This Saturday, I am doing something I never thought I would ever consider doing. I never judged anyone else for doing it. But now I am actually considering it myself. Things change when you have kids. Your body changes when you have kids. Your body image changes when you have kids. So what am I talking about? If you haven’t guessed, I’m talking about cosmetic surgery.
There is a place that has been beckoning me every morning as I drive into work with a call to action I can’t ignore. “Lose your pregnancy pouch for good.” It’s a radio commercial to Final Inches a body shaping center in Orange County.
Final Inches is the only Medical Body Shaping Center that focuses on helping patients lose those final inches of stubborn fat. First, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation. Then, our team of plastic surgeons uses the latest FDA-approved techniques to target and eliminate the fat cells in the identified areas.
I’ve worked hard to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I am just 2 pounds shy to my goal. But there is a lingering pouch that still sits in my abdomen that doesn’t seem to want to go away. A little pouch that pokes out through my clothes, that keeps me out of a bikini and that leaves me a little self conscience about my belly area.
So I decided to get some information about my options. This weekend I am going to visit Final Inches for a consultation and see what they have to say and if body shaping is my best solution.
I’ll keep everyone posted about my experience at Final Inches, in case you may be thinking about the same thing.
Funny…I was just talking about this with my run partner this morning while I was struggling to run up a hill. After three kids, no matter how much I workout (I run dang near 7 days a week!), I can’t drop my last 10 lbs or get rid of the pouch that I conspicuously tuck into my waistband every few minutes.
i told my hubby when i am done having kids, i am having a mommy makeover…no shame:)
shannon
Rock Star Maternity
The Domestic Engineer’s Union
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I hear ya!! sounds like a great idea to me!
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Good luck with the consult. I have had great success with Windsor Pilates in getting rid of that tummy pooch. My only issue is I can still see stretch marks. Yuck!
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Good for you for having the guts to do it!!
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WOW! 2 lbs away from you goal? You’re my hero! I wish I’m as discipline as you are.
Good luck with Final Inches.
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This is something that only women can understand. I have the same thoughts sometimes. Keep up posted as to what you learn.
As much as I think about it, I don’t know that I’d ever have the guts to do it. And I have a little more to lose than a couple of pounds, so I need to get back in the gym for a couple of months first anyway
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I would love to do get a tummy tuck. Unfortunately my insurance co doesn’t cover it. I did have some surgery on my lower eyelids last month due to Graves Disease and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
I am fresh back from my walk/run – trying to shed my waist too. I really feel like I look 4 mos. PG and my youngest is 2 yo. So I’m trying. And hoping if I keep this up (I try to go everyday), something will happen. But surgery? Nope, not for me. Don’t have the money, the guts and the real drive to get it done. But more power to anyone who does choose surgery of any kind!
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how did the consult go?
Thanks for asking… I had to reschedule my appointment for next month but I’ll keep you posted.
I rescheduled my appointment for October 25th. So I will keep you all posted. I am going to try and video tape the consultation so I can share with everyone. We’ll see.
Have a date schedule for procedure… Has anybody done this procedure from Final Inches?
Be sure to ask them for any success stories, or refrences to past members of the “Lose your pregnancy pouch for good.” plan that you heard on the radio commercial. If they can give you some evidence that their program works, chances are it is a good bet.
Tony
http://www.bestradiocommercials.com
Hello Ladies,
I’ve been curious about this reshaping procedure and just started searching. I am not judgmental at all as this is something I wouldn’t be opposed to do down the line, but since I just came from a site where someone posted a pretty cautionary and scary comment I just wanted to share and ask if you’ve done thorough research on the places and surgeons because the one below didn’t appear so legit. I just wish the best outcome for all!
I look forward to checking back in and seeing how this works for those who are going for it.
_____
http://www.yelp.com/biz/final-inches-medical-body-shaping-costa-mesa
This place is a hyped up cosmetic surgery chop shop. The plastic surgery doctors who work there have private offices outside and go there part-time to do liposuction cases. The physician director is a gynecolgist and is doing some of the lipo surgery. You could be operated on by a gynecolgist! Not a plastic surgeon. Dr Dubrow is not even there to do surgery. He is just a paid spokesman.
If you want to see one of the doctors featured on their site, call their private offices and see them there.
This is a “cosmetic surgery hack job” alert.
I’ve read all these comments…. I’ve done sooo much reseach on this company… interviewed the doctor 3 times, talked to past patients and drilled them… saw patients walk normally out of the office after the procedure… It doesn’t appear to be a chop shop! There are 5 different doctors… some are plastics surgeons, surgeons and some who have retired from there own practice and want a simple go in the office and work kinda of job… They even have ICU nurses that didn’t want the stress or pressure of 12 days…etc…. IF you are serious about the procedure… Do some of your own homework on them… Talk to MANY different plastics and ask questions… then you decide. This is still a medical procedure… and Nothing is full proof…
dont do it. It is a chop shop. They destroyed my thighs. You had better stick to exrecise or find a more reliable place. I wish I could post the after photos. It is not worth it. Soars on your inner and outer thighs. Infectious sores. DONT DO IT!
Final Inches is wonderful. I’ve done tons of research on them and met with 2 of their doctors. Their doctors are board certified and are warm and caring. Yes, some have their own private practices or have retired and do this procedure too. As long as you are specially trained, you can specialize in obstetrics or general medicine or cosmetic surgery and you can still be well qualified to do this procedure.
The risk of this procedure is very low so you should really investigate first. Infection is very rare, but it is definitely possible. That is a risk with anything you do to your body — from a medical procedure or even a tattoo or a piercing! It doesn’t mean they are a chop shop!
2 of my friends have had the procedure and LOVE it. I’ve lost 80 lbs and plan on doing my tummy, my arms and my muffin top. I can’t wait.
My suggestion: get a consult with the doctor. It’s FREE and only an hour out of your life.
Michelle,
Congratulations on the weight loss. I agree with you I will have to take a look, have a consultation, and generate my own conclusion. Thanks for leaving your comment and sharing your experience.
I had the procedure done in November on my back and sides. It was my first cosmetic procedure and I was extremely apprehensive but I am very pleased with the results. I work out five times a week and watch what I eat but still had love handles that made my clothes fit funny and jeans uncomfortale. I had some swelling for two-months after the procedure but now that it has subsided, the results are clearly visible.
I felt guilty about spending money on my vanity but am glad I did as the clothes I have now fit as they should and I actually look like I exercise on a regular basis. I do not think this is a miracle procedure for someone extremely overweight, but for somone looking to simply remove unwanted fat in a trobulesome area, I think it works quite well.
I’m extremely happy with my results from Final Inches. Staff was very profession and the doctor was GREAT! I had fat on my stomach that I couldn’t get rid of and now it’s virtually gone. It really does work… check out the photos on the Final Inches website… my new stomach is in one of their pictures (but I’m not telling which one!)
Everyone on here who posts their comments sounds rehearsed! Seriously! And I know that alot of companies surf the web and post fake comments all the time. But I want the procedure. I just want to be sure Im not going to end up with the stuff that others are saying. “Balls of fat”, and “Lumps”. Seriously. But If you are working for final inches, get together with your staff and comeup with something that sounds believable. You read like an infomercial! “Im happy with my results” “they were so professional”.
The only believable one was TROY.
I was very impressed with my results. As an avid exerciser I found the procedure to be extremely successful in eliminating trouble areas that I could not reach at the gym. I was a patient at Final Inches in Costa Mesa and I am extremely happy with my results. The staff was highly professional and the doctor that performed my procedure had amazing bedside manner. The entire process from consultation to 16 week follow-up was amazing
“An easy, comforting, quick and ultimately painless experience!”
I couldn’t be happier with my results that were done at Final Inches in Costa Mesa. The doctors and staff were so friendly and eager to answer any questions or concerns I might have about the procedure and the costs. I am completely petrified of needles and blood so this was a big step for me but a necessary one given that I always watch what I eat and exercise daily. There was just that extra “stuff” that wouldn’t go away through exercise and diet no matter what until Final Inches and there smart lipo came into my life. I felt no discomfort during the procedure and was constantly comforted with the doctors voice explaining everything he was doing (so I wouldn’t have any thoughts of concern) as well as made sure I was ok or if I needed a break which I didn’t! I was so relaxed with the comforting music played by the nurses in the room who would constantly check on me making sure my vitals were good and I was warm, I almost fell asleep! I can write on and on about how easy the procedure was and understand that everyone is different but I know without the doctor and their staff’s knowledge and personable attitude it wouldn’t of been as good. Another thing to add is that with regular liposuction the skin is left saggy with a possibility of surgery to remove it. With smart lipo at Final Inches they use a laser which actually makes the skin around the area taunt and NOT saggy! I thought that was amazing. It made my skin near the area tighten up as well because of it. I want to comment on Jen S. below. The physician director has done this procedure more times than any doctor out there who has done this type of smart lipo procedure. All of the physicians have had all the specific training to do this procedure given that it is fairly new. Dr. Dubrow is an amazing doctor that is always there to be a medical consultant and make sure the other doctors have specific training and over look every part of the procedures. This is a newer procedure that has graced us with its presence and some of these physicians have stepped out of their other divisions to learn and practice the necessary guidelines to deliver amazing results and always happy patients.
The best thing to do is go for a consultation and see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
I have always eaten healthy and exercised daily but just couldn’t get rid of my love handles a.k.a hate handles. So I had smart lipo done at Final Inches and it absolutely helped me. The “hate” handles are gone and it was completely painless. The area was left tighter then it was before which is better results than regular liposuction that leaves the skin saggy. Since the skin became tighter in that area my tummy became taunter too making it a two for one! I had minimal to no bruising for a couple days and was back to work the next day and in a bikini that following week! I would consider it for other areas when needed. There was no pain, no scarring or saggy skin and no down time to recover. What more can you ask for?
A LOT OF THESE COMMENTS ARE FAKE!! YES FAKE!!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/final-inches-medical-body-shaping-costa-mesa
THEY ARE REPEATED ON THAT SITE TOO. DO NOT USE FINAL INCHES
Paul,
These comments are NOT FAKE in the slightest. Having the same comment on another site about the same topic doesn’t consider it fake! I am just spreading the news about my amazing experience at Final Inches. I was completely impressed with them and personally understand the struggles these people have wih problem areas thus I’m offering them a solution..a solution that has changed my life and gave me hope. Is that a crime to want to be able to share the news so others can feel the same way while dealing with my laziness to change my comment and just simply post it again? Final Inches is amazing I couldn’t be happier nor more truthful in my comment.
These comments sound fake to me too, maybe they hired someone to post these comments all over the net. The way they are worded, how they all sound similar in style.
All the comments about how it works is completely false. Its complete bogus. And all of it sounds so rehearsed.
Nicole and others who are pleased with their “Final Inches” results.
Since you seem to be very pleased. I am sure you would not mind sharing with us the “Final Inches” location and name of doctor that did your procedure. Would you please do so? After all this is open response and sharing information with others that may be facing a life changing or life threating situation. Refferals and non refferals are always helpful and appreciated.
Yes Cindy I would love to. I went to the Costa Mesa (1202 Bristol Street) office and I had it done by Dr. Grady Harp who is a board certified surgeon. He was very gentle and made sure I was comfortable the whole time saying if you feel any discomfort at all then say so because you should not feel anything and I can take a break if you’d like. I felt no pain at all just slight tugging that was weird for me but bearable. The procedure was over in about an hour. To put my personal situation completely out there I am a 25 year old female that is addicted to working out with the upset of having my love handles go down but not completely away. It was very frustrating for me and I just needed this extra part gone to feel completely satisfied with no visible marks or down time (since I got plenty of bills and cant take off work too much). I have never been happier with my decision and have recommended it to my family (since I dont want many to know) which my sister in law had her stomach done after she had 2 kids and is very happy.
KRISTEN: Why do you say the comments about the procedure is false? Have you had it done? Why would anyone lie about how the procedure is? Go to the website they show you the technology and what they do. I can’t be anymore descriptive without some bonehead remarks of sounding rehearsed. Ask me any questions anyone I will let you know anything if you’d like the good the bad anything. I will try to get on this more frequently to answer.
I just went to a consult and am very tempted but would like to hear from the author of this article (S. Elie) how her experience was and if she liked the results.
The pictures on their site and in their office look like they are retouched – that’s just my opinion, they might not be, so I want to see how the author’s experience was.
I had it done April 6th- I had my outer thighs done and my love handles. Im Still super bruised on my outer thighs and really sore on my back but I can notice a small difference. I didnt have a ton of fat to take out, so they were “more aggressive” they said- thus more bruising and swelling. But I take about 4 tylenol every day and Im good to go. I needed more than one day off of work- I took 3 days off total and am very glad I did. Im hoping to be able to get in a bathing suit in 2 weeks- if the bruising goes away by then…Cuz I look like I got beat up pretty bad. I’ll let you know! Wish me luck!
First of all… I do think a lot of these comments were rehersed or placed by the staff at Final Inches to combat some of the negative feedback they have gotten online for possibly being a chop shop. They advertise all these doctors do the procedures… but if you call the specific doctors offices… “They don’t work with Final Inches any longer”… WHY?? I keep researching to find out… None of the doctors are talking? What are they protecting?? dunno
I had this procedure done in Costa Mesa… I was overall pleased with the doctor and the procedure. It was a little more painful than I had expected… and although I had no specific problems… I am not 100% happy and potentially would need a little more to make myself more symetrical. This is like art… and is not flawed from too much or not enough fat taken out in specific spots. I am not running back for another procedure without some caution… between pain… and my own concerns about the facility. With that being said, You could also have the same problems with ANY doctor… or ANY facility!!!!
Always patient beware… even with the best certified doctors…
BLOG MOM: Sow what is the the update? Why haven’t you updated this blog? Did you go for the consult? If so, did you get the proceedure? We are all waiting…..
)
Hi. Did you ever have the procedure done at Final Inches? I have decided to move forward with my muffin top and tummy. I had Lap Band 2 years ago and have lost 80 lbs & I know this helps with skin tightening a little bit. I went to a plastic surgeon and the estimate was over $15K. I can do Final Inches for a lot less and not have 6 weeks of recovery, pain, etc. Plus I’m really scared of surgery! I’ve spoken with people who have had the Smart Lipo and they’re very happy. Has anyone else done it? I’ve done a lot of research and I’m ready, but hearing from others would confirm my decision and help my nerves! Thanks…
I just had FINAL INCHES one week ago on my love handles!! I'm still a bit swollen, but I can definitely see the hour glass shape that I haven't seen in years. I've seen a lot of back & forth comments about this place but I can tell you that I was very impressed with everything. The staff is wonderful, friendly, kind and knowledgable. I thought my doctor had a great aesthetic eye (which is what you want) and he really managed my expectations. I must believe in it because I'm going back next week to have my tummy done. I've lost a lot of weight in the past couple of years but there were some areas that still needed an “intervention.” The day I had it done, I came home and made dinner and the next day I was back at work. A little sore but definitely manageable. They tell me I will be a bit swollen for a few weeks but I am really looking forward to my new shape and new clothes (or fitting back into my old ones…ha ha!). I've never done anything like this before so it was a little nerve-wracking but seeing the results made me a believer. I did a lot of homework before I went through with this and I definitely encourage others to do the same. The consult is free so there is nothing to lose and you may surprise yourself. So far I'm really happy and REALLY eager to see full results!
This seems impossible…to be in a biking the following week. You are required to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. Unless you just tried on your bikini, then put the compression garment back on, that’s impossible.
I have a question…I just had the procedure done this last Friday in Costa Mesa, and I was very pleased with how it went and the staff. I would not say I felt no pain, but it was bearable, and I feel surprisingly good now. My question is how long did it take for the swelling and fluid retension to go away? I am in a habit of weighing myself daily, and today, 2 days post-op, I am 3.5 pounds up. I know it’s fluid related, but I am just wondering. Thanks!
I had the procedure done 10 days ago on my upper and lower abs and overall a good experience. Here are the pros: 1) Professional medical staff. MD and nurses appeared competent and were always making sure I was comfortable. I recieved a post-op call each day for the first few days and I thought they were helpful. 2) Procedure and post-op recovery was very close to as they described it to be. I would say that the procedure was a bit more uncomfortable during the numbing stage than I expected, and I needed vicodin for the first 72 hours post-op. But, I was off even motrin by day 6. Still sore, but manageable. 3) So far, happy with results. I was thin to begin with, only wanted to get rid of the small kangaroo pouch in my middle- and it is gone. I do, however, have good skin elasticity so I think I was a very good candidate and not sure everybody would have the same results. I am on day 10, and swelling was basically gone by day 7. I had no bruising. Also, I had four stitches, one in each point of entry. I was pleasantly surprised how small they were. A pencil tip. They have already disappeared. Here are the cons: 1) The garment. OMG. This thing was made by the devil. During the pre-0p appts I was shown a garment in a leotard form. On the day of the procedure I was put into a garment that went from the base of my bust to my knee cap. My wardrobe is all skirt suits and dresses above the knee, so this has been a problem. Even a bigger issue is the discomfort of the garment. I am a clastrophobic, so I have REALLY struggled with this part of the procedure. You are told to wear the garment 24/7 for 2 weeks and then at night for the next 2 weeks. I admit, I have not been able to keep it on more than 18-20 hours a day. It is just too uncomfortable. I suppose if you have other body parts done, you will not have this issue necessarily. 2) Dizziness. Taking the garment on and off changes blood flow apparently which causes dizziness and nasuea. I only experienced that for the first week however. 3) Soreness/Pain. I was told it would feel like 500 sit ups post-op. Not exactly. For 3 days the pain was pretty significant, and 10 days out my stomach is still too tender to touch. No crunches I know do that. 4) Little MD contact. You do not see the MD during the consultation (which is not even with a nurse) or the pre-op. The first time you see the MD is 15 min before the procedure. Your post-op appt is only with a nurse. I was generally ok with this, but if you are someone that needs a bit more one-on-one with the MD, this is not your place. The business model is different.
Assuming the results maintain, I would generally recommend. Short term discomfort for long term gain.
I wish I could post something positive, but I had a terrible experience with Final Inches. After having my surgery I was left with lumps, indentations, and huge keloided scars on my abdomen. When I asked for help, I was seen by the Medical Director (Dr. Ngo), who told me that the lumps and indentations were “excess skin” and that nothing could be done about it. They she said, “If you lose weight it’ll get worse.” You can imagine how I felt after that. I had the surgery in March 2010 and it is now November. I have consulted other surgeons in the area and was told that the problems could be corrected. When I asked Final Inches for a financial adjustment, they refused. So I am stuck with this horrible result, every time I look at my abdomen I feel like crying, it looks so awful. The surgical scars can be corrected, or at least helped, with small injections of cortisone but the other corrections will cost me about $4,000. Yes, the surgeon, Dr. Harp, was very nice, and the people in the office were very nice, but the outcome was horrible and I hate the way Dr. Ngo treated me when I asked for help.
I had my procedure (upper and lower abs and flanks) done 8 days ago, and Jane’s description above is DEAD ON. My pain level was less – I only took the Vicodin for a day post-op as a preventative, and I just feel like I’ve done a lot of crunches. My tummy is still sore to the touch, but I have a 2-year-old that I carry around on my hip and am already back to running 5K every day. I’m a weenie when it comes to pain, and this was not scary at all. Glad I did it. Now I’m anxiously awaiting the results! I’m still swollen around the belly button, which was my main problem area.
Final Inches is nothing but a production line of uncaring and unprofessional so called doctors. I made the mistake of having laser lipo at Final Inches, and I had nothing but problems. The doctor was very impatient and extremely aggressive performing the procedure and the pain was unbearable. My final result ended with discolored and lumpy skin with numerous angiomas and brown spots. In addition one of the wounds did not heal properly and I got a staph infection. I would strongly recommend that you find a reputable board certified plastic surgeon and not go to Final Inches!
I had laser lipo last week (March 7th). I had upper and lower abs and flanks. I did experience pain during the procedure so they put in more numbing meds and gave me another Vicodin. They gave me one before the procedure as well as Valium. I had Dr. Saul and was told he is the most aggressive but gets the best results. The procedure and pain after are not for the faint of heart but it was not terrible I took 3 days off of work including the day of surgery and I am still very very sore and have some bruises. My abs are FLAT! I still have a lot of swelling but I already can tell a big difference. The Dr. called to check on me the night of the procedure and I received a call from the nurse the next day. I am scheduled to have my lower back done on March 28th and will have Dr. Saul for this one too. I am very pleased and know that the final results will take a few months.
@Lisa You said your abs are flat?Would you mind sharing how many inches you lost? I have been thinking about doing this to get rid of the pooch under my belly button, which is probably 2-3 inches off the total when I measure all the way around. I’ve been using body wraps that have helped significantly along with doing P90X and Insanity, but I have that one area that I don’t think will go away or get much smaller. Just curious on your result on the lower ab. Thanks.
Geri: What is the name of the doctor that performed your surgery? I’ve been thinking about getting something done too.