My plastic surgeon recommends liposuction with my reduction so I don’t have extra fat bulging under my arms.

Question

I had a lumpectomy & 8 nodes removed. I was told that I shouldn’t even have needles or blood tests done on my left arm. I’m now wondering if liposuction on my left under arm is safe. What about lymphedema?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I answered your previous questions about liposuction with breast reduction and the history of radiation. It seems like you have several concerns about the procedure and the details of the procedure. Also, you chose a screen name of "feelafraid." I think that someone like you that has this many concerns about the procedure, the surgical details, and the postop recovery and outcome is not ready for surgery. You should schedule another consultation with your plastic surgeon to go in and spend a significant amount of time with him or her to go over all of these questions, understand all the risks and benefits, and then proceed with surgery if, and only if, you feel confident in proceeding. Hope this helps!

Susan MacLennan, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question-I need a bit more detail in order to give you a thoughtful answer. Did you have radiation after your lumpectomy? If yes, then your breast reduction needs to be done very carefully and conservatively on the radiated side in order to avoid complications. Adding liposuction on the sides under the arms is a common part of breast reduction and rarely causes problems, but if you have been radiated, there may be more risk of prolonged swelling or even fluid collections. I have not seen lymphedema caused by this procedure - ie if you don't have lymphedema now, its unlikely that the procedure will cause it. Please have a detailed discussion about your concerns with your surgeon so that you make sure you're on the same wavelength before surgery.Best wishes-

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

If you are considering SAL of your arms, there is some concern for lymphedema but if your surgeon is focused on your lateral chest rolls that extend from your breast, there should be no problems with that.  If you do have SAL of your arms, you may have to wear compression for a longer period of time and be accepting of the risks that come with that procedure and you should discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon.

My plastic surgeon recommends liposuction with my reduction so I don’t have extra fat bulging under my arms.

Answers (3)

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