How can I fix lumpiness and uneven skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Question

I had lipo done on my upper arms by a popular PS in Beverly Hills 2.5 months ago. Until now I see little result & my big concern is that my arms are so lumpy & uneven as you can see from the pictures which were taken about a month after lipo & now they still look the same. I’m still wearing compression garment at least 12 hours a day & massage the areas, but it seem nothing will help. I know it takes time, but will it go away? I am so embarrassed to have my arms like this. Please help!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Contrary to one doctor's recommendation, you do not have much swelling, and the use of unproven therapy like hyperbaric oxygen is a waste of money and time. Other high price therapies to remove 'more fat' would not be helpful to you, even if those therapies had any evidence that they were effective at doing so. You have a much more serious problem. Fatty tissue has been removed from the undersurface of your arm skin (subdermal fat), and any healing that will occur over the next few months will likely see little change to your arm contours. You will need a revision surgery to break up scar tissue and graft fat into the defects. This will not completely eliminate them though. Go visit a few surgeons who adhere to SAFElipo techniques for revision liposuction. This is not some unproven machine, but a technique based surgery with substantial evidence of efficacy. Best of luck!

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have contour irregularities after liposuction. In your case if this has not smoothed out yet you will need a revision.  Sometimes this involves putting fat back in.  You should see the same person who did the surgery and get their opinion first.  A second opinion is always helpful but it you trusted the surgeon the first time then you need to get his/her opinion.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nina_ca,I would have to examine you but it appears that this is a contour irregularity after liposuction.  This happens often when areas the undergo liposuction are not feathered appropriately.
The good news is that it can be fixed and I have done so with good results before. The revision can often be done under local as well.While there is always a chance for contour irregularities with liposuction, someone who takes their time and uses the appropriate sized cannulas should give you a superb result.I have all my patients wear compression garments and I use multiple sized cannulas to feather out the result.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Lumpiness after liposuction is sometimes just a part of the healing process during the 1st 3 months.  Fortunately it smooths out a lot during the 4-6 months post op  and there are a few things we do to help it smooth out faster such as Body FX which is a radiofrequency treatment etc... A tough up can usually be done after 4-5 months if needed.

How can I fix lumpiness and uneven skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Uneven after liposuction

Answer: Uneven after liposuction

Answer: There are things that can help the lumpiness after liposuction get better faster.

Answer: There are things that can help the lumpiness after liposuction get better faster.

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How can I fix lumpiness and uneven skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Uneven after liposuction

Answer: Uneven after liposuction

Answer: There are things that can help the lumpiness after liposuction get better faster.

Answer: There are things that can help the lumpiness after liposuction get better faster.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction Revision

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