Consultation
Liposuction has been on my to-do list for a LONG time. After having my two incredible kids, I stayed consistent with my exercise and healthy eating, but the stubborn fat in my love handles, hips, and back seemed not to notice! Plus, I was working so hard to look and feel my best that it became tiring and frustrating not seeing my curves. So, I decided to do something about it!
I began researching liposuction in May of this year when I realized I couldn’t stand the asymmetries of my body anymore, especially in bathing suits and leggings. I quickly stumbled upon Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery and chose to consult with Dr. Capraro for a few reasons. First, his results spoke for themselves. I loved how natural they looked and felt comforted by the fact that his results were not over-the-top or extreme. Yes, I wanted the fat to be gone, but I still wanted my body to feel like it was my body! Secondly, I read lots and LOTS of information about him and the practice. It stood out to me that he was board-certified by ABPS, had upwards of 25 years of experience, and seemed to genuinely care about the well-being and confidence of his patients.
During our consultation appointment, Dr. Capraro and I sat down and discussed all my concerns. I brought up using Kybella to solve my problems (a fat dissolver usually used under the chin), but after some conversation, we agreed that liposuction was the best route of action and began creating a game plan that fit my needs. Between the time and effort he spent during my consultation and the clear passion he has for making his patients happy, I knew I had found my surgeon. I worked with their surgical consultant, Jodell, to get my procedure scheduled in their in-office surgical suite. I left their office feeling confident that I was in the best hands possible and, most importantly, I was so excited!
Leading Up to Your Procedure
In the time leading up to my procedure, I was feeling cool, calm, and confident. During my pre-op appointments, I was told everything I would need to know for the time before, during, and after my surgery day. Their nurse, Livia, told me I would be taking Halcion before going into surgery to help make it as pleasant and painless as possible. She recommended basic pain relievers and bruise managers that did not thin the blood, like Tylenol and Arnica, for recovery. Along those same lines, I could not use any blood thinners for two weeks before and after my surgery. This included medications, supplements, and alcohol. I purchased shapewear (for compression post-procedure) that I would have to wear just about 24/7 for the month following my procedure, picked up all my pain management prescriptions ahead of time, and set up my house to make the first few days of recovery as easy as possible. I also reached out to a friend to arrange a ride for the big day. Despite not being put under, I would still be out of it following my surgery. The GCPS team was so supportive during this stage. Dr. Capraro and Livia both called me the day before my procedure to check in and answer any last-minute questions. I could not have felt cared for any more than I was!
Your Procedure
On the big day, my only worry was that I’d say something ridiculous while on the pain medications I was taking before my operation. I was excited for my results more than anything else! I sat in their cozy waiting room, reading and relaxing before I was taken into their surgical suite. The room looked completely ready to go for me, and they even let me pick out my own music to listen to during the procedure (I picked country, of course). During the final prep, they gave me a sheet and a fuzzy blanket to stay comfortable with. Then, Dr. Capraro entered and began by injecting local anesthesia into both my back and love handles to further help with any potential discomfort, and in just 15 minutes, he was lipo-ing away! I did enjoy being fully awake because I was able to chat with Dr. Capraro, Nicole (GCPS’s Physician Assistant), and Livia. I also thought it was interesting that I could hear everything going on (especially as their team was working together; they were very thorough). Overall, it was very easy. I felt the occasional pinch in a few areas, but it was never anything I could not handle. I have had many procedures done in the past, and I can honestly say that this is the least painful I’ve ever had. I just had to lie back, relax, and look forward to my results. I could not see them right away, but I was so excited to see how they would progress with time and healing. Within an hour, the procedure had started and ended, and I was in my comfy clothes, ready to be driven home.
Initial Recovery
Less than one day out from my procedure, and I already knew I had made the right decision in choosing to get liposuction with Dr. Capraro. In the initial days of recovery, I was certainly sore, but I was surprised at the lack of pain, intense swelling, and bruising. I felt mildly puffy and a little stiff, but following the post-op instructions helped those symptoms subside quickly. It was especially at these beginning stages of healing that I thought my compression garments were really helping with any tender and swollen spots. I was able to go on casual walks the very next day and continue most of my typical daily activities within reason. Both of my kids were playing various sports games over the weekend, and I had no problem going and supporting either one!
As well as recovery had gone for me during that time, I will say that it is almost entirely due to listening to my nurse at GCPS, Livia. As I mentioned previously, she did an amazing job setting me up for success before surgery day. I can say with confidence that the little tips and tricks she gave me for healing do work! Eating a lot of pineapple minimized my bruising, and I felt as though protein-packed meals sped up my recovery. Keeping my garment on as much as possible, despite its discomfort at times, felt like it was further snatching my results, and focusing on my water and electrolyte intake helped me feel the best I could. I could not have recovered so well without this team.
Recovery After 1 Week and Beyond!
About one month out and I feel amazing! There is still some very minimal residual swelling that will lessen over time, but I love the results that I can see. After about 8 days, my bruises had completely vanished, and any remaining soreness was gone within a few weeks after that. Goodbye stubborn spots, and hello confidence! I feel so much more like myself now while wearing fitted clothing, and I love that I appear more even. I am so excited to break out my bathing suit next summer to show off the curves I’ve worked so hard to get.
Throughout this whole process, I have felt so cared for by the GCPS team. I did not have to reach out to them following my procedure (although they regularly reached out to check on me) for any last-minute questions, thanks to their thorough explanations beforehand. Outside of our over-the-phone chats, our post-op appointments reassured me that I was healthy, and everything was healing beautifully.
For those who are thinking about getting this procedure themselves, here’s my advice: your compression garment will likely feel uncomfortable, but it’s worth it to be consistent and… stop thinking and just do it! I could not be happier with the results, the feeling of achieving my goal of finally getting rid of those spots, or the team I chose. I truly believe I look and feel better now after having kids than I did before. There’s nothing like the feeling of being confident in your own skin.
