Two issues

Brent Moelleken, 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?


Brent Moelleken, MD
12 months ago
By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You mentioned you had two issues with your liposuction:  lumpiness at 3 months' time and sagging skin on one arm.  Presumably there is an asymmetry since one side is sagging and the other not.

The best course is generally to wait for about 6 months before considering revision liposuction, if any is needed at all.  Lumpiness after liposuction generally responds to massage and time.  Small irregularities generally respond to revision liposuction, if they are bothersome to the patient. 

At the 6 month timepoint, it would also be good to assess the degree of skin looseness, especially if it is present on one side and not the other.

If the mass does not diminish in size over time, you should have your doctor consider the possibility that the mass might be something other than a post-liposuction indurated area.  I have seen several cases where a patient has had liposuction, and a mass was then noted which was actually a separate growth rather than a post-liposuction irregularity.  Fortunately these masses tend to be lipomas, but should generally be treated with surgical removal and biopsy rather than liposuction.

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More answers to “Arm liposuction recovery”

A: Irregularities after liposuction

Adam David Lowenstein, MD
10 months ago
By Adam David Lowenstein, MD - Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

In the early postoperative period, some irregularities are normal following liposuction.

Resolution of swelling and localized areas of infammantion can take up to a few months to improve, and often are helped with massage and compression. Especially in bilateral procedures such as yours, when you have a second similar site like your other arm to compare to, irregularities may seem more apparent to you.

But the good news is... if your irregularities are swelling and inflammation, they will likely improve with time- give at LEAST 3 if not 6 months to be sure.

If they are not temporary and are deposits of fat left behind, they can likely be fixed with a little touch up procedure that is short and relatively easy to perform.

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A: A little liposculpting touch-up may be necessary

David Hansen, MD
12 months ago
By David Hansen, MD - Beverly Hills Dermatologic surgeon

After arm liposuction it can take up to 6 months for the skin to tighten so be patient for a little while more on the one arm. The other arm which has a fullness or lump yet probably will need a touch up liposuction just to that area under local anesthesia which is quite easy and quick. That is the beauty of liposculptures - most everything is fixable.

Sincerely,

David Hansen, MD

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