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POSTED UNDER SlimLipo REVIEWS

So Far, So Good (And Some Helpful Tips) - Washington, DC

ORIGINAL POST

I had been wanting to do this for a long time, and...

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WORTH IT$4,100
I had been wanting to do this for a long time, and I am so glad I took the plunge. SlimLipo won't fix all your problems; it really is a spot reducer and doesn't mean you will be skinny or keep weight off permanently. Still - as I have cursed my stomach pooch for over 30 years (even when I was skinny, I had one), I was glad to take a shot at reducing or (hopefully) eliminating it, and have no regrets!
The procedure itself was fine - some pain during, but my doctor was great. The first 24 hours were pretty gruesome - leaky and painful (wear a nightgown that you don't care about as it's pretty hard to get the stains out). While I still have some minor pain and hard swelling that will eventually go away, I do see a big difference and my mobility is pretty good (went back to the gym last week - can do light/moderate cardio and upper body weights but nothing more than that. Don't do what I did and try a Pilates class quite yet). Some suggestions if you are going through this or considering it:
+ Definitely research your doctor and don't be afraid to ask questions. I had been seeing mine for other cosmetic procedures and felt very comfortable already with him and his staff.
+ Make sure you get your pain meds in advance. It can take time to get them (sometimes a week or two) and trust me, you don't want to stumble around trying to find them when you're all swollen and painful -- only to find out that they need to be ordered.
+ In addition to pain meds, stock up on arnica gel (this was so helpful with bruising and swelling -- I chilled it to help with comfort), an ice pack (I just used a bag of frozen peas, which contoured around swollen areas), bland food or protein shakes for the first few days and plenty of liquids. You may not feel much like drinking or eating, but it's impt to keep your system going. I iced my surgery areas every day for about 20 mins and it helped alleviate discomfort.
+ It may take a few days to get back on your normal poop schedule (antibiotics + pain meds + trauma to your body). I used a gentle natural laxative (Senokot) after the first couple of days until I felt OK (I wouldn't recommend this longer-term -- i was back to normal after about five days).
+ Definitely buy the extra compression garment - and wear it religiously. It really does help.
+ My doctor didn't tell me to do this, but I used Hibaclens (an antiseptic cleanser you can buy at the drugstore) to wash my pre surgery areas the day before and after until the bottle ran out. I didn't have any issues with infection and i think that helped. Change your towels before and after too. I also used coconut oil to moisturize my belly a few days after surgery (I skipped it day before and for a couple of days after -- it helps with itching).
+ I also got a couple of manual lymphatic drainage massages at two and four weeks out and they helped greatly with swelling and discomfort. You may need to go through a physiotherapy/medical massage practice rather than your local spa to find a qualified practitioner.

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Drew Varano, MD

Drew Varano, MD

Physician, Board Certified in Internal Medicine

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Replies (5)

October 25, 2016
Excellent recommendations! Thanks.
November 12, 2016
Thanks for the recommendations! I just had my slim lipo procedure done with Dr. Varano 2 days ago and did not experience and draining/leakage afterwards. I will consult with him to see if that is normal. The Lortab (acetaminophen) made me vomit and dizzy, so I stopped taking the pain meds. Where did you buy your additional compression garment? I am concerned that I will have a lumpy stomach and indentations because the garmet they gave me is causing folds and rolls on my flanks/love handles. I am looking for something to keep those areas flat so that I can get the best results.
November 12, 2016
I asked Emmanuelle and bought an extra from her.
December 18, 2017
thank you for this review - I just signed up for my slim lipo procedure with Dr. Varano in a few weeks !
March 9, 2018
thank you for this, I'm scheduled for slim lipo on my waist, entire abdomen, and bra line for April 27th and this is very helpful. I already ordered the arnica gel online.