30 Year Old Plagued with Cellulite Since Birth - Tampa, FL

I am a petite and fit 30 year old female that has been plagued by cellulite for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall changing clothes in front of a friend in 3rd grade when she innocently asked what the dimple was on my backside. Since that day, I have never purchased a bathing suit without a coordinating cover up--not a good look at 9 years old. After much research and scouring reviews, I finally made the decision to undergo Cellulaze 3 days ago. After a consultation, many emails, and a pre-op visit, I went in for treatment to the backs of my thighs. I was given an anti-anxiety pill and a pain pill to help with my nerves and pain which was appreciated although somewhat ineffective. I wasn't nervous luckily, and I have a high pain tolerance, but the 4 injections (two per thigh) and the insertion of the tube to fill me with numbing solution hurt before the solution could numb and take effect. Looking back, I would give the pain about a 4, but luckily it doesn't last long, and I honestly didn't feel anything during the actual laser procedure which lasted under 2 hours. I was then helped into my compression garment and then sent home with fresh dressing for my wounds, absorbent pads, and ointment for the incision points. So far, recovering isn't painful in that I am writhing in agony, but it is rather uncomfortable. I spent most of the day after the procedure relaxing but did take a slow walk around the neighborhood; walking (only walking!) will help speed recovery I have been told. My thighs are bruised, hurt to touch, swollen, and the incision points sting a bit, but I am wearing my compression garment and getting by (getting into that garment is one of the hardest parts as it hurts to pull up super-spandex over fresh bruises.) Sitting is slightly painful initially, but after I settle in, I either forget about the pain, or it isn't severe enough to make me regret my decision. As for my cellulite, I am still swollen and bruised so it is hard to tell what my thighs will eventually look like. My husband says it is gone, but I know that is from the swelling. Patience is a virtue with this procedure, and hopefully I will soon be able to tell if these darn compression shorts are worth it!

Prior to going through with the procedure, I did read that there will be times when patients feel as if their cellulite has gotten worse, and, even knowing that, last week I was saddened by what I saw. I took photos to document my one week progress, and cannot bring myself to really look at them again as I am disappointed. However, I keep reminding myself that this is all normal and it will get better. As for the pain, I am still uncomfortable as the pain is now a burning or stinging rather than sensitive bruises. Sitting down, especially on anything hard like a toilet seat, is supremely uncomfortable. While I am not writhing in agony, I do wince every time. In addition, I get random stabbing sensations and other pains. During my one week follow up call, the nurse said all of what I am experiencing is normal and during the procedure nerve endings are affected which causes the issues. She suggested I massage my legs with medium pressure for 20-30 minutes 3-4x a day at which I laughed. I can still barely touch parts of my legs without cringing although it is getting easier. While a massage is still out of the question at least for a few more days, rubbing lightly in the shower is manageable. Luckily, the bruising has all but disappeared and the swelling is practically gone from what I can tell. I am still wearing the compression garment 23 hours a day which helps with the swelling and pain (once they are up and secure). If

If I get the courage to look at the one week pictures again, I will be sure to post them!