I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

Question

4 weeks past after arm lipo and my arm motion is so limited. I cannot even tie my hair into pony tail. Is this normal? A seroma accumulated close to the incision and until now I am very gentle in moving my arm because Im afraid My seroma will never be resolve if i keep moving my arm. Now Im afraid that my arm motion might forever be affected and limited. What should I do? Can i start stretching? If not, when can i start?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is not typical of liposuction and you should be evaluated by your surgeon.  You may need steroid injections, fluid aspiration, massage/ultrasound or physical therapy if there is scar tissue forming.  It is best to get a complete evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

At a month after something as simple as a liposuction procedure I'm surprised you are having difficulty moving around.  You obviously need to check with your plastic surgeon, but I'm sure he/she will tell you to start stretching fairly aggressively to regain some Range of Motion.  Recovery from this procedure is generally pretty straight forward, even with a seroma.Good Luck!

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Your complaints are atypical, I would check with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There are things they can do help improve the scar. Good LuckStephen M.Davis, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

See your surgeon. Having such limited arm motion 4 weeks after liposuction of the arms is unusual. It could indicate a persistent seroma and/or an infection, which should be addressed right away. Click on the link below to see a case of liposuction of the arms with the use of laser (SmartLipo). I hope you're that well healed soon!

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It's best to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions. Seromas will eventually resolve with serial/repeated needle aspirations and compression. Thank you for sharing your concerns. Best wishes.

I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction of the Arms and Recovery

Answer: Liposuction of the Arms and Recovery

Answer: I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

Answer: I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

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I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction of the Arms and Recovery

Answer: Liposuction of the Arms and Recovery

Answer: I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

Answer: I cannot reach overhead, limited motion after arm lipo. What to do? Is this normal?

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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.