What is Smart Lipo?
SmartLipo is a non-invasive fat removal procedure which uses the focused power of laser energy to break up and dissolve fatty tissue trapped beneath the skin. By directing the energy to the area beneath the surface of the skin, the technique also encourages the development of collagen, which results in a tighter, more toned appearance overall. Is the fat removal permanent?
The fat removal will be permanent as long as the individual maintains a healthy lifestyle following the procedure. Any significant weight gain can result in the return of fat to the treated areas, as well as untreated areas.
How is the procedure performed?
Prior to beginning SmartLipo, the areas to be treated will be carefully marked and a local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. Using a small, handheld device, the laser energy is directed toward the fat cells beneath the skins surface. As the laser energy is fired, the fat cells break apart and liquefy. During the initial days following the procedure, the liquefied fat will be drained away by the bodys natural processes. The laser energy also encourages the growth of new collagen, which tightens skin and improves the overall appearance of the treated area. The laser energy also helps seal small blood vessels, reducing bleeding and subsequent swelling in the treatment area.
Once any initial swelling has resolved following the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter and more toned. The results will continue to improve within the first 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure, as the skin readapts to new curves and outlines. In most individuals, optimal results are visible at about 8 weeks following the SmartLipo procedure.
(Source for above info: http://www.dermanetwork.org/information/smart-lipo.asp)
Reason I did it: Because no matter how much I tried to diet or exercise (the lil I did) my lil pooch would NOT go away. I looked at my friends who had babies and it looked like I HAD AT least 1 kid. I am soo satisfied and I am not even completely healed! That extra skin flapping over my pants and panties is GONE.
Cost of procedure: $ 4700 if cash is paid and $5200 if you use a debit/credit card
Would I recommend this: Yes if you are tired of exercising. This procedure has been FDA approved and been out since 2006. I did A LOT of research and have read about minor problems. Most people go to a doctor that does not do a good job and they come out with lumpy skin. I personally believe wearing the girdle 24/7 afterwards plays a critical step in preventing that. Remember its only cosmetic surgery. I am not writing this to encourage or discourage you. Just do your research and don’t let anybody discourage you. It’s your body, and your money. Do what YOU want with it. Just do the research first! J The only reason I am writing and POSTING this is to share my progress because out of all the research I did I only came across a hand full of our people who actually did it. Color has nothing to do with it or the results but…..umm let me leave that alone. J
Pre- Op: I was given some prescriptions to get fill to begin taking some meds b/f the surgery. I was also given a pack of vitamins named Vita Medica to begin taking. I must admit I was not consistent with taking the pills because I was still in pain from getting my wisdom tooth removed.
Day of the surgery: I was getting very nervous. I asked a female (black) on YouTube about her procedure and all she responded with was save your money. I was like WTH? If you say something like that more details should follow. So that almost made me reconsider my decision. So I went in to the procedure room and the doc made about 6 small incisions on the sides of my stomach area. I was filled with fluid that was to numb me up really good before the actual doctor would begin the suctioning. That is about the worst part of the whole procedure. After the fluid starts numbing you, you just get this uncomfortable feeling. The funny feeling is due to your stomach blowing up like a balloon. You can actually fill some of the fluid leaking out of the incisions. YUCK!
Dr. Mickie (nickname) began the procedure and made it very relaxing. She talked to me, fed me crackers and PowerAde in between. The reason for the feeding was because I didn’t eat a full breakfast b4. My appointment was 0900 and I had to wake up early to drive the long trip to her office. Anyway I was in there crying like a lil baby because I don’t take well to anything dealing with doctors or needles! When I got my wisdom tooth pulled they had to spray som numbing spray on my arm to get me to calm down so they could get the IV started to put me to sleep. Anyway it was a not alot of unbearable pain but I felt the vibrations and pressure of the suctioning. I started stressing because I did too much research on the procedure and I knew exactly what was going on. I had an image in my head of her sticking the laser in and out of me melting the fat and the fat running through the tubes to the liter. I know… CRAZY! I guess it was my nerves. So the procedure took about 3-4 hours and she took out 3 ½ liters of fat out of me. YUCK. She said I had the most fat around my belly button. After they finished she wrapped me up real good but I still bleed through my gray sweats. I was scheduled to return in 2 days so she could take off all the wrapping/ bandages.
Night (After Surgery): There is no need to spend the night in the hospital or anything but you will need someone to drive you home. Don’t believe what they say on YouTube. You will NOT be able to do this on your lunch break. Mess around and get fired. LOL. Anyway that night I was drinking a lot of vitamin water, PowerAde and Gatorade as instructed by the doctor. I messed up and ate an ice cream stick and chicken noodles and threw it up. Yeah it was very stupid of me. When it was time to sleep, I couldn’t lie down, I feel asleep leaning on the headboard. If you normally sleep on your stomach…4 get it!
Day 1 (After Surgery): I spent it mostly at home and just relaxed. I did drive. It was hard to stand up straight and sit for long. I had to take a “wash up” because I couldn’t shower until she removed the bandages. They didn’t want me to remove them myself because it common for people to pass out after the bandages are removed.
Day 2: I returned to my appointment and she took off the bandages and that dried up blood smell was overwhelming. I wanted to pass out from that sticky azz tape she was struggling to get off! After she finished and dressed me up she gave me some instructions and sent me on my way.
Day 3-6: OMG, I can see a BIG difference. I am sooooo happy I took my own b4 pictures because the pictures prove it all. My stomach feels REALY funny. It’s this spongy like feeling. I can feel the tightening process going on too. Wearing the girdle helps you not to think or feel that funny feeling. The extra fluid I guess has settled down in my vagina area. So it’s sitting on swole, lol! When I say that I mean it. Its unbelievable how big your vagina area gets.
Day 7: I returned from yet another appointment and she stated that I am healing great. I told her that I am happy with the results so far and she said oh sweetie you are still swollen. You will be seeing A LOT more results. She said my waist hasn’t even begun to show because of the swelling. She said give it about week 3 b4 seeing any major results.
Day 8: I can maneuver a lot better now but I am still swollen. Its not that much uncomfortable anymore. I no longer feel like an 80-year-old woman trying to get out of the bed and car and I got a lil more “pep” in my step as my 86-year-old granddad said. LOL. I will continue to post updates. I will try to post the next one at the beginning or end of week 3.
Overall, I am VERY happy and positive about the results.
