Large Ladies Need (Lipo) Love Too

So often Cosmetic Surgeons use the pictures of thinner patients on their websites because smaller patients just end up looking almost perfect after their procedures.  Patients size 12 - 18 need to see pictures of women in their size range too.  It's not fair to just so the "cream of the skinny crop."  This post is dedicated to showing some larger patients.  Their results don't make them supermodel thin, but they're smaller and they definitely look better thanks to Dr. Gilad Segev and American Lipo Centers.

More Success Photos From American Lipo Centers

So my story is not the only success story we have from Dr. Gilad Segev at American Lipo Centers.  We've had hundred of happy patients and I want to start sharing their photos with you.  Here are a few before and after photos for your viewing pleasure.

Female Patient: Upper Abs, Lower Abs

Female Patient: Upper Abs, Lower Abs and Flanks (love handles)

Female Patient: Upper Abs, Lower Abs and Flanks (love handles)

Male Patient: Upper Abs, Lower Abs and Flanks (love handles)

6 Weeks Later with PICTURES

Below are the 6 week comparison photos from my tummy laser lipo at American Lipo Centers by Dr. Gilad Segev.  I'm feeling really good about the procedure and most of my side effects are gone.  I have a few spots that are still a little swollen, but that's just me - I'm a sweller so that's what I do after a procedure or after I get a bump or bruise, I SWELL.

For those that don't know me, I decided to get the procedure because I was just tired of my belly being in my way.  I wanted a jumpstart to getting my fitness groove on.  So now that my tummy is only a tiny bit swollen, and I'm not sore, it's time for me to get back to my fitness quest.

Dr. Gilad Segev is also very pleased with my results, not just because I work for him - but because I went down a full "dress" size or pant size from a full 14 to a regular 12.  I can't wear any of my old bottoms without a belt now and if it weren't for my boobs, I could move down a size in my tops.

Today I'm posting comparison photos of before and now 6 weeks after.  In a few days, I will post a couple pictures from my vacation in Vegas.

Before and 6 Weeks After Frontal

Before and 6 Weeks After Side View

Before and 6 Weeks After Rear View

6 Weeks After Close Up

The Healing Cycle - How Soon Does It Feel Better?

Hello from Dr. Gilad Segev’s American Lipo Centers.  This week’s post is all about the healing cycle.  Besides “What areas should I get done?,” the next most popular question people ask is “What’s the recovery like?”  Well, the real answer is: “It’s different for every patient.”  However, there are some guidelines that I can give to all of you out there thinking about laser lipo or who have just had it done, here’s a little time line.  Through every phase, you should be drinking LOTS of water.

·         Days 1, 2 and 3
This means the day of your procedure and the 2 days after.  You’ll need plenty rest and relaxation where you don’t have to work or run significant errands. You will be VERY sore and tender.  However, you will be able to walk, shower, climb stairs, drive [no driving day of procedure], cook, dress yourself, take care of your little ones, etc.  You can return to work on the 3rd day after your procedure, example: procedure on Friday, back to work on Monday)

·         First Full Week

You’ll be tender and sore and moving a little slower, but able to take care of yourself.  You can return to the gym after 7 days, but you probably won’t do 100% of your normal workout.  Around this time, “nodularity” may set in.  This is where you can get nodules or hard spots in the area(s) you had laser liposuctioned.  These hard spots can range from a small knot to the entire area being stiff or very hard.  Nodularity is a normal and is simply fluid retention in the area liposuctioned.  Regardless of water retention, it is important to keep drinking your water.

·         By the end of Week 2

You’ll be in much better shape, but you’ll still have bloating and swelling. You’ll probably still have nodularity to deal with, but it should be less intense.  Some patients may feel they are very bloated and swollen at this phase, but this will go away soon!  Drink your water!!

·         Weeks 4 through 12

All of your swelling, bruising, nodularity and tenderness will go away (4 weeks for the average patient; 6 weeks – 12 weeks for us slower healing patients).  12 weeks is where you will see 100% of your results; however, most people see 90% of their results by weeks 4 – 6.  It is important to eat well and have a normal diet with only the occasional splurge to get the best results.  Exercise also helps!

[This is all written from my POV, Myia]

4 Weeks After Laser Lipo with PICTURES!

It has been 4 weeks since my Dr. Segev did my laser lipo procedure at American Lipo Centers.  After 4 weeks, I feel and look amazing!  I've still got a little swelling, but I'm a slow healer, so I expect that my 6 week pictures will look even better.

My lyphatic drainage massages have been working very well to break up the nodularity that sometimes comes from laser lipo.  Being a lumpy, bumpy, slow healer, I knew I'd have lots of nodules (large and small knots beneath the skin where fluid has built up).  My tummy feels good and I feel like I look good but you can judge for yourself.

Here's what everyone cares about the most - the pictures!  I tried to put together similar angles so you can see the differences.  Please note that zoom and picture size is a little different on each so you just have to look for the differences - but I think they are pretty clear!!!

And here I am all dressed-up with some place to go ;)

Write me!

What Area(s) of My Body Should I Have Laser Liposuctioned?

My job at American Lipo Centers is many fold, but one of the most important things that I do is counsel potential patients about what area or areas of their bodies they should get done.   When I ask: “What areas of your body are you interested in having laser liposuctioned?” – many people say “Everywhere.  Take ALL my fat!”  But there are myriad reasons why everywhere is not an option.

Many people cannot afford to have multiple areas done at one time, some people after being seen by the doctor realize that diet and exercise will take care of some problem areas while the laser lipo procedure will be better suited for others.  Whatever the reason for not being able to get “everywhere” laser liposuctioned, there is often a decision to be made as to whether to get these couple of areas done or these other areas done.

So how can you decide what to get done when “everywhere” is what you want laser liposuctioned?  First, you need to know what areas can and cannot be laser liposuctioned.

Areas we laser liposuction at American Lipo Centers:

-          Chin/Jaw Line

-          Arms (biceps/triceps area)

-          Male Chest

-          Upper Abs (belly above the navel)

-          Lower Abs (belly below the navel)

-          Flanks (love handles/muffin top)

-          Rear Flanks (rear love handles above the buttocks)

-          Hips

-          Outer thighs (stand up and put your hands at your side – pat your thighs, that’s your outer thighs)

-          Inner Thigh Next to the Knee

-          Inner Thighs (Only after the doctor evaluates the amount of fat in the area and makes sure you have realistic expectations of results)

-          Back (Again, needs doctor’s evaluation)

Areass we do NOT laser liposuction at American Lipo Centers:

-          Buttocks (too many nerves and muscles for clinical procedure)

-          Back of the Legs (with rare exceptions and Dr. Segev’s evaluation at our clinic, we may do back of the legs)

-          Female Chest (this is major surgery – breast reduction)

-          Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty (this is major surgery and we do not perform this procedure)

Ok, so you’ve looked at the lists of what we do and what we don’t do.  You’ve come in for a FREE consultation at American Lipo Centers with Dr. Gilad Segev and we’ve determined that you are a good candidate for Laser Liposuction.  BUT…you still want to have multiple areas done but can’t decide on what to get done based on price, downtime, or some other reason.

I would suggest that you decide based on answers to list below:

-          I think about having smaller X body part(s) the most when I think about losing weight.

-          Diet and exercise have not made X body part(s) smaller.

-          If I had smaller X body part(s) I could buy the next size down in clothing.

-          I can only afford X budget, and when I turn it over in my mind again and again, I know that I definitely want smaller X body part(s).

It may not take away ALL of your fat or keep you from wanting MORE laser liposuction in the future, but trust your decision-making and honor your choice.  Don’t second guess yourself once you decide.  You’ll know that you made the right decision! 

And if this post STILL didn’t help you make up your mind – call me at work and let’s chew it over 1-877-860-7927 or email me myia@americanlipocenters.com

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

I've been getting amazing lymphatic drainage massages (3 over the past week).  They are supposed to promote my healing so that my tummy and love handles can reduce their swelling evenly and with better and swifter results than just healing alone.  Here's an article I found at http://www.massagetherapy101.com/: Take a read...

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to improve metabolism, promote the removal of bodily toxins and waste, and encourages a healthy immune system.

The massage works by working with the body’s own lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for immune system regulation and fluid and waste removal. It is what helps rid the body of any toxins that may cause illness. When the lymphatic system slows down or becomes blocked, then fluids begin to build up, causing the whole body to feel tired and heavy, making us susceptible to catching sicknesses.

By stimulating the lymph nodes through massage, it helps to clear any blockages and gives the lymphatic system a boost keeping it running healthy and strong. This in turn keeps your body free of toxins and illness and while also creating a stronger immune system.

A lymphatic massage session begins with a consultation between the therapist and client to discuss the client’s specific needs and how many sessions will be needed. The actual massage consists of gentle pressured and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes throughout the body. The procedure uses the deep thumb pressure of shiatsu combined with the relaxing techniques of the Swedish massage. Depending on whether the therapist is focused on only one specific area or is working on the entire body, a session can last anywhere between half an hour to two hours in length.

Lymphatic massage is an excellent treatment on its own or when used in combination with other massage techniques such as deep tissue or Swedish massage. Since it consists of only soft, rhythmic motion, the technique can be used on even the gentlest of areas including areas of the body that are swollen. 

The massage is good for individuals who frequently suffer from illnesses, a faulty immune system, sports injuries, depression and emotional problems, stress, and low energy. It has been shown to have positive effects on the skin, to produce energy, and to help with respiratory problems. The treatment boosts the immune system making it easier to fight of disease and creates general feelings of vitality. It can also help the client deal with different types of pain because it evokes the body’s innate healing mechanisms. The main idea behind lymphatic massage is that when our immune system is healthy, we are also strong and healthy.

2 Weeks After in Clothes

Hey everyone, just thought I'd show pics of me dressed.  Here I am in everyday clothes 2 weeks after laser lipo.  These pants are now too big and so is the top - and I have weave in :)

2 Weeks After Laser Lipo (with pictures)

It’s been 2 weeks since my laser lipo of my upper abs (above navel), lower abs (below navel) and flanks (love handles) by Dr. Segev (Virginia) did my procedure at the American Lipo Centers’ clinic in Alexandria, VA.  I love my results already!  Even with my swelling and nodularity, you can see the difference.  My size 14s that were fitting perfectly before the procedure are now too big!  Size 12 is fitting well and medium bottoms look great too. 

Ok, so nodularity refers to the fluid retention in my abdomen and flank where I had the procedure done.  It feels like there’s a layer of water over my muscles.  It feels tight and little sore – but mostly like discomfort more so than pain.  You can see some of the nodularity in my pictures below, but that subsides with pressure (massage), drinking lots of fluids to flush myself out and time!

I had a lymphatic drainage massage on Friday just before I took the pictures below and it felt GREAT!  My muscles are tight with the fluid buildup but Claudia my masseuse is a dream.  She worked on the areas I had laser liposuctioned and I immediately felt a difference in how much more loose my muscles felt.  This type of massage also promotes my healing to be nice and even so that all of abdomen and my love handles will be smooth as I heal.  So I’ll be getting these massages 3 times a week for the time being to promote good results.  After 1 session, I’m pleased.  Next one is tomorrow (Monday).  I’ll keep everyone posted on how the massages help my progression towards sexy. 

But massages aside, Dr. Segev did a good job getting me even, significant fat loss!  I've also been doing my part doing Weight Watchers meals, lots of water and having cut out sweet drinks and unhealthy snacks.

I’ve posted side-by-side pics of my 2 week progress.

Email me if you have questions myia@americanlipocenters.com – I’m here to help my readers make good decisions about laser lipo.

Myia


 (Before is in Beige/Pink) - 2 Weeks After is in White/White)

 


 



The Swelling Has Settled In

So followers, all is going well with me.  Just been busy with work and having a life.  It is now 2 weeks in and I feel and see the swelling in my lower abs.  My flanks (love handles) look great.  My upper abs look great too.  Now my lower abs are swollen and they have some of the nodularity we warn about.  Basically, there's a lot of fluid retention in that area.  The area feels hard to the touch but rubbing it feels great.  SO, tomorrow I'm getting a post-lipo massage.  It's a massage that focuses on the areas I had laser liposuctioned and the rubbing technique will promote drainage (urination).  Gotta get rid of this extra fluid so I can post more pics.  I will post pictures this weekend, bloated or not.  But it would be great to "show off" (wink).  For now, I'll leave you all wanting more...pics this weekend!!!  I'll also let you know about the massage and it's merits.

A week after surgery, with PICTURES!

So it's been a week since Dr. Segev (Virginia) did my laser lipo surgery on my upper abs, lower abs and flanks (above the navel, below the navel and the love handles) at American Lipo Centers.

Dr. Segev says I'm looking good.  My wounds are all either scabbed (and pealing) OR healed.  I’m happy about that.  My bruising is almost done too – at least it’s much better.  I still have the swelling and that’s expected to last for 4 weeks after the procedure.  Some days there is more swelling than others – and with the heat, the swelling has not been fun.  I’m also getting my “time of the month” in the next few days and I can see and feel my normal monthly bloating.  The good news is, when that time passes, the monthly water will pass and I will see even more improvement.

In terms of my soreness, it feels like I’ve been working out.  It doesn’t hurt unless I bend deeply.  It’s more of an annoying kind of “ok workout over” kind of feeling than anything else.

I’ve been going to work every day and doing little things after like shopping and planning a party for my little foster sister and dealing with a flat tire – so by no means is this procedure a downer for a considerably healthy person. (I’m 32 and I DO have a degenerative disc disease in my spine and some other junk like low thyroid and high blood pressure and I have been doing aces over kings since my procedure.)

Progress – last night I went to do Karaoke (a double date) and I wore stretch pants and a fitted tank and all my sister and everyone could do was admire Dr. Segev’s work because I didn’t wear my compression garment, it was just me in revealing clothing.  My girlfriend says I have amazing curves now!  That was all I needed to hear.

I’m posting pics but remember I’m bloated from my “lady visitor” but it’s still good for week one!  Enjoy the pics and I’ll be back on Monday with “Dr. Segev Says” a new feature where the Doctor himself will address issues around laser lipo. 

Myia

Mug Shot 1

Mug Shot 2

sorry it's upside down (laying down)

scabs and bruises fading

Hip and rear scar.  Some swelling, but a shape!!!

Wednesday - 5 Days Since the Procedure

I took this last set of pics yesterday.  I won't take any more until I get to my 2 week mark.  I took these to show my bruising and swelling and the healing of my incision cites.  I couldn't be happier with this procedure.  I expected more pain after the fact and this is really more discomfort.  I've been taking Extra Strength Tylenol rather than the heavy stuff during the day but taking 1 Vicodeine at night.  It's been working fine - with addition on icing with a frozen towel (with a dry pillow case between the towel and my skin).




the garments leave lines on your body, that fade in a few minutes



bruising and swelling

incisions are shrinking daily

Dr. Segev says I'm healing so well.  Some people take more time to heal and some people are in more pain and have more bruising afterward.  This is totally MY STORY, but it is real and I'm happy.

I've been at work 2 days and day 1 was a bit uncomfortable because I had to sit all day, but Tuesday - I blue a FLAT and had to deal with that standing from 8a - 1p with minimal sitting in between and then sitting from 1 - 7pm.  That helped.  My legs are a little swollen because of gravity pulling some of the swelling from my abdomen down to my thighs, but it is minimal and totally ok to deal with.
I switched compression garments from the 1 piece super deal to a waist binder and support panties. 

Tomorrow, I will do a post on garments alone - there's lots to post about that.  I will pair this with tricks on staying comfortable.  If you have questions in the meantime, email me at work myia@americanlipocenters.com AND if you want to talk to me about other lipo stuff, it's PRIVATE and you can email me their as well.



the cellulite doesn't go away, but it's less fat - just bruised




tummy is swollen, but getting flat!





3 Days After Surgery (well 2.5)

It's time to go back to work.  I feel like I worked out this weekend, but that's about it.  Everytime it hurt pretty badly, I took a Vicodine or Extra Stregth Tylenol.  I went shopping, I went to a concert and I spent time with family.  It was a typical weekend for me.  The draining finally ended Saturday after 1 and that was that.  Here are some pictures of my bruising and swelling from this morning and I am both a heavy bruiser and a terrible sweller (and speller) :)

Incision Site and Bruising (1)

Front Swelling

Left Incision Side

You can see the marks from my compression garment



Side view and marks from compression garment



Compression garment with a little drainage - men have had these "privacy openings" for years. They are the best!

Compression garment rear

2 Days After The Procedure

I'm feeling great - my draining is 100% done.  I went to a concert last night and I'm going to Home Depot and Lowe's today.  Sounds like a normal weekend on this side of town.  I am sore.  I feel like I worked out my abs at the gym really hard, but the more I move, the more it calms down.  I'm also icing my tummy, so that helps a lot.  Later I'll post pics of my incision sites!!! And my bruising.  That's the stuff people really want to see, right?

Dr. Segev (Virginia) called me yesterday.  He does that with all the weekend patients.  He wants to make sure the healing process has started and that the draining has stopped.  He's happy at how quickly I'm healing and how soon I've been able to get around. Driving is the only thing I won't do - I'm taking Vicodine - may be best to let someone else do the driving til that's over.

More pictures later...and love to all!

The After Party: Pictures Post Surgery

Hi all!  Hope you're liking my journey.  I'm loving it!  So the surgery was yesterday and it was not bad at all.  First, I got marked up (pics on yesterday's entry).  Then I got filled with numbing medication (lidicane) and saline.  That part burned a little, but it was tolerable.  Then I was numb and it was time for Dr. Segev to melt the fat with a laser.  I felt nothing but pressure - light pressure.  Then it was suction time.  That was easy breezy for the most part but there were a couple areas that needed more lidocae and then it was on and popping.  The whole deal took about an hour and a half and when I was done, 3 liters of fat (see below) we out of my body.  Not everyone gets 3 liters, it just depends on how much subcutaneous fat you've got - well I had a lot.  My friends and family noticed the difference RIGHT AFTER SURGERY.  Dr. Segev and American Lipo Centers are amazing and I've already got friends and family lined up to get some done too.

I did drain last night and I've got some pictures of that below.  It's gross but worth it.  It's mostly saline, but it's got some blood mixed in too.  Today, I ran some errands this morning and I'm going to a concert tonight.  Yes, I'm feeling that good, and I'm at least a few inches smaller - even with the swelling.

Love you guys - thanks for the support and prayers.  Now hit me up for discounts on the procedure :O) myia@americanlipocenters.com FREE consultations and big discounts for mentioning my blog. 

Blog you tomorrow,

Myia

Carolina (our LPN) with my fat

my fat!

AFTER front

After Back

After Side

Drainage from sleeping

No drainage after I changed it once