Dr. Marciano performed the smartlipo procedure on me. I had it done on my lower abdomen, which is an area that has bothered me all my life. Overall, I am not overly heavy but like many, have trouble areas that are stubborn and resistant to exercise and diet. I inherited my lower stomach and I knew the only way to rid myself of it was through some sort of surgery. I did not want to have traditional surgery that would require a hospital stay or general anesthesia. I had the procedure done in early March. I was scared after reading reviews on the procedure because although it's relatively non-invasive and not as intense as regular lipo, there were reviews that said it was very painful during and after the procedure. As scared as I was, I wanted to finally be rid of my lower stomach and so I went forward. Right before I entered the room, Dr. Marciano sat with me and when I told her I was nervous and scared, she smiled at me and said 'not to worry, this will be a piece of cake.' That short sentence with her reassuring smile was enough to put me at ease. I was given medication to calm me and to numb me and she conducted the procedure. I do not remember much, even though I was awake, but I do remember seeing all that fat being removed from my belly and into collection beakers. Seeing that made it all worth while.
Right after, thick pads were put on my incisions and Iwas helped into a constrictive garment, which really, really cinches you in. I went home and slept. I did not check on the pads, which I should have done before I went to sleep and I should have because when I woke up there was blood on my sheets from the incisions. Had I changed the pads before sleeping, it would have been fine. I had pain in that area, but nothing that could not be tolerated and I was able to move about without discomfort. The one thing I will say is that the garment is very tight and uncomfortable however, I was told it had to be worn at least the first 24 hours and then for 12 hours per day after that for three weeks (I wore my continuously for the first 7 days and only took it off to shower and wash it). It was uncomfortable sleeping it in, but after a few days, I got used to it.
The first week, I noticed a dramatic difference and was beyond excited. My stomach was finally disappearing! The next week, even more and what I had left was a small amount that was hard as a rock. I went back to Dr. Marciano for a follow-up and she explained that what I had was water that I needed to massage away. She also gave me a perscription for something to help me get rid of it. It is now a month and I am happy to report that I had a small bump left where my very large stomach was (at least very large in my eyes). My pants have plenty of room and I can now tuck my shirts in without feeling self conscious.
Dr. Marciano did a superb job and her and her staff were very friendly and helpful. I read up on her before I went to her and she has a phenomenal background. Her office is small and not at all glamourous, but do not let that be a deciding factor. She is a good doctor and knows her profession. I know people have several areas done at once, but I would not recommend that. I think that doing more than one area at a time would be difficult and strenuous. I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. What I got out of this I would never have obtained any other way and I am very thankful she helped me. It was well worth every penny I spent. read more