What can I do about pain, hardness & swelling 5 weeks after an upper arm liposuction as my surgeon has been no help?

Question

I had arm lipo on 1/11, I am still hurting, swollen and hard.I haven't done anything for the last 2 days and this morning after church they were throbbing. I am unable to wear the compression sleeves, they were unbearable. I am worried about nerve damage. I've called my PS several times, no help. He said not to start massages until after 2/23. I can barely touch them now. I don't understand. Thoughts? I had a breast reduction on 9/11 and it was a breeze. Healed fast and love them. Took pain meds 2 days.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. However, with out any images, it is difficult to properly address your concerns. Keep I mind that it can take up to six months for all the swelling to subside.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

allend2I appreciate your concern, and it is certainly unusual to have this type of significant pain over one month after Liposuction, even in the upper arms.   Gentle self massage with moisturizers may help.  I recommend that you insist on seeing your plastic surgeon to evaluate your situation. Good luck

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

I’m sorry you are having this problem. It is unusual. It may be caused by an abnormal response to nerve injury that comes with every liposuction usually without your level of pain. This could be RSD but not likely. Compression is important. Perhaps neutontin would help. Talk with your surgeon. Get a second opinion. See a neurologist. Good luck. It will likely resolve over the next few months.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
A degree of pain, swelling, and firmness is to be expected after upper arm liposuction. However, it should be demonstrating significant improvement by the 5th week as the swelling begins to subside. You express concern regarding possible nerve injury. This would be manifested by numbness or weakness of portions of the upper extremity. You note that you have called your plastic surgeon on several occasions.  Has your surgeon evaluated you to determine the degree of swelling and firmness you are experiencing? If significant, you must see your plastic surgeon as soon as feasible to be sure that all is satisfactory.
Best wishes...

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

i'm sorry that you're having a hard time. Without more information I don't think anyone can give you any type of accurate assessment or recommendations. At a minimum try posting with the pictures ideally before and after. If you could share if this was anything other than a regular liposuction such as VASER or laser assisted etc. Generally patients who have excessive pain after liposuction were treated aggressively sometimes excessively so.  Best, Mats Hagstrom, MD

What can I do about pain, hardness & swelling 5 weeks after an upper arm liposuction as my surgeon has been no help?

Answers (5)