Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Question

Hi, I’ve had microaire liposuction to my arms 7 months ago with j plasma. My arms were swollen and hard for weeks following the procedure however I felt that not all fat was removed and had a revisions surgery couple of days ago using Vaser but this time my arms are fully soft, there is no pain whatsoever and no swelling at all (measure exactly as they did pre op) is it possible that fat was removed ?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you see no measurement difference at all after Vaser Liposuction it may be related to swelling, especially since you are very early in recovery.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  It's important that you are comfortable and confident in your recovery.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you need a virtual consultation to see what is best if you are unhappy you may need a revision procedure.

my whole practice is doing lipoabdominoplasty, or at least liposuction with internal heating (which is not the gold standard for skin tightening with body contouring).

the smaller you are before liposuction the more contouring you can get from the procedure. most of my liposuction patients get pre and post surgical optimization with hormonal therapy (see link to help boost their weight loss before surgery and help them heal after).

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear maggie1669,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.You will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

After liposuction of the arms, it's normal for the treated area to initially feel firm or swollen due to the trauma caused by the procedure and the body's natural healing response. However, over time, the swelling should subside, and the arms should gradually feel softer and more natural.
Here's what you can expect regarding arm softness after liposuction:
1.	Immediate Post-Operative Period: In the days and weeks immediately following arm liposuction, the treated area may feel firm, swollen, and tender to the touch. This is a normal part of the healing process as the body responds to the trauma of the procedure and begins to repair itself.
2.	Resolution of Swelling: As the swelling gradually subsides over the first few weeks to months after liposuction, the arms should start to feel softer and more natural. It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities, to help minimize swelling and promote healing.
3.	Final Results: The final results of arm liposuction, including the softness and appearance of the arms, may not be fully evident until several months after the procedure. It's important to be patient and allow your body time to heal and adjust.
4.	Skin Tightening: In some cases, especially if the skin has good elasticity, the skin may tighten and conform to the new contours of the arms after liposuction, resulting in a smoother and softer appearance. However, skin tightening can vary depending on factors such as age, skin quality, and the amount of fat removed.
5.	Lymphatic Massage: Your plastic surgeon may recommend lymphatic massage as part of your post-operative care regimen to help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote soft tissue healing after arm liposuction.
Overall, while the arms may initially feel firm or swollen after liposuction, they should gradually become softer and more natural as the healing process progresses. If you have any concerns about the softness or appearance of your arms after liposuction, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon. They can provide you with guidance and reassurance based on your individual circumstances.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!You are comparing two different technologies. Microaire liposuction utilizes mechanical force to break up fat, while vaser liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify the fat. It is a gentler procedure. If the circumference of your arms is unchanged from preoperative measurements several days after surgery, you are experiencing swelling, although not as much as after the first procedure.Speak with your surgeon...How much fat was removed?Best wishes...

Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

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Answer: Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Answer: Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Answer: Was fat removed during vaser liposuction?

Answer: Was fat removed during vaser liposuction?

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Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Answer: Can arms be fully soft after liposuction?

Answer: Was fat removed during vaser liposuction?

Answer: Was fat removed during vaser liposuction?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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