I am unable to lift my right arm after lipo. Is this normal?

Question

I got liposuction of the arms on Wednesday 1/18 (2 days ago). Ive been experiencing quite a bit of pain and was told to take advil. I am wearing my compression garment full time. I don’t see much difference in my arms although he took out 1,000 cc of fat in total. My left arm i can almost fully raise but I am unable to reach my hair with it. My right arm I can barely raise. Can’t feed myself with it. I am very worried about this. I spoke to my surgeon who said it's normal. Is it?

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Unable to move at all is not normal. Swollen and difficult to move is normal. Call your surgeon. Best

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

sjane2014 It is a bit unusual to have such significant pain and reduced range of motion after arm liposuction and I recommend returning to your plastic surgeon for examination. In the meantime, try removing your elastic garment for a while and then test your range of motion. Sometimes a very tight garment can constricts the blood supply and create symptoms you are describing. Follow up with your plastic surgeon ASAP. Good luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
At the stage you are in, it is very normal. You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. 
I suggest my patients to try the lymphatic massages and to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
It is important for the compression garment to be very tight, for it to help with the swelling, after surgery. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This sounds unusual. Ask to be seen by your plastic surgeon for a proper in person evaluation to figure out what is going on.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

would you describe does not sound normal. I suggest you ask to be seen by a plastic surgeon. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

I am unable to lift my right arm after lipo. Is this normal?

Answers (5)