Cannot raise arms completely after Smart Lipo to upper arms and have big, hard bulges. Is this normal? (photos)

The lumpiness, swelling, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. Staying away from salt will make a big difference in swelling. It can easily take 6 months or more to see results. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps.

Dean Vistnes, M.D. 

Vistnes Plastic Surgery 

San Francisco Bay Area

#liposuction #drdeanvistnes #realself

you have a moderate amount of swelling but this will get better with time. you will continue to improve from your Smartlipo for over 6 months. i personally think you need to push yourself harder to get your arms fully extended above your head. you will not burst apart. Smartlipo does not affect muscles or tendons, so you are just feeling the tightness due to the swelling. you should not be shy about emailing or calling your surgeon (hopefully a plastic surgeon who is board certified) - we are happy to answer our patients concerns and questions. david berman md