Years after Lipo of arms, why are they wavy and lumpy?

Question

I had laser lipo 8 years ago and it was very painful. Afterwards its remained wavy, with dents and irregular contour. I am going for a brachioplasty at some point but I am concerned that because of these lumps which you can see on the surface and feel under the skin will not give me a good result. This disturbance is only on the front of my arms. There was no lipo on the arm backs so they are smooth. Can you help me?

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

The best way to correct post lipo deformities of the arm would be with a brachioplasty. In minor cases fat graft can help. This may have been over resected with the liposuction, although some people get contour abnormalities even if the procedure was done correctly.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry. 
Unfortunately, one of the risks of liposuction is having irregularities
in the skin.  It is important to see a
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your liposuction just to ensure that they
use the right technique because using the wrong technique like using a very
large cannula or sectioning superficially can all cause these
irregularities.  This is especially true
for areas like the arms that do not tend to have a lot of fat.  The irregularities are very difficult to
improve once they are there and after 8 years, they probably will not get
better on their own.  I would suggest a
consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your
options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Please post photos for further evaluation and treatment advice. I suggest seeing a VASER HI definition sculpting physician who can evaluate what type of procedure is needed and if revision and fat grafting are needed.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The dents and irregular contour were most likely from uneven liposuction and unless addressed during your brachioplasty they would likely remain to some extent.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation, they can offer you the best treatment option based on an in-person examination.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

A brachioplasty can improve the contour of your arms but expect some lumpiness from the liposuction to remain.  You might even need fine tuning of the contour after the brachioplasty utilizing fat grafting to selected areas.      I believe that very few people who don't like their arms are liposuction candidates.  Most patients would benefit from a brachioplasty since they have loose or hanging skin.  Make sure you are seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon

Years after Lipo of arms, why are they wavy and lumpy?

Answers (8)