Think carefully about SmartLipo: it's not the answer to all your prayers
SmartLipo is a fairly new procedure in the UK that has captured many headlines with its claim to be a fast and pain-free alternative to traditional liposuction, with no downtime. The Sunday Times Style magazine joined the bandwagon yesterday, running a full page article on the lipo you can have in your lunchtime.
When you do your research before having it done, you'll find it's very difficult to find anything other than positive articles and the websites of clinics offering it.
So I want to offer some much needed counter arguments. I had SmartLipo three weeks ago in two areas of my abdomen, roughly speaking above and below the belly button. Believe me, it is not the pain-free fast fix everyone seems to think it is.
My SmartLipo was performed by one of the doctors mentioned in the article, in London, and took about one and a half hours. My BMI is under 25 so I am not hugely overweight; I do however have a podgy midriff, and with the beach looming, I wanted to try to reduce it. I had consultations for Ultrashape (ultrasound) and Accent laser, and wasn't considered suitable for either. SmartLipo seemed ideal because unlike traditional liposuction, it improves the condition of your skin. The laser stimulates the production of collagen. At my age, this was a big plus because loose skin often looks worse than tightly packed fat.
I did find the procedure quite uncomfortable at times. I have a very high pain threshold; I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who scream and cry at the slightest thing. My eyes watered at the needle for the local anaesthetic, but I thought that would be the end of it. However, sometimes the probe hits a part of you that wasn't anaethetised and it is very jarring and painful.
Well, after the procedure I felt fine and went home in the compression garment and clutching some antibiotics.
I had traditional liposuction seven years ago on my hips and thighs, and I can honestly say that the next day, the SmartLipo treatment left me in more pain. Previously, I didn't even take the painkillers I'd been given and I felt ok to start exercising a few days later. A week after SmartLipo it was still hard to bend over, and it was two weeks later before I could even contemplate exercise.
Three weeks later I am still wearing the compression garment (they say it's usually worn for 3-5 days) and waiting for the procedure to show some positive effects.
What they don't tell you is that the fat, which is turned to liquid and then metabolised over a period of months, becomes a coagulated mass which gravity pulls downwards. So in my case, I have a very big lump above my belly button which is painful to touch, and visible in a swimming costume or a t-shirt if I don't wear the compression garment.
It hasn't gone down at all. I'm starting to fret that when I go on holiday in late June, I will have to buy swimming costumes because there's no way I can wear a bikini with this abormality.
I did speak to the doctor a week after the procedure and was assured this was perfectly normal and it would dissolve over time.
I thought I should share my experience because everyone thinks SmartLipo is an instant panacea, and when I searched the web for any negative or adverse reactions, I didn't find any.
69 comments:
i read the article yesterday in the sunday times style as well, and rememeber it saying that it could take up to 3/4 months for any positive effects to be shown. i would be interested to know how you get on, and if (god forbid) they discover any downsides. i did think after reading the article it sounded too good to be true and wondered if it had perhaps been sponsored.
I hadnt heard anything about smartlipo before reading the article yesterday - if it was such a revolutionary benficial procedure, why has there not been more widespread media interest? or is it that new that it has not occured yet?
anyway, thanks for your review, hope everything goes well for you!
xxx
I also read the article yesterday and thought exactly the same as Marie: it just can't be so easy..
Thank you so much for your comments.. A few years ago, I was promised that expensive permanant laser hair removal would be painless and 100% effective.. It hurt (A LOT), and I'm most certainly not hair-free despite having had extra treatments.
I got my money back because I was able to prove that they had made bogus claims and had failed to deliver. Wish I'd never gone ahead with it in the first place--definately give honest feedback in a few months' time...
Hi, I had the Smartlipo done on my tummy 3 months ago, I'm only seeing the results now, so hold tight! I don't understand why they said you could exercise, I had to forego my gym for 2 weeks. Thank goodness I didn't have your surgeon, I can honestly say I felt very little, I was given goggles to wear so I didn't see any needles. I hope every thing works out for you.
I am considering this for my triceps (back of the arms). Has anyone had this done on that area of the body? I am pretty thin, but as much as I exercise this is an area I cannot seem to lose. I had regular lipo on my "double chin" and had great results about 10 years ago. Anyone with input please advise...Thanks.
Hi, I had the procedure done on my thighs on Tuesday. The Dr could only use enough local for my outer thighs as he is restricted on the amount he can use, so I have to go back on Monday week to have the inner thighs done - at this point I will add that I am a slim size 10 but always felt my legs are too large for my body!! I also have a high pain threshold but didnt want to put myself through traditional liposuction. I could cope with the local and enormous needle but also found the whole procedure very painful at times. The treatment is uncomfortable. It hit a few areas and I felt like I was being badly burnt inside my legs, 2 days later I am very bruised, very swollen and cant imagine seeing any improvement for weeks. My Dr was charming and did tell me full results can take up to 6 months. He also told me not to exercise for 2 weeks. So I wait and see. I do feel that had I known the recovery period would be so long I would have considered full lipo, afterall it is the same amount of money and i will be so upset if the results are not significant. As I have to go back in 10 days time it will also mean at least 3 weeks in the ghastly compression shorts and another course of antibiotics which is also not ideal. Exercise is also a big part of my life so whilst I wont be so fat maybe I'll be flabbier! Will keep you posted!
Hi Sandy101
can you tell us who yur surgeon was?...as a recommendation?
Much appreciated
thanks
Hi- I had this done on my lower tummy in late March and am only now starting to see the results and am very pleased- so it does take a while. I was very worried for the first couple of months that I had wasted my money but all of a sudden I have started to notice a big difference. My treatment was only painful during the aneasthetic- after that if I felt anything during the laser treatment I told my doctor and he would insert more aneasthetic - overall was quite comfortable. Aftwewards my tummy was a bit tender for about a week only.
hi all, thank you so much for your comments. i'm seriously thinking of going to have smartlipo on my outerthigh. i have an appointment with dr b-l-u-m at b-o-t-o-n-i-c-s if anybody knows his work please let me know.i don't know with 2 very young kids i'm putting myself at high risk or not. your comments are appreciated and sandy can i pls hav the name of your surgeon. thanks
did anyone have smart lipo on their chin? I'm sceduled in three weeks so I'm hoping to hear about any experience. pain level-recovery time and results???I'd appreicate any information,the procedure is extremely new to my area and no one has a great deal of knowledge regarding the above asked questions...help!
Thanks
I had Smart Lipo done last week, around belly button. Noticed results immediately, had little to no pain under a local anesthetic, took one tylenol the next day. I have had no bruising and the Doctor said I will continue to see results for the next couple of months. Could not be happier with the procedure and the results.
I had the smartlipo done 3 weeks ago on my inner thighs,upper and lower stomach. The procedure itself, though not that painful, felt very odd. I don't know how else to decribe it. there were a few moments of pain if he went a bit outside of an area that wasn't numbed. The next day I ws sore and brusied, but looked pretty good. After about 5 days I stated noticing hard ropey masses in my stomach that were very tender. i went on a plastic's forum and found this was a very common after effect. They suggested using a percussion massage ron the area daily. I asked my doctor about it 10 days out an dhe didn't seem concerned at all. I am sill in my comression garment, but back in the gym fulltime. I had heard from others that it takes 3-6 months to see the results. I am a bit bummed as I didn't know that before I did it. Hope this helps someone. If you want to contact me directly pls e-mail me at:
kiwi1254@yahoo.com.
I had smart lipo done 3 weeks ago on my upper and lower stomach and flanks. After the surgery I noticed little brusing but very sore around the naval area. But my stomach was much smaller and my flanks were gone! However, after 2 days, swelling began to set in due too healing tissues that developed were the proceedure took place. The tissue caused little lumps under my skin that gave my stomach a very uneven appearence. After the first week I returned to my doctor for my follow up and he assured me that this was normal and that my skin will be fully healed after a period of 1-3 months.
Also, no one mentioned that you are supposed to get 3 hot body wraps and 3 massage sessions with smart-lipo. These are very inportant session becasue it helps reduce any swelling and lumps from the healing tissue. And you have to wear a under garmet for around a month. I have had 1 body wrap and 1 massage session, combined both were and hour and a half sessions,and I can see the difference in the swelling.
I will check back in after 3 months to give my final update.
You should only go to doctors who are doing suction along with the laser...leaving the liquefied fat in the body is slow and a bad idea. The, fast results and no weird areas of coagulation.
Hi I had a smartlipo 4 weeks ago with aspiration that states that you see faster results. When I visit certain forums they claim that after one week you get a flat stomach that seems to good to be true. Anyway I just started to see just a little bit of improvements now that and for me it is disapointing and when I email my doctor we told me that in order to see quicker improvements that I should exercise!!! The procedure really hurts and takes 3 weeks before you could even think in exercise. I wish they told me about exercise before and would spend my money on a new exercise machine! Good luck to everyone who is thinking in having a smartlipo!
I had it done just two days ago on my stomach and chin.
Let me say something: this is not a pain-free solution. Recovery does hurt. I don'k know about the procedure since different anesthesia was used on me (a lighter version of total anesthesia) and I woke up just after the procedure was finished.
There's a lot of bruising, even in areas not related to the procedure (I have some surprising bruises in the base of my penis which I will inquire about on the follow-up). Results are not as immediate as you'd like to think, although I can see clear improvements in my stomach area, however not so many in my chin even though I can feel it very swollen.
I have to wear compression straps for about 3 weeks and can't even think about excersice for a month. We'll see how it turns out. However, if the results stayed where I'm at now, I'd say it wasn't worth it. I have faith that during the upcoming weeks I'll see some serious improvements in the results.
i had my inner and outer thighs,triceps,abdomen,and flanks(waistline)two weeks ago. Dr.Bridges in Shreveport was my doctor and I am very pleased! I only felt a tiny amount of pain when he injected the anesthesia...I had been given a "cocktail"of different sedatives that made me care less and after the initial injection, I don't remember much of anything. The first three days I stayed at my mom's and rested.Took antibiotics and just slept alot.I didn't need but 2 painkillers on night 4 and 5. I have worn the compression suit non stop, and went down a size on the compression suit today. I still have swelling in the lower back area, and some bruising on my thighs, but no bruising or soreness in arms or stomach. Dr.Bridges includes 4 lymphatic massages with his procedure! I had my first one the week after, and I thought I would not want anyone to touch me because I was still so sore, but it felt wonderful and she definitely knew what she was doing.I am paying to have additional massages because I think they help so much with the swelling and soreness!Also, the massage therapist told me that I should continue to put on the compression garment even once a month maybe just overnight, or during the winter to remind my body of the shape I want it to hold...she said really the garment is the best tool for maintaining and should never be completely discarded, just wear it occasionally if I'm just at home or once in awhile sleep in it. Okay, I'll stop now! I'm very pleased!
july 7 2008.
Hi, I had my smartlipo on july 2 2008, it went really well, i didn't feel anything at all I don't remember it was totally painless, I had my flanks, upper and lower abdomen and back. I feel yes a little bit sore but not that much to take a painkiller, my follow up is in 2 days, i am swollen and i can't see to much of a difference yet but..... I am not bruised, I had it done at strax rejuvenation florida really good DR, i will update.
I had smartlipo two weeks ago. on my abdomin, flanks and inner thighs. I will say the "shelf" I used to have after 3 c-sections is much smaller. My flank area looks no different and my thighs I see a slight difference. I have noticed a small knot in my left leg, but was assured at my 4 day PO visit that this was normal and to massage. No other lumps. Just major numbness on back and flanks. Feels weird. I am wondering if there is a relationship w/ the numbness and swelling. I was told by both my dr. and his nurse (she had it too) that 4-6 months for results. I am moving to a stage 2 garment tomorrow. I will say the recovery hasn't been that bad. I also did elect to do general and was very happy that I did.
I'm at three weeks now and continue to see positive changes.less swelling in my lower back, but still a little numb. The lady that does the post op massages for my doctor said the compression garment is the key. To wear it as much as possible. If you have not had a lymphatic massage, I would pay to have one a week for at least four weeks...it feels so good, and really helps with swelling and soreness.
I had smart lipo ten days ago on my chin/jowels and stomach area. The procedure on my face was painfree, but I had some pain with the stomach procedure. I had swelling and bruising on my neck to the point that I had to wear turtle necks and use make up on my cheeks to cover the bruising. The doctor that did the procedure said it would take 6 hours to do both areas and it did. I think I am going to be pretty happy with my face. I was worried at first as there was a "ridge" line across one side of my face and the areas that swell move around some. I am still swollen but can see a dramatic difference. I do not have a double chin and the procedure does appear to be tightening my jowels and neck (I am 60, but think I look that old). My BMI was probably too high to make me a good candidate, but I didn't want to get a face lift. I am looking very much better every day and can't wait to see the final results. I think the more fat you have lasered the longer it takes to all come out. I can't bend over easily and do have these odd masses which are fat floating around. I don't think this is a procedure for the faint of heart, but I think it beats the scarring and artificialness of face lifts. I would do it again, but it would have been nice to have a week off of work. I did have traditional lipo about ten years ago and I would say the procedures were comparable in some ways except it takes much longer with traditional lipo to get the collagen back if at all. I will keep you posted.
I had smart lipo with the new laser 6 days ago on upper and lower abs, inner and outer thighs, and "banana flanks." I have a very high tolerence for pain so i was okay with the local but not by any means "painless." Also, it's a very weird feeling when the dr. lasers the stomach area.
The flanks or what some doctors call the "banana lift" hurts the most. I still have to sit on pillows due to the tenderness. For some weird reason, my flanks and stomach feels so much better when the compression garment is worn so I wear it 23 hours a day. I literally wash it every day and immediately put it back on. It actually helps my soreness pain.
As for results, I see a little improvement in my inner thighs but none in the outer yet. I'm horribly bruised and swollen but it's getting better by the day. I was told to use the liquid version of Arnica instead of the gel - its suppose to be more effective for bruising.
I'm going to try the massages and wraps. I'm just concerned about anyone touching my stomach right now. It's so tender to the touch.
I'll try to keep you posted on my results
Look I had my smart lipo 3 months ago and the first two months I thought it wasn't worth it, but now i am really seeing the diference it is really worth it!!!!!
Ohhh I had upper and lower abs, flanks and back, i am telling you its worth it.
About the pain I think that it depends of you and your Dr., because to tell you the truth i didn't feel anything not during or after surgery, not even a bruise only alot of swelling, thats it.
It has been 4 months since I had smart lipo,(I posted at 2 weeks,so here is my update) and it keeps getting better!I recommend lymphatic massages as much as possible to help with soreness the first month at least. I have no soreness at all now and the numb feeling is about 95 % gone. It is the best thing I've ever done!
Look I had my smart lipo 3 months ago and the first two months I thought it wasn't worth it, but now i am really seeing the diference it is really worth it!!!!!
Ohhh I had upper and lower abs, flanks and back, i am telling you its worth it.
About the pain I think that it depends of you and your Dr., because to tell you the truth i didn't feel anything not during or after surgery, not even a bruise only alot of swelling, thats it.
I had smart lipo done 8 days ago on my abdomen.
The Dr's office didn't really inform me of what to expect. I had driven 2 hrs to their office thinking I could drive home after wards. Not! The leaking incisions (thru the compression garments) was really surprising. I was also "loopy" from the sedatives.
I ended up staying at a nearby hotel.
Now I have quite a hard solid lump above the belly button. I'm reading that it's normal but I was not told that by the Dr. I'm also reading about the massages here which I will inquire about. I started working out lightly today.
I only heard good things about smartliop, I had a really nice stomach before with only a little weight gaining the last year so decided to go forth, I only wanted to do my lower abdomon and a little of my flanks I am so sorry I did this, I had to go back and do it again after 3 months, I had a big hard bump and unevenness ontop of my bellybutton It is only 1 week now that I did the second round I also have a hard bump over my bellybutton and an uneven stomach still, just like the first time, the first time the Dr. removed fat from under my breast over the ribs, I told him not to remove from there, he said you have to, to make your whole stomach flat, well now I have a whole under my rib cage because he took it opon him self to redesign my stomach and after the second time him trying to fix the uneveness and bump still looks horrible, the pain was not that bad the second time, but the first "Oh my God" for a good solid month, and then untill I could start exersizing. It is still very swollen and I am only praying it looks normal in the next couple of months, but I'm not sure, my skin is also wrinkley and I never had that before, I just hope there is hope that my stomach will look the way I hoped it would be.
I had smart lipo on my inner/outer thighs and knees 6 weeks ago. Although I am runnning 26+miles a day I see no results prior to my surgery. I am small 5'4 about 128 pounds yet feel my legs were always where I held onto my weight. I am really unhappy and hope results will come. I spent so much money and felt with diet and exercise I would look better. I have gained 6 pounds since the surgery and feel this procedure has not helped. Feedback would be helpful?
way too early to judge... keep wearing compresson suit. had mine done 9 mo ago and its the best thing Ive ever done! i love the results!!
A little over a week ago I had Smart Lipo done to the same areas. I am starting to see a slight difference, but am experiencing all the same side effects. The area around the belly button is still swollen and quite bruised up. The sides have a bit of discomfort and without the compression garment, I can barely sit in a chair. I have resumed my daily workout (but have tuned it down about 70% at the request of my doctor). Am I upset when it comes to these side effects? No. I know it takes time. I was told it might take between 3-6 months to see the full effect. I guess I just have to be patient.
i had smartlipo on my chin 2 days ago, this lunchtime quick fix, ul be back at work next day is a load of rubbish! I found the procedure very painful, i was heavily bruised and sore. If i was working id have to take 3 days off at least, i had lipo suction done on my thighs 4 years ago and can honestly say this felt worse!
I had my lower tommy done 1 year ago and it has been nothing but disappointment. I had complications, infection, black and blue everywhere, major swelling and soreness. I had to buy larger clothes for the first month due to the swelling. The knot in my stomach is still there. I had received 6 lipo disolve treatments along with it and nothing is helping. Truely a waste of money for me.
Connecticut said
11/3/09
I had the water assisted lipo along with the smartlipo about a week ago. the procedure went very well according to my reseach and staff information; the only surprise was all the linking after the procedure I washed my compression garment twice that day along with about 10 towels and 4 outfits. but after the linking stopped I was fine, when shopping the next day and traveled home within 3 days. Now is the waiting for results, I guest I was deceived by all the pictures and thought I would see result in days but now realize it will be months but I can wait. so far I have no lump over my belly button like others have spoke off...thank God. my stomach feels fine yet swollen, my hips are sore to the touch and very swollen one more so than the other becasue the day after the surgery I was getting inthe car and the door swung back and hit me in the hit, boy that hurt. I was not told about any massages or hot wrap but maybe I'll look into it. I will wear this compression garment until spring.
I am having SmartLipo done with a Breast Aug in 5 weeks. So, after the surgery did you swell to a size larger than you were before or to the same size? Will I basically look the same as I do now afterwards or will I be smaller? I'm having inner and outer thigh, a little hip and a little knee.
Thanks.
I had second generation smartlipo mpx with aspiration done 15 days ago on my upper and lower abdomen, flanks and back. My surgeon was Angelica Kavouni. I was given a general anaesthesic thankfully, so didn't feel a thing besides the anaesthetic needle going in. I woke up in the compression garment and have been in it since (i'm supposed to wear it continuously for 6 weeks). I've felt hardly any pain in the time since the op, and hardly any bruising (I expected to be black and blue, but I think taking Arnica tablets for 2 weeks afterwards severely reduced any bruising and made it disappear fast!) - the worst part was a throat infection from the pipe that went down my throat during the op, I've only just got rid of it because some seriously resistant bacteria were involved, my uvula was white and i could hardly eat anything. I get help massaging the areas done with Bio-Oil everyday which helps heal and moisturise the skin. I also have the hard lump above my belly button at the mo, hope it goes soon! At the moment, I still feel pretty swollen around the hips/flanks/lower stomach, the swelling on the upper stomach and back has gone entirely. I'll wait it out a couple of weeks then get back to my favourite thing in the world - dancing!! Will let you know how I get on...
I had smart lipo done 4 months ago in Cali, Colombia. I look spectacular and have lost 30 pounds since. I can definitely agree with the article about it being painful. After 8 hours of being asleep I woke up with no pain but once the pain medication wore off it was a very uncomfortable feeling. I left with a cotton body suit and had to wear this to sleep in. During the day I was forced to use an elastic tight body suit which was extremely painful to use since it compressed on my body that was a mass of jello!!! Two incisions were made on my tummy, one on the left and one on the right below my belly button. Five incisions on my back and my arms and legs as well. The excess liquid left inside my body needed to be drained through 3 incisions and this was done with massages and pressure on the wounds. The liquid burned and stung when it came out and it was a combination of blood and God knows what else!!!! This continued for 5 days after the surgery and they were the worst 5 days of my life!!! I screamed, kicked, and cried like I never had before! My surgeons informed me that a full recovery took about a year and the complete results would be seen after 6 months. I have to wear the body suit for 6 months so it forms my body and it also helps my skin stick back to the muscle.I started off with a medium and now fit into an xs. The lumps start forming right away but they do dissolve with massages and by drinking water at room temp. I was also given collagen pills to help the the skin stick back and drops of Aesculus (!?). All of the excess fat left in your body will drain through your pee. Cold drinks, alcohol and high heel shoes are prohibited for the next 6 months after surgery. I recommend to have massages done through out the next 6 months by a professional to help the body form and to dissolve the painful lumps under the skin. Overall, I am happy with my results.
I had chin, jowls and arms done. 3 days ago. Dr's info did not say to stop taking asprin 1 wk before nor did it ever mention not taking vitamins. I bled like a stuck pig. Have severe bruising and swelling. Definitely, hurts & when the Dr is in areas where they shouldn't be it hurts a lot. Hope it's all worth it in the end...still holding out hope and wearing my garments!
oh my god! I have that excat horrible hard painful to touch,lump just above my belly button aswell! I thought i was the only one!I had smartlipo done 5 weeks ago in dec 09 on my lower and upper stomach, and it has always been there. Have you noticed it go away atall over time?
I had laser assisted body scultping one month ago on my neck chin jowl and lower/upper abs and flank. Dr also did some in pubic area and back also. I saw results right away in stomach and hips. Neck is good but jowls still swollen which leaves me with some marrionette lines that I didn't have before. Called the dr 2 days after because head gear was causing some major creases in my chin. He said to take it off if I wanted to. Like others say here I have some major skin pain and bought myself a more soft compression garment that I can only not wear for short periods. I do see much improvement and the only thing I am concerned about is a dip in one hip. I hope it is just the swelling. I have a post op appt next week so hopefully the dr will ease my mind. I am also down weight wise by 9 lbs and 1 jean size. Jeans are uncomfortable to wear for very long. I am 5'3" 140 and 58 yrs old. I resumed my exercise at 2 weeks (Curves 3 x weekly) and I was very sore, not muscle sore, skin sore and swelled up.
I just had smart lipo done yesterday. I had upper and lower abdomen and flanks done. I stayed home from work today and probably will tomorrow too. Leaking hasn't been too bad, the hospital clinic gave me extra pads to put under the compression garment over the incision spots and they are slowly getting better. But I'm pretty swollen and tender. I spent today on the couch watching movies and later in the day drove to the store to buy my son some shoes, so I did get around, just a little slower.
My doctor has me on an antibiotic, an antinflammatory, and a multivitamin, and recommended Polysporin for the incisions. I've been told I can do regular activities as I feel I can, but no gym workouts for 2 weeks, and I have to wear the compression garment for 6 weeks, possibly longer.
I am prepared to wait 3-6 months to be impressed, because right now I look like hell! Can you put band-aids over the incisions? I think I would be more able to deal with showering, changing the garment, and feeling confident about putting on clean clothes!
Will be interested to hear other stories about recovery as well!
I read someone inquired regarding smart lips to arms..I did smart lipo on my arms 3 days ago. I just felt my arms didn't belong to my body. During the operation i was ok..i do tolerate quite a bit of pain, however i did feel a lot of pain during 2 instances when the laser hit areas not injected with local anesthetic! Right after I was fine, but I haven't managed to sleep yet and I'm constantly on pain killers. my arms, hands and fingers are so swollen i cannot wear my work clothes and rings, also i have to wear the garment for 5 weeks! I was told that within 1 week I should be fine.. I'm hoping I'll see the results soon..
I had smartlipo done 2 yrs ago, at the beginig it was ok it started looking nice..... after that it started looking with little lumps all around , the thing is and they dont tell u . You have to have at least 2 linfatic massages at least a week after, and then several massages to loosen all the fat.
My abs look funny, i can see wher the canula went threw where the Dr, suctioned the fat and where he didn't. I have been able to have my stomach flat at least dressed i look good, but ,,,,, oh... and the lump on top of the belly that one never goes away why dont know, ive done exercise , everything and nothing
Ok I am really scared now. I am a young girl and have two very young children. I was considering smart lipo since I have had two kids. But now after reading everything that happened I am concerned. I was going to have it done on my outer thighs. Should I be really worried?
Ok so I had my smartlipo done exactly 12 days ago on my upper and lower abs as well as my flanks. During surgery I felt no pain at all even after I was released. But the week after I found it hard or unable for me to bend over and sometimes standing up straight was even a hassle. I did see immediate results though. But after day 3 I started the whole swelling thing. I didn't bruise much though which was great. The one thing i dont see anyone mentioning here is how your vagina will swell from all the pressure of the fluid in your stomach area. I was lucky to have my nurse tell me about folding a rag and putting it between my legs for the 1st week. And I was told about the massages and wraps I should get as well as working out but not until 2weeks had passes. I can be patient and wait 3-6 months to see positive results...Im anxious to see but at the same time Im going to remain patient.
Hi. I was actually considering this procedure based on all the glowing reviews on the internet, but after reading these comments posted here I am properly horrified. Liquified fat? Pain? Lumps? sagging? swelling? infection? bruising? up to 6 months to see results?
And you folks PAID for this? thanks but no thanks. I think I will invest in a good nutritionist and personal trainer. If I end up less than perfect, so be it, but at least I won't be putting my health at risk.
I had smartlipo done 4 weeks ago on my abdomen and flanks and I have had hard lumps all over my abdomen, at 3 weeks when i saw my doctor next he told me to stop wearing the compression devices because i was so hard already adn to start messaging aggresively....It is painful but i do it with my hands and a heated messager...I am so scared the lumps will not go away, there is no way i could wear a bikini looking like this and we are going to hawaii in 2 months. I am just now starting to work out and I have not done any professional messages to date.....please tell me there are some of you out there that got better. I am 5'5" and 120lbs, i have always been slender and in shape, but i had triplets adn wanted a tummy tuck, but my doctor said i didnt have enough skin for that and that I was a perfect candidate for the smartlipo.....if i end up looking like this long term i am going to cry....I see no one has posted on this blog since 2009 on this subject, i am hoping things have gotten better since then!
Hi I just had my done yesterday 1-21/11. And I have I tolerance to pain and it was very painful. The which procedure I could feel it. I'm in pain right now but my stomach is flater but still swollen. Hope I have good results. I was told I have to wear the garment for 22 hours for 2 weeks and 12-14 for 4 more weeks. I'll let you know how it turns out. Kas
I had my outer thighs and inner thighs done 10 days ago on 31/1 2011. The procedure which also involved suction was much more painful than expected. The recovery time has taken longer too. I could not have gone back to work after 2 days, it was more like 7. Ever since I have been tired and have lack of energy. My legs turned purple and black in the bruised areas, they looked terrible. This is just starting to go now. The swelling has slightly reduced. I feel like I had a major operation, not 'lunchtime lipo' at all. I have noticed an improvement of just 1/2 an inch on each thigh, and I know it will get better hopefully, but I wouldn't do this again in a hurry. I spent £3600! I have also spent £100 on extra compression garments- its important to find one that's bearable, and supplements such as arnica etc. Be warned, do not take vitamin E before or after, or any medications such as ibuprofen that thin the blood- this makes the bruising much worse. I'm going to do lymphatic drainage masssages, these cost for a session of 6- £200.All in all its an expensive experience.
I had inner and outer thighs done yesterday (4/22/11). who ever said you can go back to work next day never had the procedure. The holes continue to drain today and it is very painful, even to sit on the toilet. I get to take a shower later today, and somehow I have to wash the compression garment quick, in order to get it back on. I hope each day will get better.
5/5/11
I had smarlipo triplex done to my chin and jowels 9 days ago, which is supposed to be better than the original smartlipo? As most of you I had not heard about the lumps this caused. The dr said it was the normal recovery process and that they would go away he also advised the massages...I have seen several post here on chin and jowels with the resulting lumps but no updates from you. There was hardley any pain during the procedure and no bruising at all afterwords, I was swollen but my chin still looked alot better than before I could see the improvement the next day. I was back to work the second day and received 2 compliments (from ppl that had no idea I had smatlipo)!!! I felt really good about that, but around the fourth day I started to feel 4 lumps form 1 on each jowel and 2 on the chin on either side of the inscision and that is when the soreness kicked in, the outer skin felt numb and the slightest touch was unbearable...the lumps on the jowel are still there but no longer visible. The ones on the chin however are still visible, I guess bc they are closer to the wound and harder to massage. The numbness is gone now and the pain to the touch is basically gone other than at the start of the massage I guess bc of the pressure.
Ms. King
5/13/2011
I got smart lipo (8 days ago) on my stomach, planks, bra roll and my back. It wasn't that painful to me. I didn't even take any of the pain meds after. I have a few lumps here and there. My doctor never mentioned the massage thing to me, so thank you all for that info. As a matter of a fact, my doctor didn't mention alot of info to me. I have to google all of my questions. I really don't see much of a difference at all. Im hoping its just because it's too early, I will definitely keep you posted tho.
Hi Ms king
its been about 6 weeks since ur procedure have you noticed any difference and what did you do to help along the process. thanks for your help
Hi,
I had smartlipo aprox. 2 weeks ago. I experienced the hardness and lumpy areas as well. After doing some research I found a Surgery Center in Lawrenceville, Ga. called Bella that had a Licensed Massage Therapist that specialized in Lymphatic Drainage Massage. This solved all of my problems! It gave me instant relief. It smoothed out the hard lumpy ares after the 2nd massage. She used an ultrasound massager also that broke down the scar tissue (hard lumps). I was fearful as well but this type of massage works great to rid the body of access fluid and unwanted toxins. I had to pay for 10 sessions upfront, which cost me $500, but it was well worth it! I am now totally in love with my upper and lower abs and flanks! Please note also, the Massage Therapist told me that their patients start the treatments she performed on me after day 3, to get faster results. Also they provided me with padding (3 kind of thick pads that go under your compression garmet) which helps to minimize the swelling. But most importantly the one pad that goes on your side saved me from the excruciating pain of the compression garmet's zipper! Boy was this a lifesaver!
I had smart lipo three weeks ago on abdomen, lower back, inner and outter thighs and arms. Really I would rather have had natural child birth. I have and still have so much pain i can barely do anything. I took pain pills every three hours for two weeks and now dr. won't write anymore so i am just toughing it out. I can't believe I paid ten thousand for this nightmire. I advise use the money and hire a chef to cook great low cal meals! Not sure with all the lumps if I will look better. It is just so hard to get past the pain! Toledo 11-11-11
I am a 39 year old male, had the smart lipo done on Feb 6, 2012 on my upper and lower abdomen. Let's make a couple of things clear. Smart lipo does hurt, you cannot go back to work right away and it will take time to heal. M entire belly region is sore and fairly numb. I have been told to wear the compression garment for 6 weeks, but I've found I have to remove it for periods of time as the lumpy hard areas of my tummy feel painful if I wear it too long. I'm happy with thr amount of fat that was removed (3.5 L) and will remain patient to see the outcome. I've been back to the gym for a couple of weeks, but still not able to run without pain.
i want smartlipo done on severl parts of my body, but after reading all ur comments about how painfull it is im starting to think its a bad idea. the recovery timing really sucks! i wanted to know if the swelling and the bruising go away by 2 weeks? i have to go to this huge party with celeberty's im hosting so i kinda have to be there... is it safe to get smart lipo done?
I had smart lipo about 10 days ago and can say m pain free but not numb free! I have an indentation on my right above my hip bone, waist line. I don't know if the dr took out too much fat there or the binder digging into my waist, it created much pain during the first few days. I'm hoping in a few weeks after the swollen subside I will get better results. right now I know for sure m not wearing a bikini anyday soon. Btw, did anyone feel swollen on thighs and genital areas? My stomach is flat except for the skin around the belly button area. I hoping this s worth my 6,000 procedure for upper and lower abs, flanks and hips!
I had smartlipo on the arms area two days ago. who ever said it was painless is full of crap! the numbing medication feel like a bee sting and then the tumescent, is like sharp knives stabbing you all over the skin. and finally the laser beam some area are painless and some area felt like you was burn with torch..ouch!! anyway when it was all over the compression garment was put on and they send you home with antibiotic and and pain med. when I got home I was leaking more on the left arm and less on the right arm..next day my left arm is smaller then the right. thought to myself it just swelling it normal still in pain though..took my garment off to shower and notice I got burn blister on my shoulder. took some pain med and went to bed..next day call for a post op fU with my surgeon..wish me luck!!
I had smart lipo three days ago to my inner/outer thighs, banana roll, and chin/neck. I experienced some pain at times, but made it thru. I was doing great after the procedure, and was able to see some results which were very promising. However, I can't smile straight which concerns me, and today I woke up in tremendous pain in my inner thighs. One side in particular is red, swollen, and hard in certain spots. I'm concerned I have an infection now. Despite any positive results from this point forward, I am doubting whether it was worth it.
I had advanced laser lipolysis on mt abdomen 4 weeks ago. 3.5 litres extracted .. the day after i took off my bandages (the leaking stopped after 24 hours) and my tummy was flat!! but today I am very swollen and sore, and horrible ropey lumps have appeared which I try to massage for a bit, but I think I probably need an expert to do it cos it feels horrible. I am a bit disappointed, but will be patient. Just have to wait til the day after flat rum reappears. Excercise definitely seems to make the swelling worse, even just an hour of Pilates yesterday made me blow up like a balloon. I think my surgeon likes velashape massage but it hurts!!!
I had smart lipo on my upper and lower abdomen areas 14 days ago. I read every where that it wasn't painful and that you can return to normal activities in 2 weeks. Well let me start by saying the painful part is the numbing medication on your stomach, it stings and your stomach blows up real big in order to do the procedure, its painful but I tolerated it cus I knew it be over. What the dr did next with laser tool removing the fat is not painful he did that quickly. I only felt once that he hit an area that was not numbed. After all that was done they cleaned area and out the garment on I felt no pain, no pain for several days at all I think I took the pain med that first day only...the pain hit me hard like 7 days later, after finishing the antibiotics. And now I'm sort of miserable cus I'm swollen, its hard to get up, sleep, I haven't been able to go to the beach cus I don't want an infection, I haven't worked out but will inquire if I can. I'm glad I'm not working right now cus honestly don't think I would have been able. Today I see my dr to follow up and change pain med...I'm supposed to get my flanks done since I already paid for them I'm just not sure i want to feel anymore pain. The thing is that it will take months to heal so if I don't do that now I will have to wait 3 months and then go thru pain again. I do so my stomach flatter at times, the first week I saw a difference! My stomach doesn't hang like it used to.
I had the smart lipo done 2 was ago on my stomach.The local numbing medication was the painful part it stings like a bee and your stomach swells. The lower ab is a sensitive area so it will hurt. I felt good after the procedure until the 7th day that I just got swollen and painful, sometimes it itches or stings, I feel miserable at times. My vagina is swollen up due to the pressure. I have to go back to get my flanks done cus the dr was not able to do it that same day since he can only do so much, I'm dreading this again but thinking I want to get it over with. I did see results immediately with flatter stomach but now I'm swollen and with lumps. I also think that you gotta keep the compression garment on for awhile cus you get less swollen and less pain, I took it off cus it got stretched out and I think that's when the pain began for me cus honestly I felt no pain after the procedure, hardest part is the numbing, follow what the dr tells you and or change pain meds, walk often, drink water, don't eat high sodium, keep that garment on!
I just had my smart lipo procedure done 3 days ago; abs and flanks. Procedure was ok. Had about 600 cc of unwanted fat removed. During the procedure you are awake and aware but locally numbed up. I think that's the best part. There's too much complications that may arise with general anesthesia that if avoidable its all good. Did I feel some poking during the procedure. Yes. But nothing unbearable. If you're worried about feeling something... go for general anesthesia. Results... 3 days later ... it still looks ugly.. brusing here and there. but it has only been 3 days. Don't expect over night results. There was a lot of trauma done to the area. It takes time to heal. For you impatient posters on here that expect the full result after a few weeks. Don't kid yourself or readers of this blog. You won't see the true results until after all the swelling and trauma is healed. Go back to the basics of what the lipo did. It remove SOME of the fat layer sitting on top of muscle tissue. That's why you will seem slimmer. Definition can be enhanced by further developing the muscle layer. Yes ... that involves working out... you need to develop the muscles too people. After my smart lipo 3 days ago... I walked out on my own.... and ran a couple of errands eg mall and went home and relaxed. I still have 28 of my 30 pain meds still locked up in my med cabinet. So that's my experience....there's a price to beauty...money and maybe some post op discomfort. So sheesh ... suck it up buttercup =)!
Hello All, I am 1 week Smartlipo post op and I must say that the procedure was painless...maybe because I have a high tolerance for pain. I did however start to feel a bit sore the next day but it was bearable. I actually went to a birthday party with my three children and the next day I went to the park with my children and I even threw fribees back in forth with them and felt comfortable. The only time the soreness kicked in was when I would rise up from sitting and after a few seconds, the soreness subsided. I had Smartlipo on my upper and lower abdomen on Friday, 06/06/2014 and was back at work on Monday,06/09/2014. Immediately right after surgery, the next day my stomach was completely flat. But after that, swelling began to set in and I've been swollen for about 4-5 days now. It looks like I never had any surgery done. My stomach looks bigger now than before. I'm trying to keep in mind that it's going to take some time for the swelling to disappear but it is hard being patient. I do have a question though, are lymphatic massages necessary? Would i still have great results after months without those massages? I would appreciate any replies. Thank You in Advance
I had my lipo done on the5/30/2014, on my stomach above and below belly button and side handles... I can notice a more defined shape to sides but my stomach is as big, if not bigger than before procedure!!! I am freaking out big time, it cost me 3,000€'s, am I expecting too much too soon. Please can someone give me some info?? Xx
Thanks for sharing your experience. I was looking for SmartLipo in Los Angeles from MetroMD. Can anyone tell me how this institute is in SmartLipo..?? link to website has been Hyperlinked..Thanks
I just had smart lipo done 3 days ago. Boy was I not prepared for the pain. The videos I watched online showed people lying there awake saying they felt nothing and got up after the procedure and went on their way. I has my love handles done. I'm a fairly small female and in great shape just couldn't get rid of that area. The needle to anesthetize the areas was pretty painful. The procedure took about 2 hours. I was pretty doped up on prescriptions but did feel pain during the procedure, maybe when the surgeon hit an area that wasn't numbed. Went home and slept. When I woke up the pain was horrendous. The following day was horrible as well, could barely move. Very hard to get in and out of bed. Bandages came off today. Very littke bruising. Some swelling but can see results are much better than I expected. Used a great surgeon and did my homework. This was definitely NOT pain free. I have to wear a shapewear girdle/bodysuit for 6 weeks which will suck but compression is very important after the procedure. I have a good pain tolerance and I thought it was very painful at times. Good luck to those out there thinking about it
I had smart lipo today, the procedure itself wasn't bad at all a little uncomfortable but bearable, But OMG the pain afterwards is terrible. I've felt nauseated and very sore. But once I take my pain pills I'm fine. I do haver leakage mainly on my bottom incision on my thigh . I'll be doing my stomach real soon!
I don't blame you I just had smart lipo yesterday and it was PAINFUL! I don't know if it was just my dr and he was to rough or what but it hurt like hell! I wanted to say stop let me go home so many times! I was begging for my fat back! Today I'm sore and i had to take my compression off to wash it due to all the bloody drainage, I looked at myself in the Mirror and I ask significantly thinner but it still hurt ��
I had smart lipo 7 day's ago upper & lower abs in Florida. I had a great experience so far. Let me say my bmi was 25, I'm 43 ,fairly high threshold for pain. During the process I agree pain was felt when the doctor was injecting the numbing fliud after that I was quiet comfortable. He then used the laser completely painless and fast for me. Next he removed the liquid fat this took the most time.my Dr.was super awesome concerned with my feelings and reactions through the entire process. At the end I sat up reeling numb,tight they put the compression garment on me and I went home. The Next day I was super sore from the laser. I had no brusing my brusing started day 3 however I'm day 7 and not 1 bruse! I'm super happy thus far.I go for a follow up in 2 days,experience some numbness ,hard area's below my belly button normal I'm told.I have seen immediate results, everyone who's seen me ,knows I've done this is just as amazed as I am we didn't expect this much of a result this quickly..I recommend this for people with tolerance for pain,bmi that's low also good skin elasticity for recovery. Also it should be known that I don't smoke or drink or take any drug's of any kind unless perscribed and under extreme need including headaches. So for me the medications given worked well and as they should have. Best Of luck to everyone undergoing this treatment!
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