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POSTED UNDER Vaser Liposuction Reviews

VaserLipo Tummy, Bra Line, Arms and Inner Thighs - Riverview, FL

UPDATED FROM freedom_2016
4 days post

4 Days Post Op/Still Sore & Swollen

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freedom_2016August 5, 2016
$5,650
Thank God for the reviews that I read on this site before surgery! Just confirmation that I won't see results for 1-3-maybe 6 months. I'm still swollen I guess bc I don't see any reduction in the areas worked . My hands are swollen too (but not my feet ). I sleep reclined with my feet up and take bromlein 2x a day. I take arnica multiple times a day but have significant brushing on my inner thighs. Light bruising everywhere else . I can only guess it'd be worse w/o arnica and bromlein so I'm going to keep taking it. My skin feels tight and I walk - well shuffle like an old lady. It's so hard to sit down and get up but I not enough pain for those darn opiates! I'm drinking water and walking more than I ever did this week, plus taking Colace to avoid constipation . Pooped good twice today and that made me happy! Venturing out to the store today and running errands :)

freedom_2016's provider

Stanley Castor, MD

Stanley Castor, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 211 Reviews
PROFILE

Replies (5)

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CurvessPlease
August 9, 2016
There's already a big change in your shape :). I am having mine done next month and I am dreading the recovery but super excited! Do you recommend a certain garment?
yh8stef
August 9, 2016
Thanks so much for updating this and letting people like us know the ins and outs ... I have a few months left before my surgery ... I'm nervous but excited to get rid of the extra weight .. And not have to wear extra big t shirts to cover my stomach ughhhh ! I would like to know what's a good garmet to get also and I don't have a recliner to sleep in after surgery but maybe I can sleep elevated in my chaise chair in the Livingroom ? I don't know how the recovery is please let me know if you can
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CurvessPlease
August 10, 2016
When is your surgery? ^.^ how exciting! Maybe we can keep in touch to give each other tips and tricks we learn along the way before the surgery :)
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freedom_2016
August 12, 2016
Congratulations on making this life changing decision !!! I added a countdown app to my phone 2 months before my surgery and it kept me motivated when I kept stuffing my myself into jeans that didn't fit anymore. I also got motivated about 1 month before surgery to commit to changing my eating habits and I stepped up my exercise . I recommend that. I ended up losing about 5 pounds and felt stronger (did weight training !). You won't be able to exercise (besides walking ) for at least 1-2 weeks so I felt it important to get my muscles as strong as I could post op. Plus it's so true that lipo isn't what makes u lose weight . You have to change how you eat and exercise to maximize the lipo results . Give yourself a kickstart now if you feel it's wort it. It'll make you feel good just knowing that you are going to look great !! Plus- if you exercise and eat more healthy now it makes it easier for people to understand why you arw look 20lbs slimmer when you are wearing that sexy dress at the 2017 New Years Eve party ! #goals
brezmom
August 9, 2016
My husband is planning vaser in Dec.. You can already see the results. Please post pics on your progression.
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freedom_2016
August 12, 2016
Did your husband have Vaser December 2015 or is he scheduled for December 2016? I WISH my hubby would do it! I think my experience got him thinking about it, but it's expensive . Too expensive for us to have it in same year. I think more men should get lipo of the abdomen . Us women are so concerned about our tummies, but men not so much ...lol . I don't know your husband, but I'm proud of him for taking this step to invest in himself ! Very cool. I hope you both enjoy his results :)
littlenell1
August 10, 2016
I feel your pain, l had vaserlipo in June. My surgeon Riccardo frati recommended a Macom all in one with an insert, l chose the colour black as l did not want to see the staining. Yes l bled profusely on the way home after the drains were removed but, it worked, the compression garments were amazing, if uncomfortable. Like you l suffered some constipation post procedure, due to the pain killers, but rather that than the pain! I would strongly recommend having MLD to encourage lymphatic drainage. I only had it post procedure, but my therapist said that l should have also had it pre procedure to help alleviate any potential fluid build up. All said and done the results are remarkable, l am now just over 2 months post procedure and the results get better week by week. It was not cheap, l paid £6,000.00 plus, and still continue to have MLD massages but l see no point in skimping on the aftercare having paid such an amount. Would l do it again knowing what l now know? That is rather like childbirth, the memories of the pain recede until you experience it all over again, so maybe in a few years. Oh l forgot to say, the MLD will help relieve the tightness, bliss! Good luck with your journey.
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freedom_2016
August 12, 2016
I'm not glad you had pain, but I'm glad that you shared that you had the same pain! Lol. Also nice to know I wasn't the only one constipated! 2 months post op sounds amazing! When did you return to work? When did you restart exercise? How are your inner thighs healing?? I had to google Macom insert bc I never heard of it . I am totally going to buy the thigh inserts (after I google how to convert pounds to dollars) :) That's exactly what I need! I've been wrapping my thunder thighs in ace bandages. I regret buying the fancy self adhesive bc they stickiness make them hard to maintain and annoying to wash. But after doing a ton of research on swelling and compression, I realized that my upper, inner thighs were not getting enough compression . The ace bandage wrap I'm doing makes it so much easier to walk! It is also keeping the swelling down. I have a lipo board insert and lipo foam insert that I bought on Amazon for my tummy and I really saw the difference . I was wishing I had a similar insert for thighs - now I know they do ! Yay! But they look small online . Can you share a pic of how it lays on your thighs (with or without garmet )? I'm also wondering if they start making noise when I walk .. Lol My thighs are thick so they will always touch to some level. Hoping if I get the inserts I won't start sounding like a horse galloping slowly on a cobblestone street.

Oh and - I scheduled my first massage for August 16th. I'll be 2 weeks post op then. I'm still tender, but i feel like I can handle it . The surgeon and masseuse keep warning me to anticipate some pain from the massage and inner thighs are ultra sensative so I'm nervous. I agree about the massage COST really should be emphasized when surgeons give the cost of the lipo procedure. Just so patients can budget . The masseuse over the phone said a lot of post lipo horror stories are not bc of bad surgery, but bc they didn't invest in post care . I asked my PS to "prescribe" the massage for me so I can use my FSA card to pay for it. Best investment ever!
littlenell1
August 17, 2016
Hey hello and how did your first massage go? Not too painful l hope! I totally agree with you that this is something that should be discussed by surgeons so that people can budget and plan ahead if need be. I did not have my inner thighs done, that for me would have one pain too many along with my abdomen and flanks. However, l never say never. It was 6 weeks before l could go back to work, but then again l have to admit that my job as a nurse is physically demanding and requires moving and handling. If l was in a desk job situation then l probably would have been able to go back to work in a couple of weeks. I sincerely hope that you are starting to see the results that you have paid for. Even now l am constantly amazed at the continuing developmental results post procedure, my abdomen is rock solid and l am developing a 6 pack. I am so pleased that you accessed the Macom site and found it helpful, my garments were very comfortable, even if l was not, lol. Keep the faith and be strong, once you are fully recovered l sincerely hope that you will be as pleased as l am and enjoy your new shape! Kind regards Nell
akie
February 2, 2017
Hi I'm considering using the same surgeon as you I need my belly done would you be able to show me some pics of his work thankyou in advance x
doodles33
August 11, 2016
Thank you so much for the detailed updates and tips. I was onto a good start about posting but I didn't do a good job at keeping it up. I also had vaserlipo with Dr. Castor on Aug 5th, I am 8 days post op and I am experiencing the exact same issues with swelling and concerns as you. Thank you for being to vigilient in your updates again! It is because of people like you that helped me to first get the courage to have the procedure and now to deal with my feelings and fears and concerns that I have post op. I had my abds, flanks and thighs done and I am experiencing only the burning pain now, I can at least move and bend somewhat. I flew in to Tampa from Boston to have my procedure done, I arrived on 'Thur Aug 4th, had the procedure on Fri the 5th and post op check Mon Aug8th because my flight home was Monday eve, so I didn't have much of a post op check and pray I will cruise through the next month or 2 without any problems. I didn't know what to expect going into it, so I didn't bring anyone with me, and not pleased with the office staff who didn't offer up much advice about out of town patients, I thought it was common but I am thinking maybe the majority do not fly into his office. It wasn't until the day of my surgery that the office assistant told me it was policy to have someone with me, that was bothering to me since I had booked the appt in June and had all my paperwork done and they were well aware I would be flying in and staying at a hotel for the wknd after the procedure. They did recommend an agency who ended up being a godsend, they were so kind and treated me like a post op patient, and went out of their way to make arrangements within the tight timeline so I didn't have to cancel my appointment. This still doesn't sit well with me, it was a horrible feeling but all worked out well and the home health aid stayed with me for 6 hours and was wonderful to have her. I had regrets the day of and after while I was away from my family and home, thinking why didn't I do more research on Boston PS,but I read the great success stories and felt comfortable with the reviews on Dr. Castor, I feel better now that I am home. Your posts and info really have helped me feel like I am on the right track and in the right direction, so I need to thank you a third time. I won't need to go out of my way for future procedures, the office was not that impressive, I will do more research on the local Boston PS, I sure they have wonderful ones. And I will be better prepared if I do decide to splurge on another procedure, but not there yet. I will continue to follow you and share my story as I move forward, now that I feel settled in my own home, with the things I need like bandages and tape and gauze that was not given to me, I didn't ask but just another thing I feel the office could do a better job at being experienced. I am not a complainer and I don't want to complain on your post, I apologize, I was happy with Dr. Castor but the staff could be more compassionate and caring. There I go again, I will stop. Keep up the good work, each day at a time. Doodles of Boston
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freedom_2016
August 12, 2016
Thanks SO much Doodles!!! And Happy 1 week post op day!!!!! Let us know how you feel today:)
Your post and others made me feel better. I was starting to just use this site as a personal journal bc I thought no one was reading my posts anyway! Lol. I WISH I would have know of your solo surgery. I would have come with you to help!!! Honestly. I say that bc my original plan was also to go alone and I'm glad I changed my mind at last minute. As you see now, you need the help. Awesome that you had a nurse aid with you. Never knew that as an option . The office never told me it was required to have someone with me , but only that I needed someone to drive me home. I agree that they should emphasize having someone TAKE CARE OF YOU for the first 24-72 hours at least. Especially for us lipo first timers. No matter how much you research, you still encounter the unexpected. I'm glad you are past the first hurdle of week 1. It only gets better from here I think.
I disagree with you about the staff tho. They seemed so pleasant and caring (Angela, the surgical coordinator and Teresa, the anesthesiologist have been really outgoing and helpful). Another lady at front desk seem to be nice too. Maybe they don't like out-of-town-folk? Maybe you wore a Red Sox tshirt and they are Yankee fans like me? LOL!! However, Dr Castor is the one I point out as poor customer service. If it wasn't for this site , I don't feel I would have a lot of the beneficial, nice to know info. He tells you the basics and answers your questions, but that's it. I agree about finding a Boston PS. Dr Castor has great reviews and a lot of awards, but I'm sure you can find a top PS in Boston. I'd recommend Dr Castor to someone whose is a lipo veteran or maybe needs a revision. His work speaks for it's self , but for the money we spend I really would appreciate a warm welcome and a sincere "how are you feeling?" type surgeon. Anyway, thank you for the thank you'S. That made my day!
doodles33
August 13, 2016
Nice hearing from you! Today I reached 1 week post op. My pain was worse today, especially towards the end of the day, and it flared up my back pain. The swelling is painful, and bothering me so much. I booked a lymphatic massage for the morning, I am ecigted and at this pointI need something to help bothering me so I booked an appt for lymphatic massage tomorrow, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I will get some relief.
doodles33
August 13, 2016
Sorry about the comment above that doesn't make much sense at the end of it, I hit post comment on accident and too soon. I'm tried, it's 2:40am and need to get to bed. I'll check in and I'll also let you know how my lymphatic massage went, I am really hoping to have good results and hopefully it will decrease some of the swelling . Talk soon
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freedom_2016
August 15, 2016
I booked my first lym massage for this Tuesday 8/16. I'll be 2 weeks post op . It $90 a hour. She recommended I come first thing in the morn bc my muscles will be most relaxed . I want to get s handful of sessions in before I go back to work . Will you have multiple sessions a week? Please tell it is how it went !
doodles33
August 15, 2016
The massage went better than I expected. It was 60 mins, she was very thorough, I didn't think I would be able to handle the visit with my compression garment off, but I wanted to get the best results possible, so I did end up taking it off and I am glad I did. Some areas were tender, especially my hips and pelvic area, but nothing I couldn't take. After the visit, I felt very relaxed and more comfortable than I have been feeling since the surgery. I ended up doing some errands while I was out, after about 2 hrs my belly started swelling and feeling super tight, this flared up my lower back pain. I think I over did it with the errands. I did get the best night sleep that night, and woke up feeling less stiff and less pain. I made my next appt for next week because thi sis going to get costly, but I think I will add a visit this week and keeping next week's too, then going for weekly massages. I want to do all I can to help my body recover quickly. I've been eating a lot of watermelon as a natural diuretic, this does make me pee a lot so I hope that will give me relief too. I'm making sure I pay attention to sodium intake, it's a little more difficult with so many foods having a lot of sodium in them. I'm hoping O will be able to get back to the gym next week, I think this will help me to feel better, I just have to be patient and listen to my body so I don't flare up any swelling or pain. I'll keep you posted.
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Mz_Deni
January 15, 2017
Doodles, do you remember the name of the agency they recommended ??
UPDATED FROM freedom_2016
3 days post

Pain Meds Put Me in Serious Pain!

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freedom_2016August 5, 2016
This morning I tried to poop (sorry for TMI but I don't want anyone to go through what I just did ). I couldn't quite go so I continued to drink water and did my usual 10 min walk. When I tried again I could feel I massive bowel in my anus that wanted to come out but literally couldn't fit. The next 5 hours were the most excruciating pain I felt since I had my baby .no exaggeration. After reading online I saw that fecal obstruction was a symptom of opiate use. I knew I was talking those pain pills too much. I would take 2 every night not bc I was in pain but bc I wanted a good night sleep w no pain. I prolly didn't need them after day 1. I drove to the store in pain and bought Colace. I barely made it back home - again just so much pain of this heavy weight inside me. 2 hours later with no relief I went back to store (this time went to Walgreens pharmacy drive thru bc I couldn't get out of car), I asked for Fleet mineral oil enema. She saw the pain in my eyes and got it for me as fast as I could . I made a horrible mess in my bathroom and manually tried to remove the impacted [RS bleep]. It was maybe the size of a grapefruit and it wasn't moving . After I awhile of trying I put a towel on the floor and just laid down in pain . I was exhausted and was trying to get the strength to get up to drive or uber to urgent care. It was horrible . I finally called dr castor via after hours line and waited in pain for him to call me back. While I waited, I went to bathroom and finally pushed out the mass was stuck inside of me with a herendous scream of pain and relief. Praise God. When dr castor finally called back he said I should take a laxative (duh). I tried to explain my experience . A laxative would have made things worse bc there was a mass of hard matter blocking my anus so nothing would have been able to pass by it. He told me to stop taking the pain meds bc it can cause back up in some people . I wish he would have said that on day 1.

Replies (1)

Dolz
August 8, 2016
Omg..im so sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon.
joeyashe
August 17, 2016
That sounds like an awful. So happy you got relief
UPDATED FROM freedom_2016
Day of treatment

Surgery Complete! Day 1 Updates and Tips

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freedom_2016August 2, 2016
I was scheduled to arrive at 730. After a pregnancy test and just waiting for the doctor, me and hubby went to pre op by 8. Lots of the same questions + Bp and temp check. Got the infamous markings and confirmed everything we had already agreed upon. I had general anesthesia and I'm SO glad! After a little prick with the IV, I was brought to the operation room and the last thing I remember is nurse wiping my back down with iodine, asking how I was feeling and me lying down. Next thing I remember (2 hrs later) was waking up from I don't have any pics groggy , uncomfortable and pain everywhere there was incision. The nurse said I was asking for my husband so she brought him back as soon as I woke. Best advice I could give is DONT DO THIS ALONE. It was a blessing to see him there. They put me in a wheelchair and helped me in our SUV. I was uncomfortable but ok. I went straight for my bed when we got home but I only get in with my husbands help. They gave him all the extra gauze etc, but it was GOOD IDEA that I bought some of those doggy training pads (1 pack of 4 = $1 at dollar tree!). My left thigh soaked through the pad that we had in the doctors office within maybe 3 hours of when I went to sleep in my bed. I've added more for my sleep tonight . The PAIN MED is A MUST! I took it as soon as we got home and I felt the pain start to subside within 30 min. I woke up around 4pm with minimal pain. It's 10pm now and still only have pain if I try to bend over or move against the incisions. I was super HUNGRY so had some rotissere chicken and avocado plus a protein shake . Then I still was hungry again around 7 and did the BAD IDEA of eating half a box of crackers! They were so good and easy on my stomach. But doc specifically said low sodium to minimize swelling . We shall see. I WISH I would have bought another garmet bc the drainage from my things and one of my tummy incisions is gross . Now I will have to shower tomorrow and put this same one back on?! Yuck. I only should have it off for 30 min but I'll need to have it off at least 60 min to wash it tomorrow. So far so good guys! I'll continue to update tomorrow :)

Replies (1)

Dolz
August 3, 2016
Hi there. I had a consult with dr. C but still not sure about him.
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freedom_2016
August 3, 2016
Was it his monotone personality? Lol He isn't the most outgoing bubbly type of guy, but his multiple awards (including on the list of top surgeon in the US !) says a lot of his work. He has a lot of accolades and the reviews I read of him were always excellent . I admit ,he is kinda dry - but I love that he takes his time . He answers all questions without ever making me feel like he is on a rush. I also love that he is realistic. He doesn't seem like he is on this just for the money. He truly wants you to be happy with your body . I never felt pressure to do more than I wanted. He told me of the body parts that would be better suited if I change diet and exercise vs lipo. I respect him for being honest. His staff are all amazing and are super warm and welcoming . I encourage you to read up on his reviews and awards and of course visit one or two more surgeons before making your decision . You want to choose the one that YOU feel that you can trust and that you feel comfortable with. Keep us posted on who you decide!
Dolz
August 5, 2016
I went to see another doctor but i felt rushed. When i went to see Dr. C he really didnt say if my lumps from previous lipo could be fixed. So that made me kinda worry. I think i might need another consult with him because the lady in the front said he didnt feel well.
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freedom_2016
August 5, 2016
I can say I never feel rushed w dr castor and I appreciate that. I would definitely seek another consult with a different PS before visiting Castor again. It's so important to have a surgeon that you feel 100% comfortable with . I'd read reviews from this site to see if there is S Doctor that sounds like one who is open to questions , doesnt make you feel rushed, gives detailed info and maybe has good reviews about revisions. You are already doing a great job researching ! You'll know when you've got the right surgeon :)
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