Feb 2009

1

Day 4 Post 1st Lipo Surgery & Day 2 Post Fraxel Laser

by Lia Halsall

The Ashley Centre

Day 4 Post-Surgery: Today my healing is continually improving. So much so I was able to give myself a little pampering session, after all I haven’t showered since before surgery on Wednesday. I did my usual facial routine but you can read all about that below. I also managed to shampoo and give my hair a conditioning treatment using a hose attachment in the spa but it’s still not styled. Just having clean hair was enough for me. I then removed the tape from my arms which was getting rather unpleasant (I’ll spare you all the details), gave them a nice gentle wash, applied some Arnica cream to help bring out the bruising for quicker healing and put the arm compression garments on. That alone made me feel like a million dollars again. Okay so that’s probably some what over exaggerated but you know what I mean.

Daniel even pointed out to me that I’m probably the only person during this recent heat wave that not only didn’t sweat but also didn’t shower. Plus I was wearing a Lycra and compression garment the entire time. Strange huh? A lot of it has to do with my nerve endings not working properly due to the surgery so I haven’t been sweating or feeling the heat like everyone else which is probably a good thing all things considered.

I was refereed to this really great website. It’s a great resource for information and to learn from other patients who have had the same procedures is priceless. There’s been a little bit on confusion in regards to why I’ve gone down this path and I felt I needed to say this so that everyone understands my point of view, after all we are being honest and upfront about everything here ladies. First of all this is a very personal decision and one I don’t feel I have to explain or justify to anyone other than my husband. And secondly I want you all to understand that liposuction is a contouring procedure not a weight-loss procedure. This is by no means a “quick fix” or a means to “fast track” me to any goal. If you really need to understand the whys and what fors I’ll happily post about it for you, just say the word.

So tomorrow I’ll be driving myself to the Ashley Centre. It’s shower day ladies and I have absolutely no idea what I’m in for. My nurse no doubt will be removing the last of the tape (that’s going to hurt) and getting rid of all the colouring in my surgeon did pre-surgery. Not sure how I’m going to feel about the water hitting my skin considering every thing’s so numb and sensitive. One way to find out though. To be continued…

Day 2 Post-Fraxel: This has been by far the easiest procedure and process. Each morning and evening I use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser followed by the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream. Then at any stage of the day if I feel my skin feeling tight or dry I simply re-apply more moisturiser, that’s it. My swelling and redness have disappeared and my skin feels, well it feels like I’ve never exfoliated in my entire life so it’s dry and rough to touch on the surface. I’m drying out more so around the nose and mouth but that’s quite common for patients. I’m also starting to get the “milo face” effect which isn’t pretty. It’s where all the skin pigmentation, sun damage and freckles start lifting ready to be exfoliated on Thursday.  So that’s about it for that. I’ll take photos tomorrow and post up for those that are interested.

I think that about covers everything for today. Okay so, I’ll take some more progress photos and will post them up tomorrow at some stage for you all. Well the weekend is almost over and a new week is on the horizon. I’m going to make mine a great one, I hope that you do too.

{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

Shelley Stark Sunday 01 February 09 at 21:36

Hi Lia

So glad to hear you’re doing so well. I must admit I’ve had mixed feelings about your surgery. My sister had lipo quite a few years back and it wasn’t pretty. Bruising, passing out, crying, pain, etc whilst I nursed her back to health and now the fat’s back, only in different spots but I guess things have progressed a lot since then. Hell, years back I would never have had a boob job but technology continues to improve each day (just like us humans) and when I did take the plunge it was a walk in the park and one of the best things I’ve ever done (only should have gone bigger! (lol)). But, you’re right! You don’t need to justify yourself to anyone. This is your life and if it makes you happy then go for it. I’ve been following your progress and look forward to seeing some pics. Good luck tomorrow. Stay safe and well.

Luv Shelley

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Lia Halsall Sunday 01 February 09 at 21:37

It’s not the best recovery to go through but I’m sure it’s not the worst either. The leaking and pain took some getting used to but you do what you have to do Shelley.

I agree, breast augmentation is a walk in the park. Compared to this anyway. LOL!! Mine are big enough, with the weight gain I had they were positively huge. I got up to a whopping 14E Cup. Ay Carumba!

Thanks for understanding and supporting me irrespective of your mixed feelings I really do appreciate it. You’re one top chick. ;-)

Luv Lia xxx

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Kerry Mather Sunday 01 February 09 at 21:51

Good for you Lia.
Don’t worry about being judged because you got it in one, it’s your life and you do what is right for you. The same thing applies to the surgery I had, I’m not cheating just getting extra assistance with my weigth loss, I still have to work hard to achieve the results that I ultimately want but I have help.

Kerry
xoxox

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Lia Halsall Sunday 01 February 09 at 21:52

You got it in one Kerry, this is our lives and it’s our decision what we do with our bodies. Our dieting and training hasn’t gotten any easier just because of surgery, it still requires our 100% effort. :-)

Lia xxx

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Frankie Sunday 01 February 09 at 22:07

Hey there Lia.

I can so relate to the after effects of the fraxel. I had dermabrasion when I was in my early 20′s (before they had lasers!) to try and minimise some acne scarring. Gawd, my face felt so tight and sore and I used to have to keep it most all the time so it wouldn’t form any scabs so guess what they gave me? KY Jelly!

Healed really quickly though as I’m sure yours will. I was wearing makeup and back at work in about 10 days.

I look forward to your shower update. Hope it’s not too unpleasant for you.

Cheers

Frankie

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Lia Halsall Sunday 01 February 09 at 22:08

I have a lotion, then cream then a paraffin wax depending on how dry it gets, so I’m hearing you. LOL!! My face looks so shiny all the time from all the products but rough and dry at the same time. And my hair keeps getting stuck to it. Oh the fun of it all. LOL!!

I think the shower is going to be a bitter sweet today. Time will tell soon enough Frankie.

Lia :-)

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Lia Halsall Sunday 01 February 09 at 22:52

There’s definitely discomfort and pain involved but the more mobile I am the better it gets. Each day things improve and that’s what I’m focussing on Karen.

The Ashley Centre is great. All the staff are extremely friendly and professional and I have nothing but praise for them. :-)

Lia xxx

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Sam D-M Sunday 01 February 09 at 23:41

Hi Lia, no you don’t have to explain or justify unless you want to. I know nothing about the proceedures you had done except the lipo. My neighbour had it done more than once, she kept putting the weight back on. After the proceedures she failed to change her lifestyle or habits. Knowing you Lia, I am sure you have a plan! :) Maybe you can share that rather than justifying your decision.

In one of your comments I read that you couldnt remove the fat with diet and exercise alone. I must admit that I found this unusual. But again, I just want you to know that no I don’t judge, without walking in your shoes!

Being happy is important, feeling good is important, and if I understand correctly, this is to give you the kick start you have needed, not an easy fix… because it certainly doesnt sound easy!

I hope you enjoy your shower tommorrow (hheheh that sounds funny) and that your recovery is well on track.

Sam

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Karen Sunday 01 February 09 at 22:51

Hey Lia, sounds like it’s all going good. My Mum had a small amount of lipo done a few years ago, and she said it was painful..she reckons it was all worth it though.
The website link you posted it great, I’ve had that one in my fave’s for a while now.

Take Care.
K x

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Lia Halsall Monday 02 February 09 at 07:26

I always have a plan Sam. LOL!! That’s probably a better idea so I will do that, I’ll post what I’m doing next which actually starts today.

I can remove bodyfat through dieting and training but stored “additional pockets” of fat I couldn’t. It certainly wasn’t from a lack of trying and also with pcos I found this even more difficult to achieve.

Thanks for understanding and thanks for not judging me Sam. I guess everything changed for me last year about who I am and how I view the world. I myself have had to make many changes and not just physical.

Lia :-)

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Java Monday 02 February 09 at 16:40

told you once and will tell you again, if any one had the gutts they probably would have done it too, you’re so brave and I admire you for it. If only I …. any way … another story. LOL
I wish you well and again congratulate you, are looking fw to hear how well you recover and seeing the gorgeous after pics.
Keep your chin up, it’s all over soon.

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Lia Halsall Monday 02 February 09 at 19:36

I guess I just don’t let things like pain and fear get in the way of something I want Jave. Either that, or I’m clinically crazy. LOL!! :-)

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