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

I had it done!

Hi! My procedure was at 6pm and it was GREAT!  We talked through the whole thing.  Dr. Segev and Carolina our LPN were amazing.  And I got SO much fat taken out.  Here are pictures.  I'll take you through the ins and outs tomorrows.  But for now, here are before and after pictures...what you REALLY want :)

waiting all day...

Carolina, our LPN getting everything sterile

procedure room before

all marked up 1

all marked up 2

on the table, getting started

Dr. Segev getting started

Dr,. Segev numbing

Tomorrow I'll show you the FAT and the AFTER pics from a few minutes adter surgery.  TOnight, I feel great.  Drugged and tired and leaky, but really good.  No "pain" just soreness. 

THe worst part of the procedure was getting numbed but it was find after that.  Not bad at all :)

The Longest Day

I’m working but the day WILL not go by fast enough.  My procedure is at 5.  Pics and posts to follow!

WHAT I LOOKED LIKE BEFORE SURGERY (the real BEFORE pics)

So a couple of things with this - 1) I'm lucky I don't get embarassed; 2) I'm glad I'm getting the lipo.  I can make this size 14 look cute in clothing, but out of clothing, I need HELP...Dr. Segev - get ready for me tomorrow!!!

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

my fattest

In February of 2010, I weighed 230lbs.  Through Weight Watchers and a little work done to my arms and back, I was able to lose 55 lbs dieting and 5 lbs through laser lipo.  I was very happy and would still be happy if I hadn’t hit a plateau.  So now it’s back under the laser to lose the gut and muffin top. 

When I hit 230, I was so devastated.  It was emotional getting so fat – eating and drinking just to pass the time or get through one pain or another took its toll on me.  So I decided to get on Weight Watchers in Feb 2010.  It worked amazingly, but the stubborn fat on my arms and back were disproportionately larger than the rest of me.  SO, I had laser lipo on those areas last April.  I lost about 5 lbs which was a drop in the bucket “weight-wise” – but I was able to get my eating habits under control and the Weight Watchers worked.  A total of 60 lbs later, and I am ready to get rid of this belly.  I’m not pregnant and I don’t want to look like I am.

Here are "Pictures Part 1" as I was gaining the weight to get to 230!  I will post later of what I look like now - before tomorrow that is :)

it's starting...

so fat, i won't even stand up




fattest, side view, eating cookies!

Laser Lipo Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser Liposuction is a variation of liposuction where two important distinctions from traditional liposuction occur. The first is the use of local (tumescent) anesthesia. This method of anesthesia provides the safest course and greatly minimizes potential risk. The second distinction from traditional liposuction is the use of a laser to liquefy the fat and help tighten the skin. This cutting edge technology has helped improve results, improve comfort level, and minimize post-operative discomfort.

How long does the procedure take?
On average, the procedure takes 2-3 hours per session.

What should I expect after a Liposuction procedure?
Following the procedure, you may experience some drainage of fluid from the incisions that typically resolves within 24 hours. A compression garment will be placed immediately following the procedure and must be worn at all times for two weeks (and then at night for another two weeks.) Most patients return to work two days after the procedure.

Is there Pain or Discomfort after Laser Liposuction Surgery?
During the two days immediately after liposuction, the amount of pain experienced depends on the type of anesthesia used for liposuction. Soreness is usually the most intense 2 to 4 days after liposuction and then decreases steadily. The tenderness and soreness typically is quite bothersome for up to 4 weeks, but gradually subsides over the following next 4 to 8 weeks.

Which Body Areas can be treated by Laser Liposuction?
The most frequently treated areas for women are the abdomen, flanks ("love-handles"), hips, outer thighs, anterior thighs, inner thighs, arms, and neck. In men, who comprise about 20% of liposuction patients, the most commonly treated areas include the chin and neck area, abdomen, flanks ("love-handles"), and chest.

Am I A Good Candidate for Laser Liposuction Surgery?
A good candidate for liposuction is defined as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin tone (elasticity) who have areas of excess fat in localized regions.

How many treatments are needed?
Only one treatment is required for most patients.

How long is the Laser Liposuction Surgery Post-Op and Recovery time?
When liposuction is done totally by local anesthesia, patients can usually depart from the surgical facility within 30 minutes of the completion of surgery. Most patients can return to a desk-type job with two days after tumescent liposuction. Because of the significant decrease in swelling, inflammation and pain after tumescent liposuction, patients are able to return to normal physical activities very soon after tumescent liposuction.

Is it Normal to be Anxious before having Laser Liposuction Surgery?
Yes. Almost everyone has some degree of anxiety before having a surgical procedure, including liposuction. Don't worry; we have seen hundreds of similarly concerned patients and we will walk you thru the whole process and make sure that you are comfortable every step of the way.

How does Abdominal Laser Liposuction differ from a "Tummy Tuck"?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, and involves liposuction and excision to remove fat, plus a large excision of skin. Patients typically are hospitalized and have a long recovery period. Because liposuction is safer and causes much less scarring compared to tummy tucks, abdominal liposuction is now far more common than are tummy tucks.

When can I expect to see results?
Results are visible within a few days with continuing improvement up to six months.

So I’m getting Laser Liposuction!

I work in a laser lipo clinic and I love my job.  It’s very interesting and it feels great to help empower people to change their appearance.  Many of our patients have been struggling with their weight for years and they are so happy to have the opportunity to get rid of this extra weight they’ve been carrying.  For others, it’s a bit of self-indulgence to get rid of the tuft(s) of fat that sit atop their almost perfect bodies.  In either case, the patient’s care and concerns for their personal wellbeing and goals are most important.

Now it’s MY TURN! I talk about what parts people wish to shrink daily and I’ve finally decided to allow my favorite doctor, Dr. Gilad Segev to laser liposuction my most troubling areas – my upper abdominals (above the belly button), lower abdominals (below the belly button) and flanks (my love handles).  If I’m a “tough” patient, I will also get my rear flanks done. 

This blog will follow my journey to get laser lipo and also the journeys of some of our American Lipo Center patients as they take the same ride.

More to come tomorrow about the procedure, our doctor and our center.  Friday, you’ll get a deeper view  of me and my body and the journey it is about to take.  Come back soon!  Post questions!