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]

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)

 


 



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!!!

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!

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!