I had Lipo on my upper arms one week ago. I am having difficulty with lower arm and hand swelling. Any suggestions?

Question

I have tried two different varieties of compression garments one 3/4 sleeve and one short sleeved both seem to aggravate the condition. Is this typical? Should I continue wearing a compression garment? Also the elbow area is very painful.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures.  What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression.  If you are concerned, please speak to your physician.  Excessive pain is not normal.  If still concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten.  My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results.  Speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Reps B. Sundin, MD · Answer

Without seeing you for an in-person consultation, it is hard to determine what is going on or offer a precise diagnosis.  If a patient presented to me with this issue, I would most likely increase their lower compression by wrapping the whole arm.  It is normal to expect lower extremity swelling for up to 6 weeks after liposuction.  However, if you have numbness or tingling of the hands, you must talk to your surgeon immediately, as this may be indicative of a more serious condition.

Burton M. Sundin, MD · Answer

Lower extremity swelling for up to six weeks after liposuction is completely normal, although it is difficult to offer a precise diagnosis without an in-person consultation.  For my patients, I would probably recommend increasing compression by wearing a compression garment that covers the entire arm.  If you are suffering other symptoms such as numbness or tingling, contact your surgeon immediately.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for your question about arm liposuction.  While lipo to the arm area
can be painful due to excess swelling you may also wish to discuss a
post-operative nutrition plan with your provider.  They may wish to try a
different or stronger method of compression.  Whatever you decide best to
continue speaking directly with the plastic surgeon who performed your
procedure. -Dr. Coan

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What you describe is common.There are two ways to deal with this.One is to use a garment that has less compression, and the second is to add compression to the forearm and hand.I suggest you discuss this with your plastic surgeon.It would be inappropriate for any of us to change your prescribed postoperative treatment plan.Best of luck, Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

I suggest you see your plastic surgeon for evaluation.  This is likely a temporary problem but your surgeon needs to make sure your compression garment is not too tight.  You may need some compression to your forearm and hand.  It really helps to keep your arms and hands above the level of your heart.  I have found the best way for patients to do this at night is to put a fat pillow on your chest and park your hands and forearms on the pillow. Make sure you see your surgeon.  He/she surely wants you get the best possible result!

I had Lipo on my upper arms one week ago. I am having difficulty with lower arm and hand swelling. Any suggestions?

Answers (6)

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