Small Procedure‚ Big Results

By Dr. Grant Stevens

As the former front office manager at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates, Christina has seen first-hand the changes plastic surgery in Los Angeles can make in patients’ lives. “I saw countless happy patients coming through our office, and their results and ‘after’ photos spoke for themselves.” Nevertheless, like many young women, she tried to manage her “trouble spots” through diet and exercise.

Christina has always maintained a healthy, active lifestyle, which includes eating right and exercising at least 4 times per week. But, like many people, Christina explains, “no matter how much I worked out or watched my diet, there were still parts of my body that I was unhappy about.” She was particularly dissatisfied with her abdomen, which, according to Christina, “never seemed to be as trim as the rest of my body.” She was also “annoyed” by the excess fat on her inner thighs that would rub together when she walked.

After hearing from so many Los Angeles liposuction patients that their only regret was waiting so long to undergo plastic surgery, Cristina decided to take the plunge. It was June of 2008, and she had just finished chatting with a post-op patient whose situation was very similar to her own. The patient was thrilled with her experience with Marina Plastic Surgery Associates and with her results. Christina says, “I decided it was finally my time!”

Christina decided to undergo Smartlipo™ on her abdomen and thighs. Smartlipo is an innovative approach to liposuction which incorporates laser technology to liquefy fat before it is suctioned out. The heat of the laser also causes tissues to contract and stimulates collagen production, so skin can appear tightened and toned after surgery. There tends to be less bruising and swelling associated with Smartlipo laser liposuction, and it can typically be performed using local anesthesia. For Christina’s small pockets of fat, which needed refined sculpting, Smartlipo was the perfect choice.

Christina’s Los Angeles Liposuction Procedure

Despite her extensive knowledge of plastic surgery from working in the field, Christina met with Dr. Stevens at Marina Plastic Surgery just like she was any other patient of the practice. He informed her that she would be swollen and sore for a few days, but assured her that she could achieve very satisfying results. Christina was not disappointed. “Maybe it was my imagination,” she recalls, “but I could already see the difference the day after surgery!” She adds that the discomfort was much less than she anticipated. “I felt wonderful!”

Christina’s recovery was fairly typical for Smartlipo patients, who tend to experience less discomfort and a shorter recovery time than those who undergo traditional liposuction in Los Angeles. Her procedure was performed on a Friday, and she was back to work at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates on Monday. She recalls, “I was a little sore, but only the level of soreness that you get after a tough workout.”

Christina was vigilant in following instructions for her aftercare. She avoided strenuous activities and vigorous exercise for a period of several weeks. She wore her compression garment as directed, which helps reduce swelling and generally speeds healing. Although she insists she could see a difference within a day or two, she adds, “within weeks I was truly amazed!” Her full results were apparent in time to enjoy her new shape throughout the summer.

The Payoff

“Smartlipo gave me a nice shape, and I was finally confident enough to bare my belly for the summer days,” recalls Christina. At a Fourth of July party, she received numerous compliments from friends who commented on how great she looked in her bikini. “That was enough for me,” she says ecstatically. “That proved to me that it was worth it.”

Christina continues to enjoy her new and improved figure. She says to those considering liposuction in Los Angeles, “I wholeheartedly recommend Smartlipo to anyone who is ‘bothered by the bulge.’ Many of us can use a little touch up here and there, and my touch up left me feeling and looking amazing. Thank you!”

If you’d like to find out more about Smartlipo or other plastic surgery options in Los Angeles, request a consultation with one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates.

About Dr. Grant Stevens

W. GRANT STEVENS, MD, FACS Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery University of Southern California Grant Stevens, MD, FACS, is the founder and medical director of Marina Plastic Surgery and the Orange Twist Institute in Marina Del Rey, California. He is a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Southern California, Chairman of the USC-Marina Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship and the Director of the USC Division of Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Stevens is past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and chairman of the ASAPS Board of Trustees. He is third vice president of the board of directors of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He was elected by his peers into "The Guide to Top Doctors" and Castle Connolly's "Top Doctor Guide," recognizing him as one of the best plastic surgeons in America and one of the select few to be featured in "Plastic Surgery: The World's Top Surgeons & Clinics." Dr. Stevens is an active member at Marina Del Rey Hospital, where he is the past Chairman of the Department of Surgery, the Chairman of the Liposuction Committee and the Medical Director of The Breast Center. He is also on staff at St. John's Medical Center, the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center and USC. Dr. Stevens graduated with honors from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis where he was awarded the Senior Prize in Surgery. He completed his general surgery training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center then returned to Washington University-Barnes Hospital where he completed a Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Paul Weeks, Dr. Leroy Young, Dr. Tom Mustoe, Dr. Jeffrey Marsh and Dr. R. Christie Wray. He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. He was appointed by the governor of California to the Medical Board of California Medical Quality Review Board. Dr. Stevens is an ASAPS and ISAPS Traveling Professor lecturing at numerous international, national and regional meetings and is an invited visiting professor at numerous U.S. and international universities. Dr. Stevens has authored more than 90 articles and chapters on aesthetic plastic surgery. He is a member of many medical societies, including ASAPS, ISAPS, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. Dr. Stevens is the past Chairman of the California Medical Association Advisory Panel on Plastic Surgery. He received the California State Assembly and the California State Senate Certificate of Recognition. He has also received the Special Congressional Certificate of Recognition and the Distinguished Service Citation from the Medical Board of California. He has been interviewed for articles including those in Time, USA Today, People, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Glamour, Vogue, Allure, Cosmetic Surgery Times, Business Week, Men's Fitness, LA Times Magazine, Discovery and numerous newspapers. He has appeared on more than 125 television programs including CNN, Discovery, 60 Minutes, MSNBC, The Learning Channel, PBS Nightly Business Report and many other TV and radio interviews.

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