What can I do for rippling and indentation 3 weeks post-op? (Photos)

Looking good.  You appear to have completely normal swelling and bruising.  Arms seem to always take longer for the final result.  I like to use the compression garments for about 12 hours per day for about 5 weeks.  Be patient.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding what to do with rippling and indentations three weeks after arm liposuction. Thank you for your pictures and your history. The problem you describe is relatively common after arm liposuction. You have indentations and irregularities. There are multiple causes for this condition. Causes can include irregularity during the arm liposuction, the compression garment digging into the arm skin, uneven compression, uneven swelling, seroma, or even hematoma. 
In your case, I would agree with your plastic surgeon. I highly suggest deep tissue massage to your arms with a concentration on the areas of indentations. Massage can help to break up these adhesions or collections of arm scar tissue. I suggest both lymphatic massage as well as deep tissue massage. These can be done twice or thrice weekly for approximately six weeks. This should help to free up these post-op arm lipo bands. Usually, and fortunately, these post-op arm bands completely disappear. However, if there are residual indentations, they may require either injections of steroid, Kenalog, or 5-FU. If the arm adhesion bands still do not respond to steroid injections, you may need a surgical revision where the adhesion bands are released. Please don’t worry; most adhesion bands disappear with deep tissue massage. I hope I have helped to answer your question: what can be done for ripping and indentation three weeks after arm liposuction. Good luck. When seeking arm liposuction, please consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm liposuction procedures. When seeking arm liposuction or plastic surgery revisions, find an experienced plastic surgeon. Arm liposuction is a delicate and complex surgery.
Sincerely, J. Timothy Katzen, MD (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons)

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.  It is clear from your photos that you have a significant amount of postop swelling.  This can persist for months after surgery.  Unfortunately, bruising and swelling does not always occur evenly which can lead to temporary irregularities such as the one you are experiencing. I would recommend that you massage the area to help with the swelling and give it time.  It is very likely that the irregularity will improve significantly if not resolve completely!  I hope that helps to allay your concerns. Best wishes on your recovery.

Dear sjane2014,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your 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

At three weeks post op you still have swelling and may have contour irregularities from surgery. I encourage you to continue to closely follow your surgeon's advice and keep in contact so that he can track your progress and make changes as necessary. If you do not have improvement it may be best to travel for an in person exam.

Hello! Thank you for your question. It has only been 3 weeks since your surgery. Your arms are still swollen, and your body is still healing. What you're seeing now is normal. It will take several more months before the swelling has resolved and you can see your final result. However, if you are concerned, you should stay in regular/frequent contact with your plastic surgeon. I hope this answers your question. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Hi! Judging by your photos I don't see anything amiss at this stage in your recovery. Liposuction healing can progess over many weeks or months depending on the location and aggressiveness of the procedure. Be patient and optimistic!