I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

Question

My mom had large upper arms and she didn't seem to mind them but I inherited them and have a hard time fitting jackets or dresses with sleeves. I do exercise my arms and the biceps are tight but even with triceps exercises, they remain floppy.

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

It is imperative that your consult your oncologist/internist to proceed with your possible liposculpture.
Give your medical OK, then proceed with the surgery. There are many ways to help with the healing and to decrease the complications.
Ask about arnica and Vitamin C pre and post op daily, excellent arm support with Ace bandages/support garments. Continue to wear the support garments for 2-3 months if possible. Use body creams daily pre and post op to decrease swelling and to allow and control the skin shrinkage.
Be up front and ask your plastic surgeon about the SAL arms vs a brachioplasty (excision of skin) from the elbow to the armpit. Get all the info that you can!
Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Because of the increased risk for lymphedema, I would not recommend liposuction of the axillary area. Nor would I recommend any other type of skin tightening in the area.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

I think it is safe for you to have arm lipo after a mastectomy. Of course if you are having lympedema of your arm then that is a different story.

Michael Cohen, MD · Answer

Dear Psychenurse,
thank you for the excellent question about a rather complex issue.  It depends on whether you had a sentinel lymph node procedure or a full axillary dissection, and whether you had radiation.  Without a full history and exam, the best advice is to get a referral to a board-certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast reconstruction after mastectomy and ask all your questions during your consultation.  From what I can gather of your medical history, your arm might have developed lymphedema, which means arm liposuction is not the right procedure for you, as it will only make it worse.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very difficult to give you a proper answer. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

Answers (8)

Answer: Arm lipo after axillary lymph node removal

Answer: Arm lipo after axillary lymph node removal

Answer: I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

Answer: I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

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I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

Answers (8)

Answer: Arm lipo after axillary lymph node removal

Answer: Arm lipo after axillary lymph node removal

Answer: I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

Answer: I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal in 2016, can I get liposuction as my arms have already been too large?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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