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

Question

I had Smartlipo to my upper arms 2 weeks ago. I have not been able to reach above my head since(left arm is worse) It feels like my skin is splitting! I have terrible swelling around my elbows and forearms. I've also recently noticed my arms have large, strange shaped,very hard bulges. My procedure was the 1st week of Sept, and I'm getting married mid Nov. They assured me I would be perfect by then. Is this normal? I really don't want to bother my PS with all of my daily concerns. Please help!

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

first of all I think your surgeon is the best person to answer all your concerns. having said that, its too early to say anything about your final outcome. it takes months to see results form SmartLipo. for my patients who are seeking arm definition on a short notice I prefer not to use SmartLipo and it takes 2-3 weeks for them to see the full results. but again, thats my technique and I can't speak for other surgeons. bets would be to get in touch with your own doctor and address your concerns that way

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It sounds like the swelling is making it difficult for you to raise your arms. Swelling is normal this soon after your surgery. It'll take up to several months before you see your final results. Best, Dr. Emer

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The inability to raise your arms is more than likely due to the swelling- that is very normal. Being that you only did the procedure this month, you will need a couple of more months before the swelling vanishes entirely, and up to 6-9 months to see final results. You should always speak to your doctor before a procedure like SmartLipo and the time frame to a special event. Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Kat

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

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

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

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

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Post liposuction

Answer: Post liposuction

Answer: You should be able to raise your arms above your head

Answer: You should be able to raise your arms above your head

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Post liposuction

Answer: Post liposuction

Answer: You should be able to raise your arms above your head

Answer: You should be able to raise your arms above your head

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.