Skin retraction after liposuction

Steven H. Williams, MD answers: Arm liposuction recovery

I had my arms Liposuctioned almost 3 months ago. I had great elasticity before the procedure, so the doctor told me I was an excellent candidate. However, now I have some sagging skin on one arm, and while most of the lumps are gone, I still have a big lump on the other arm. I massage it daily but it won't go away. The doctor said I should get some more retraction, but I'm not too sure about that. Are these things normal after Liposuction?


Steven H. Williams, MD
10 months ago
By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

It can take up to 6 months to see the final results of skin tightening after liposuction.  What may help your post-op progress is a compression garment which will help keep the edema down and aid in skin retraction, though at three months the utility of the garment is minimal.

The lump itself may represent a hematoma or unaspirated fat depending on the liposuction technique.  Continue massage and reassess at six months.

Of course you should discuss your post-operative progress with your treating surgeon.

Good luck!

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