What is the ideal wait time between my breast augmentation and arm lipo? (Photos)

Question

I am having breast augmentation and arm lipo separately with two different surgeons. The reason is that the surgeon who would do my BA (trans-ax, saline, subfascial) refuses to have lipo on upper arms because he said there is too little fat and might end up with irregularity. I decide to have lipo with another surgeon, but I don't know how should I schedule these two procedures to ensure good results, maximum safety and avoid complications? Which procedure first and how many days apart?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Although you do not have a lot of fat on your arms, you will have a great result with VASER sculpting to give you an athletic more muscular arms. Most surgeons just do fat reduction liposuction only, and that is why your surgeon would not do it. I would suggest to do the arm lipo first and the augmentation 2-4 weeks later. I do the arm lipo in the prone position to define the deltoid and triceps and define the anterior deltoid and upper medial arm from the supine position.Good luck with your surgeries.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question and photos. Ideally these procedures would be performed simultaneously, which can ensure that your results complement each other and can also save you recovery time and some surgical costs. However, if you are unable to find a surgeon who will perform both surgeries, my only recommendation would be to wait until you are fully healed from the first procedure before pursuing the second procedure. This will ensure that your body is ready to undergo a second surgery and that you will not be at any extra risk during the second procedure or recovery. With is in mind, you may want to choose the arm liposuction first, as the recovery from that procedure will be faster than the breast augmentation. You should speak with your surgeons about typical recovery timelines from these procedures to get a better sense of how long you will need to wait. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The patient usually has 2 to 3 days of pain during which pain pills provide relief.   Thereafter, most patients do not need the narcotics.  Patients can return to work within 1 to 3 days or whenever they feel is appropriate.  My practice recommends no breast massage and no exercise for 4 weeks after surgery.  Some patients may find that the implants are in perfect position almost immediately or the implants may take a few weeks to settle. Recommend not wearing a bra after surgery until PS tells you to do so.  The bra can irritate or possibly open the incisions.Wait at least 3 months before considering lipo of arms. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,There is no ideal wait time between procedures; when your feel physically ready you can proceed. More important to discuss: you present photos of women showing soft upper poles of their breasts (which you've specifically remarked about), but you've opted for saline implants over the muscle. 'Subfascial' is a concept that is unproven, and even if it is actually obtainable, provides no more coverage of the implant than sub-glandular. Properly selected implants placed in the sub-pectoral position will provide a much more natural look, and will have a low risk of implant dynamic motion. Finally, the transaxillary approach has a higher risk of capsular contracture than via inframammary incisions. Rethink your plan for a great result that is long lasting.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear llxx,
most plastic surgeons will recommend you to wait until you are fully healed from your elective procedure before you get another surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What is the ideal wait time between my breast augmentation and arm lipo? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Subfascial Is Subglandular

Answer: Subfascial Is Subglandular

Answer: Waiting time

Answer: Waiting time

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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What is the ideal wait time between my breast augmentation and arm lipo? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Subfascial Is Subglandular

Answer: Subfascial Is Subglandular

Answer: Waiting time

Answer: Waiting time

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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