Lipolysis

[itself]

Ok, I am starting this thread because I need all of your input. Please, I ask that you don't be critical. This is a decision that I am moving forward with as I have genetic cellulite in my thighs, and I just cannot stand the look of it any more. I have been an athlete all of my life, and I am in excellent shape and I am not overweight. I am very muscular at 5'5" and 135lbs, but from my hips to my knees, it is very ugly. I have the money so cost is not an issue. It is a matter of finding the right procedure and the right physician. So please, any research you have done, or any women that you know have had any of the different procedures done, please post.

Here is one website I am looking at: http://liponow.com/

Lipolysis is injections to dissolve the fat cells. It is minimally invasive, and from what I have learned, liposuction can leave "deformities and actually accentuate the problem." It appears that Lipolysis involves a three phase process, and once complete, it is done. I plan on calling former patients to hear what their experience was.

Thank you for your support. It means a lot.

[jessmarimba]

I have no advice - I have a feeling it'll be a loooong time before I would have the money to even consider something like this (and eye surgery is higher on my list!) - but I definitely feel your pain. I feel like the less I weigh, the more dimpled my legs look. Please keep us updated on the process.

[KnottedYet]

I would never recommend liposuction to anyone, after having worked with some women who had spectacular liposuction failures. That stuff can really mess you up.

With lipolysis I would be very concerned about the risk of embolism. I would also make sure the practitioner explained how they monitor your kidneys and liver during the process. Your body will have to filter soapy oil out of your blood, your lipid profile will be unusual for a while.

[Biciclista]

All I can say is, in 20 years you're going to look back at photos of yourself and say; "wow, I looked good... What was all the fuss about that cellulite?"
It's your money, your life, but boy, I think you could get a lot more bang for your bucks by buying a new bike, going on a trip. Don't look at your legs so hard.

[limewave]

I have done a lot of research into this procedure as well some other similar options. Knotted makes some good points. About once a year I get really down about some "problem" areas and I seriously consider cosmetic surgery or procedure. But I always come to the same conclusion: the cost and the risk factors just aren't worth it to me. I have a husband that loves me the way I am and two beautiful children who love me too. And we have way too many other important needs/projects that we should be saving that kind of money for.

Now, if I was in a different financial position I may feel differently . . . but I'm not. So no cosmetic enhancement for me.

[indysteel]

I totally understand how you feel about your legs. I feel much the same way about mine. If there was a safe and effective treatment, I'd be all over it. But is lipolysis safe and effective? My understanding is that jury is still out. It's not without a fair amount of controversy. The mere fact that doctors are offering it doesn't provide much comfort. Think silicon breasts . . . . Anyway, I'm not sure I'd consider it unless and until its safety and efficacy were better established.

[Brandi]

Like everyone has said REALLY think about this. How old are you may I ask? I can understand if you are young. But consider this are you doing this because it will make you feel better or are doing this cause you think other people will? I am just asking. Just posing all possible questions. If it will honestly make you feel better then just make sure you are getting the best possible treatment. I have chunky legs that is where I gain and loose weight. I just wear long shorts. I have short legs anyway so they are not my best feature. My upper body is my best and my feet. I like my feet. :rolleyes:

[redrhodie]

I just want to offer a hug (((itself))). I have it, too. It's been the bane of my existence. Right now I'm feeling better about it than ever, but I still hide it as much as possible. Thanks God for skirted bikinis!

I actually feel better about my body as I get older. Go figure. I'm not sure if it's that I look good for my age, or my eyes are going. :D Maybe a bit of both. But good luck with your decision. If it makes you feel better, go for it.

[Jolt]

With lipolysis I would be very concerned about the risk of embolism. I would also make sure the practitioner explained how they monitor your kidneys and liver during the process. Your body will have to filter soapy oil out of your blood, your lipid profile will be unusual for a while.

YUCK!! That doesn't sound healthy...

[indysteel]

One of the issues here is that the procedure is not FDA approved--at least as i understand it. Now I don't think for a minute that FDA approval is the only yard stick by which to measure safety, but when something isn't approved and yet doctors are still offering it, it really makes me wonder about those doctors.

[Selkie]

Agree with Mimi.

Even if you have the procedure, aging (gravity) will do another number on your body, including the skin on your legs.

You are more beautiful than you realize.

[Crankin]

I would say go for it, if the procedure was well vetted. But, I would be afraid of the "side effects."

[badger]

if it will make you happy, I'd say go for it. I spent $10K on veneers for my teeth because they were horribly stained by tetracycline and having genetically small teeth. Despite what others have said, it was the best money I ever spent, because I can smile now, and I feel good about myself. So, if doing your legs will make your confidence grow, I'd say it's well worth the money. I hope you find the procedure that will be safe and will give you the results you want!

[indysteel]

Honestly, I am a little surprised by the "go for it" comments. I totally understand itself's feelings about her body, but is the answer to undergo a treatment that is not even FDA approved or endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? That's hardly in the same vein as veneers. I know itself asked us to not be critical, and I am not being dismissive of her underlying feelings about her body, but I just can't in good conscious encourage her to undergo a procedure that has not been proven--by accepted scientific means--to be safe or effective. The cure could prove far worse than the "disease." I'm not even sure how a doc even goes about getting informed consent when the risks are not fully known.

Sorry itself. I feel for you; I really do, but I hope you dig deep into the research before making a decision. In the very least, go to the ASPS's website to see what they have to say.

[channlluv]

I've spent money on myself for cosmetic enhancement, though nothing requiring surgery (chemical peels, laser treatments for skin, hair removal), but I do understand the desire to do something to make yourself more attractive.

Money is not an issue - yay for you on that point.

Is it vanity? Maybe a little, but who cares? It's a self-confidence thing. Will you, you who work really hard to take of your physical health, feel better about yourself if your legs' appearance matches the work you put into them?

And is it worth the risk medically?

Knot always gives straight-up advice when it comes to medical stuff. I would think long and hard about any procedure that she throws a red flag on.

Is there any way you can interview people who have had this procedure done? Is there a support message board for people who have undergone it?

The reason I ask is that long ago, I had a miscarriage and to help myself understand what happened (they don't do any sort of testing until you've had three confirmed miscarriages) in the hopes of avoiding it in the future, I went and found a miscarriage support forum online and I interviewed over 100 women who had had miscarriages, then I cross-referenced their experiences against mine, formulated my own opinion about what was going on, and brought my stack of research and a request for treatment to my OB. She agreed and I have my daughter -- literally a miracle child -- to show for it. (And two subsequent miscarriages when new OBs didn't listen -- the original doc had retired by then -- and after the third miscarriage, the testing confirmed that I'd been right all along, if only they'd listened to me and given me the natural progesterone...this story doesn't go anywhere nice in my head.)

A few months ago (May) I was looking at a couple of different surgical options for my sleep apnea. My doctor recommended I go online and do some research, so I did, because one of the procedures had all kinds of possible complications involved and a low rate of success, but he felt obligated to mention it because sometimes it does work...anyway, I went online and read support forums for people who'd undergone that procedure and came away glad I'd listened to him and didn't go for it, even though my insurance covers it. I had the less-involved surgery and recovered well and it seems to be working just fine.

My point is, go talk to people who have actually done what you want to do. See what their experiences were - what were the pitfalls, what were the challenges, what was their recovery time like, what did they have to do to prepare? And would they recommend the procedure to anyone else?

And then grill your doctor on possible complications and the actual monitoring process for your kidneys and liver and all that Knot said.

Good luck to you in making this decision.

Roxy

[malkin]

Anne Lamott named her thighs "the aunties." This excerpt doesn't have the part where she named them, but it gives you the idea.

http://www.awdsgn.com/classes/spr08/web_pub_one/student/neal/pages/final/lamott.html

[itself]

Some great comments! And yes, like all of you, I am extremely concerned with the risks. I have heard about the deformities with liposuction.

I will not be making any decision. My mom had an embolism in her legs. Is it worth it. Not to be deformed or lose my health.

It's just so damn frustrating...