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Weight Loss Alternatives Community

This patient support community is for discussions relating to weight loss alternatives, surgery, programs, and dietary supplements.
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Smartlipo - the hottest new trend

by captain23, Nov 30, 2007 01:08PM
I'm going in for Smartlipo surgery next week. I'm so excited and thought i would start of forum for people who have had or are interesting in having the procedure.

If you've got areas on your body that you would love to shape up but wouldn't consider liposuction, you will deffinitley consider Smartlipo.

If you have any questions about what Smartlipo is or why even celebrities are getting it, feel free to ask or post your experiences here.  
Member Comments (5)

by captain23, Dec 05, 2007 10:06AM
To: Everyone
Well It has now been 24 hours since i had my Smartlipo procedure done on my love handles and lower abdomen. It wasn't half as bad as i thought it would be. The procedure wasn't painful at all and this morning i woke up and had a shower like normal. There was a little leakage from where the incisions were made but because there aren't any stiches or anything I just had to change the band aids.

I had my procedure done at the fig. clinic in Chesterfield which was very comfortable. They only allow plastic surgeons who have experience in liposuction to perform the procedure so i felt very comfortable and just chatted with the doctor and nurse throughout my entire procedure. The most painful part was my back hurt from lying on it all night trying not to lie on the areas i had treated. So if that's the most pain, you can tell that it wasn't painful at all. If anyone is considering liposuction or lipodissolve or would recommend looking into Smartlipo. It offers faster results with less pain and less downtime. I'm already back at work the day after and really excited about the results.

by gismos, Mar 03, 2008 10:59AM
To: Captain 23
Hi ya,

Can you give an update on the results and how your feelin - Im thinking about getting my stomach area done

by THEFACTS0147, Mar 03, 2008 11:17AM
is this the meso mix thing ? 100% UN=PROVEN ANOTHER SCAM...people be honest with yourself..if you only search for GOOD facts..thats all you find..heres 1 of many..
Phosphatidylcholine-based (PC) injections have become an increasingly popular means to remove excess fat. While this procedure goes by many names (e.g., Lipostabil®, Lipodissolve, Lipo-zap, Flab-Jab, Mesotherapy, Lipotherapy, Injection Lipolysis), the technique typically involves patients receiving dozens of small 'fat burning' injections over several sessions. The desired end result is the gradual removal of localized fat deposits. The procedure involves injections of compounded phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC) into fat and connective tissue. The PCDC drug is obtained from compounding pharmacies, which traditionally make small quantities of unique drugs for specialized treatments (e.g., special versions of drugs for patients with allergic reactions). Currently, people use PCDC in a variety of areas (chin, abdomen, thighs). However, no well-controlled studies have examined where in the body the drug may or may not work. Numerous businesses have rapidly appeared, advertising their services widely on the web and in local newspapers touting this therapy as a safe and effective means to remove fat.

Phosphatidylcholine-based injections for fat removal have not been approved by the FDA. There has not been a new drug application for phosphatidylcholine-based products for injectable fat removal and no well-controlled studies of safety and efficacy. Most representations of safety and efficacy that are readily available are based on testimonials from an individual or select patients. While there are some small, published studies, none of these would meet safety and effectiveness requirements needed for this product to be approved by FDA.

by Lady2Soothe, Jul 06, 2008 01:00PM
Class Action Lawsuit.

Attorney Kathryn L. Anderson
415-901-0514 Office
415-901-0515 FAX

Good Luck to all of us!
2007
After much research I decided to do Lipozap (APPARENTLY NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH). My final reasoning for starting the Lipozap procedure was my doctor, Dr. Susanne Trout was on staff as Medical Director, and I felt, if she's backing this procedure, it's gotta be good. I started Lipozap Treatments Feb. 07. Lower abs, upper abs and back bra line ($2800), The nurses and tech’s are incredibly thorough, and their customer service skills are comparable to any 5 star hotel. Boy was I fooled, they're very good actors! My first treatment was to my lower abs. They did not lie. The procedure was virtually painless. However by the time I returned home 30 minutes later it was all I could do to get through the front door. When I complained I was told the first treatment is always the hardest. My 2nd visit was to treat my upper abs and bra line. Again, little pain during the actual procedure, but, I was in so much pain on the way to the parking lot I felt as though I might pass out and seriously considered calling the paramedics. By the time I got home the tears were rolling down my cheeks. I stayed on my couch for 3 days, trips to the bathroom were my only exercise, as I couldn’t even bare eating. It was agony. The uncontrollable spasms in my legs curled my toes and made my right shoulder ache. I spent considerable time discussing my pain with the nurse who called to do the follow up. The following week I spoke with an Administrator. She stated ½ treatments would remedy the pain and swelling and made jokes about a man who'd gone snow skiing the day following his treatments. They did their best to console me. I asked for a refund but they assured me 1/2 treatments with longer intervals between treatments would remedy the situation. Treatment #3 & 4 were halved. However nothing changed. Pain, swelling, spasms. Again I spoke with nurses and Admin. The head nurse laughed and told me she'd had the procedure and not only finished her work day, but had even returned to work the following day with no pain and minor swelling. A few days later, still in severe pain I again asked for a refund. This time I spoke with the Retention Administrator who after discussing my situation for 45 minutes became thoroughly upset when I suggested getting my orthopedic surgeon involved, She went so far as to begin screaming at me. After calming her down, can you believe I had to calm her? She offered to refund a VERY small portion of my fully paid treatment. Now 3 months later, with no treatments since March, still nothing but brusing and nodgles and lots of swelling. I've spoken repeatedly with Admin. Staff, they've REFUSED, even though their advertisements state, "Money Back Guarantee if not completely satisfied". Now the interesting thing is I've had major back surgery and this procedure is causing horrible swelling in my back culminating in severe spasms to my legs. To put it mildly, I hurt. The ab swelling has gone down but the lumps are still present, and my back still hurts. Since they won't return my money I had decided to continue treatment, however, yesterday (6/29) I had 1/2 treatment # 5. I feel like I was kicked in the back & yes, I do look like I'm 6 months pregnant. – I Would NOT recommend Lipozap. - TO MY WORST ENEMY! - I'm seriously considering seeking legal remedies. - Dr. Adams has promised to call me this coming Monday with info. regarding re-imbursement. - As of today July 12th, I'm still quite swollen and very lumpy, I have yet to hear from Dr. Adams or for that matter anyone on the staff including the young lady who has until this point made follow up calls. By the way Dr. Trout is no longer on staff. Anyone know why? - Kinda makes you wonder................. Additionally I have suffered severe Urinary Tract Infections with each and every treatment.
Nov. 16, 2007.
Finally got in touch with Dr. Trout’s secretary. She informed me the doctor had disassociated herself from Lipozap because they have not fulfilled their testing procedures and does not want to be associated with any treatment not FDA approved.
I have seen Dr. Trout at her office in Beverly Hills, and I do consider her to be my doctor. I had consulted her regarding Liposuction, however at the time, I could not afford the treatment. Dr. Trout was professional, informative, friendly, and her prices, although too expensive for me, were very competitive.
I did not bother to consult her to ask anything about Lipozap. I just assumed because she was the Medical Director, this would be a good thing. - Apparently, she had disassociated herself from MedAesthetica Medical Group because she DID NOT feel associating herself with using unapproved treatments or non-FDA medication. This was BEFORE I even went in for my consultation. MedAesthetica just didn't bother to remove the link to Dr. Trout. It's my fault I didn't call Dr. Trout personally until after the fact, by then I had already discontinued Lipozap treatments.
Wish I had just saved up the cash and used Dr. Trout's services instead.
After many phones calls I have now been told I will receive a form in the mail so I may request a refund. I was also told someone will in 4 to 6 weeks (ahhh 4 to 6 weeks???) to discuss whether I will be permitted any kind of refund. Even though I’m only halfway through treatment. A letter date Jan. 8, 2008 from MedAesthetica Clients Services gave me three options. #1 Transfer the rest of the Lipozap Treatments for credit on the VelaSmooth procedure. # 2 A credit in the amount of $262.50 toward other services such as Fotofacial, Lazer Hair Removal, Botox, Fraxel, etc. #3 A $262.50 Refund. I called Crystal Hernandez, at MedAesthetica, I left a voice mail. She has never bothered to return my call. April 29, 2008. I still look pregnant, actually I look much worse than when I started Lipozap. I still have lumps even though last last treatment was July of 2007. We’re talking 9 ½ months ago. And bruising too. LipoZap was a HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE mistake!
Anyone interested in joining the class action suit please follow the link below.
Also take the time to look at the Better Business Bureau Report - RipOff.com, check out the articles on the Internet including the major news networks, CBS, NBC, ABC etc.
Obviously I’m not the only one complaining!
Here are the claimed problems with LipoZap that we are investigating:We have not been able to find scientific evidence that injecting “fat melting” solutions is safe, nor that shows that these injections work."

by Lady2Soothe, Jul 06, 2008 01:01PM
I received the above post from the Better Business Bureau . Thought you all might be interested.
Better Business Bureau 5-30-08

Medaesthetica Medical Group, Inc.
6320 Canoga Avenue, 13th Floor Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Contact: Cindy Gregos
Phone: (800) 547-6927

XXXXXXX X XXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
lady2soothe_ursoul1@


In the absence of any response from the company this complaint despite our two requests to them, we are closing our file on this complaint.

This unanswered complaint will become part of the information we report to the public on this company for the next three years. Should any government agency request our files on this company, your complaint will also be included.

If you have settled this complaint directly with the company, would you please email us to let us know that, as well as any other comments you might have. Your help in doing this is important to ensure that our report to the public on this company is accurate.

Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau.

Complaint
Complaint Classification:    Credit/Billing/Coll.
Complaint Description - Posted 4/30/2008
Lipo Zap Procedure DID NOT work as advertized. Painful. Lumpy. Bruised. And DID NOT disolve anything but my bank account.
Complaint Summary
I want my money back for the entire procedure as it did not do what they advertized.
Resolution Sought
Refund my entire payment
Additional Information
Date Problem First Occurred:     2/23/2007
Product or Service:     Supposedly disolves fat.
Model Name or Number:     
Date Purchased:     2/23/2007
Order Number:     
Amount Paid:     $2600.00

May 30, 2008
It's been almost a year (June 2007) since I had my last Lipozap Treatment.
I still have lumps and nodules which frequently send out painful bee string sensations. Discoloration is still present. I still look swollen and pregnant. My skin is lumpy. I'm making payments to Credit Care on a monthly basis, just to show good faith on my part so when we do finally get the class action suit settled (which unfortunately may be years) they’ll see I’ve fulfilled my part of the bargain - Lipozap refuses to return my calls, they also refuse to acknowledge the Better Business Bureau's inquiries.
Lipozap customers may be able to fight soon for some type of justice? Heres a website if ya got suckered out of your $ from lipozap, or have pain.
Here you go, here is a new website that warns about customers who tried and got lipozap treatments, or may be also for future patients? They do want to hear from former lipozap customers including what happened to them, and maybe if they want your money back, or an apology in case you still have pain? (I imagine). Here is the lipozap class action website. -
http://lipozap-class-action-lawsuit.com/lipozap-sham.html
and I quote "Here are the claimed problems with LipoZap that we are investigating: We have not been able to find scientific evidence that injecting “fat melting” solutions is safe, nor that shows that these injections work."
June 11, 2008
By the way, "Alina" is the employee who, after discussing my situation for 45 minutes became thoroughly upset when I suggested getting my orthopedic surgeon involved. She was the one who began screaming at me. And I had to calm HER down? She is a liar and a thief; she helped steal my money as well as the money of others. The police have a name for people like Alina; they're called "Perps", which is short for "Perpetrator", which means "Responsible for".
June 23, 2008
Just because someone is caring, nice and gives good customer service does not in any way make the procedure reputable. The nurses and staff were very nice and helpful, but they too were conned into believing the procedure would work. At least 40 of those “caring” nurses and other “nice” staff members are no longer working for MedAesthetica Medical Group, Inc.

I DID NOT ask for all of my money back, I asked for the unused portion. Since I’d only received ½ of my treatments, I felt I should get half of my money back, which would have been about $1300. MedAesthetica offered me a $262.50 refund. This leaves me in the whole $1037.50. Asking for an unused portion of a payment is not in any way unreasonable.


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