cranberry juice. It felt sooo good since my lips were so dry. I felt in horrible pain. The nurse said I could take some pain medication when I got home.

My husband came with me and stopped at a wendy's and got a small chocolate frosty for me. The nurse said it would be good for me to bring up my sugar. I didn't like it, it was too sweet and was making me nauseous. I just took a few bites. Then I got home, my mom made me some jello and my husband made me some mashed potatoes. Had some of that and took my pain meds. I laid in bed and tried to rest. I was draining quite a but from my right side. I was all bruised up, my arms were black & blue.

- Day 2 of my Smart Lipo procedure. So far ok, very sore. I felt like I had a very strenuous workout. I didn't have any more drainage. I mostly drained on the first day. I took my antibiotic & my pain medication & took it easy, watching tv and resting.

I tried to move around more so I wouldn't be in bed all day. I did get up to have breakfast with the family. I just had one slice of toast with light butter & strawberry jelly and some fat free milk. Still really swollen, both arms and belly. Couldnt really tell the difference since it had only been two days and I was still very sore & swollen.

I actually went back to work on day 6 and it was pretty bad. Working a full 8 hours was killing me. I ended up more swollen by the end of the day. The belt was so tight too that it just hurt to sit down and I have a desk job where I'm sitting for most of the day. So, I definitely recommend taking a week off from work if u can. Everyone heals different but the first real was really hard for me.

Week 2 was so much better for me. The swelling was finally starting to go down some and my bruising was starting to fade. I didn't know about the arnica pills but I duds take them after and I definitely think they helped minimize the bruising.

I'm now on week 3 and I'm definitely seeing some results. My tummy is way flatter than it was. I had a horrible pooch before, it looked like I was pregnant. My sides are looking great and I'm also noticing a difference in my arms. My arms have been a much more subtle change but I'm definitely starting to notice it now. Since a week after my surgery I have been doing lymphatic massages. I highly recommend them. They help you heal as well as smooth any bumps/lumps you may get. I don't have much lumps thankfully. Posting some before and after pics.

Caro_11's provider

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Caro_11 rating for Dr. Blinski:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (11)

June 6, 2012
OMG you look so good!!! Wish I had results like you!
June 6, 2012
Thank you! I'm feeling pretty good so far. Not going to lie, the first week was really hard for me but now that I am starting to see results, I am feeling motivated :)
June 6, 2012
Heyyy, congratulations you look amazing!!! I just booked my appointment today but I am so nervous :( Ive read so many things online from good to bad and the bad really scare me. Stuff about people having lumps after, of doctors burning too much fat more than they should harming your health, to having fat beig stores somewhere else than the belly and looking just weird :-( What about your friend that has had it for a year now, how are the results a year after? Thanks so much for posting!! This is so helpful :-)
June 6, 2012
Yes, I got a little scared typo when I read some of the reviews but I know everyone is different and of course healing will be different too. The lumps are normal. That's why the lymphatic massage is so important. It helps with the swelling and the massage will help even out the lumps so that ur skin is smooth.

My friend that had it done a year ago still looks great. Of course she is constantly watching what she eats. It's important to keep eating right after the procedure or fat will develop in other areas as well as eventually come back in the treated areas. Just do lots of research and take care of yourself after the procedure and you should be fine. :)
June 6, 2012
Too*. Sorry my auto correct, lol
June 6, 2012
Ah awesome thanks so much for replying :-) I'll be posting my experience as well with all my paranoias included :-p You are looking A-Ma-Zing, wish you a speedy recovery!!!
June 7, 2012
You are healing well!
UPDATED FROM Caro_11
1 month post

4 weeks after procedure - I am feeling pretty good...

Caro_11
4 weeks after procedure - I am feeling pretty good. All bruising is completely gone. Some of my stitches are actually starting to fall off/dissolve. I am still wearing my compression garment all the time, all day at work and all night. I only take it off to take a bath and an occasional break now and then. It really does help mold you so I highly recommend wearing a compression garment for as long as you can. I actually did some ab work last night. I didn't go all crazy. I just did a few reps and hopefully today I will hop on my treadmill. So far, I am happy with my results. I am just getting used to abs. They look so different. Posting pics I took this morning.

Replies (12)

User Avatar
June 12, 2012
Ok cool and you are shaping up nicely! I was looking up the local vs. general and I found that the docs can actually take out more fat under general so that's always a good thing..lol the fat has to GO! LOL they have so many different garments out there that it ain't.even funny girl. Yes I would prefer one with a hole in it for conveniency. The preggo look is a big concern for me b/c I don't wanna get a TT at all. My skin tone is excellent I just have this but and back fat after my baby and every year it gets worse. Being that I'm petite it doesn't look cute at all either. I be tired of ppl thinking I'm preggo or me not being able to wear a tshirt. Not too mention if I wanna wear a nice dress I have to wear a cincher under it! No I'm tired of that you know. I just wanna get this fixes so I can wear what I want and feel comfortable in my clothes and look good in a bathing suit. The things women go through right? Lol
June 13, 2012
You look fantastic! Not sure if you noticed, but your nipple is visible in some of your pics. Just wanted to give you a heads up if you weren't aware. If it was on purpose, I envy your confidence
June 13, 2012
Hi PrincessUSMC, thnx for the compliment and for pointing that out! I hadn't really noticed. I'll be careful from now on :)
June 13, 2012
You are soooo welcome. I am new here, and when I posted that I didn't realize nudity was acceptable. Now that I have seen many more profiles, I am an advocate of topless photos. The topless pics really do the procedures justice, since you can see the results in the natural form. So if you aren't shy try topless in future pics.
User Avatar
June 14, 2012
Hi, being that your are 4 weeks post your Smart Lipo procedure; do you think you could take a trip & enjoy it w/o major pain and/or swelling?
June 14, 2012
Yes, definitely. I feel I've healed pretty good. I definitely can go on a trip and enjoy myself. Most of my swelling is gone and I really don't feel anymore pain. My belly is tender sometimes but it's not a big deal. I'm actually already starting to do some ab work :)
User Avatar
June 19, 2012
Wow, that's great to hear; because that was seriously considering it.
User Avatar
June 16, 2012
:) love your result. would you recommend ur dr? how is the pricing?
June 16, 2012
Yes I completely recommend my doctor. I did a lot of research on him. He's been a plastic surgeon for over 34 years. I believe he was actually one of the first doctors to do lipo back in the 80's. He's very knowledgeable and he's even trained other doctors with the smart lipo triplex. :)
UPDATED FROM Caro_11
9 years post

Unevenness & fat left behind on abdomen

Caro_11
So I’ve been meaning to post an update for quite some time and never got around to it. I had my smart lipo done in May 2012 and at the time I was happy. However, my stomach is not looking good anymore and I am now looking into getting a procedure done to correct unevenness and lumpy bits of fat that Dr. Blinski left. After I had my surgery I actually got a personal trainer and lost even more weight so when I saw the weird bump on my upper right hand side of my abs I knew something was off. It was obvious at that point that it was a weird little pocket of fat.

I did go back to their office on a follow up appt and they said the lumpiness would go away and it never did. Time passed and unfortunately I never went back to correct that issue. It’s been 8 years and I am looking into doing either Sculpsure or possibly even doing smart lipo again. Will post updates soon on what I decide.

Replies (4)

User Avatar
October 14, 2021
Unfortunately that's how alot of places are in Miami, no matter how they may appear at first. Most won't give you the time of day afterwards if there is an issue or acknowledge they did anything wrong. I'm sure you will be able to find someone to correct it, which you shouldn't have to pay again for something that wasn't done right in the first place, but at this point you want to be happy so you have to do what you have to do. Good luck with everything and try to actually meet with the doctors in person beforehand and get a real consultation. Not the virtual or submitting stuff online. Go see them in person so that they have a clear understanding of what you're looking for and your expectations. Then ask them can they deliver what you're looking for so that way you won't waste your time.
October 15, 2021
Thank you! Yes, I plan on doing things right this time around. I actually met a really good reputable doctor in Fort Lauderdale. He is aware of my concerns and he is confident he will be able to correct what the previous doctor botched. So I’ve decided to do smart lipo with him. I’ll post an update once I have the surgery. I’m excited and nervous but ready!
User Avatar
October 17, 2021
That's awesome that you found someone!!! Alot of times the good ones aren't really advertised as much also. I like low key doctors. The only thing about Florida in general as that they don't require doctors to carry malpractice insurance, so that's why they can get away with as much as they do and continue to work. They even have stuff in their paperwork exempting them from all mistakes, subpar work, and harm. So it's just taking a chance. I had lipo done a few years ago out there and it was a complete waste of money and I'm getting mine redone also. I just advise people to read their contracts and ask questions and to not do chop shops. There's only a handful of surgeons in Miami who are truly board certified in plastics. In Florida anyone can work on you, it's a whole money grab out there.
February 3, 2022
3tweety1, you are sadly absolutely right. We had a ‘highly’ known and respected facial plastic surgeon work on my Dad after mohs surgery and after a botched job his office told us he no longer takes insurance (mohs reconstructive surgery is covered by insurance), and that if we wanted him to do (and correct his meds), he would have to pay for it out of pocket. They didn’t even want to see him for his follow up. I was shocked as this is one of the most respected surgeon in the area and so saddened by this type of uncaring attitude. Sadly, I’m not sure it’s isolated to the Miami area. There seems to be so many docs out there, all over the country, that take no pride and do not stand behind their work. I, like you, feel that they should have to carry some sort of insurance and take responsibility for their miss ups.
Caro, im certain your situation can be fixed and good luck to you.