31 Years Old, No Kids, Liposuction of Abdomen - Ridgewood, NJ

Well, I've always been a little chubby but I like to eat-- is that a crime? The last few years losing those 10-15 lbs for summer has gotten harder and harder and I really needed a boost to motivate me. After a lot of research I determined liposuction was for me! The day of the procedure I was really feeling some doubt-- is this vanity? Am I risking my life for something ridiculous? But everyone at the surgical center calmed my nerves and then-- it was over! I had an extremely easy recovery. I did not take a single pain pill despite being rather babyish when it comes to pain. I slept most of the day, leaked some gross bloody fluid, and then went back to bed. Felt SORE. Took some Tylenol. Next day was completely manageable. I'd say I felt fatigue for the first four days then almost back to normal despite some abdomen/back and hips soreness.

As for the results: Right away I noticed I was smaller but it wasn't like I woke up with a Victoria's Secret models stomach. It really does take time for the swelling to go down. It is now 10 days post op and I took my first post op photo. I am definitely seeing a difference and Dr. Ganchi assures me that as I continue to heal the swelling will go down and everything will tighten up. I hope so! So far very pleased with the results but hoping for even more.

Just a quick update-- like many others have reported my swelling goes up and down. Sometimes it looks like it's heading towards flat and I get so excited and then I'll do something stupid like ride a rollercoaster yesterday (idiot!) and it swells back up again. I have felt very little pain this entire recovery but there is this other feeling-- of discomfort I guess that just tells me my abdomen and back and sides are tender.
Five of my seven entry points for the cannula have healed BEAUTIFULLY-- I can't imagine I'll even be able to see them, but two are a little irritated, so I'm keeping my eye on them.

That's it-- will update with photos when there's a day worth looking at!

Nine weeks later: 90% of numbness in my belly and back has resolved. I have been completely back to all activities for weeks now. I have not had any pain or discomfort for weeks as well.

I have not been wearing compression garment for weeks either (ok'd by Dr G.) as she doesn't believe it improves results long term. Am I satisfied with my stomach's appearance? No. I believe I still have some swelling and am waiting and hoping for more skin retraction. In the mean time I have been eating better and working out more and am hoping to lose 15 lbs to really highlight the results I have already gotten from the liposuction.

I have to say that it is slow going. The swelling comes and goes, slowly petering out. So slow that it is difficult to observe your results being revealed. I have attached a comparison photo of me now and post op about a week or two. You can see that the swelling is going down and the skin is retracting...ever so slowly.

I have another follow up visit next week, i will post again then.