Why do some arm liposuction patients say their results are lumpy?

Question

I am 23 years old.. I have always hated my arms I workout regularly and I can't lose fat on them I only gain muscle. The only time I liked them was when I was eating 800 Cals/ a day and doing hours of cardio. They are my biggest insecurity and I want to be able to wear tank tops and short sleeves. They are bigger than the rest of my body and I can't stand it!! I started looking into arm liposuction but so many reviews I have read are negative.. can anyone suggest the right procedure?? Thanks!!!

Meegan Gruber, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi JB, Arm lipo is an art that very few surgeons make the effort to perfect. It takes patience and a lot of skill. I would recommend that you do your research by looking at before and after photos of patients with arms like yours. Find a surgeon with a gallery full of excellent arm lipo results and you will have more assurance that yours will be excellent as well. Good luck on your journey!
All the best,
Dr. Meegan Gruber

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry regarding lumps that may occur after arm liposuction. It's worth noting that most plastic surgeons would contest the notion that lumps are a common or expected outcome of arm liposuction. In fact, many patients are typically very satisfied with their results. If lumps were a frequent consequence, the popularity of arm liposuction, which is a highly sought-after procedure, would likely diminish.
The success and smoothness of arm liposuction results depend on various factors, including the patient's age, genetics, anatomy, the surgeon's technique, the type of liposuction machine used, and postoperative care, including the use of compression garments. It's crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has significant experience in performing arm liposuction to maximize the chances of a smooth, lump-free outcome.
Many surgeons agree that VASER liposuction often yields the best results. To minimize the risk of lumpiness after the procedure, it is essential to wear a compression garment for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Additionally, undergoing lymphatic massage, ideally for about 6 to 8 sessions starting one or two weeks post-surgery, can be highly beneficial in smoothing out the area and reducing swelling.
I hope this response clarifies why lumpiness might occur in some cases of arm liposuction and emphasizes the importance of professional technique and postoperative care in achieving optimal results. Wishing you the best in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, arm liposuction are very precise and have beautiful results if done well.  Another technique that some surgeons are doing is BODYTITE which a wonderful way to tighten ands cult your arms (or any part of our body) without the scars.  The down time is 2 weeks, this can vary with each patient.You should consult a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss these options.Good luck and all the best.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

I perform a minimally invasive arm lift with PAL and BodyTite.  the combination of liposuction and skin tightening is very effective with minimal scarring.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes liposuction can lead to lumpiness and irregularities and esp in the arms. Results are dependent on your starting point and the type of liposuction. Best to see a PS and run through the pros and cons after an examination.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, JB.  Arms -- Uggh!!!!!  You ask a very good and important question regarding "lumpiness" following arm liposuction.I do believe that arms and inner thighs -basically the leg equivalent to the upper arms -- do have a relatively high risk for lumpiness with liposuction in certain patients.  Essentially with liposuction, fat is being removed without skin removal which compromises the underlying support to the skin that the unwanted fat was providing and leaving relative excess skin.  The final results following liposuction depends largely on the skin ability to retract and remodel.  Additionally, the appearance of any underlying cellulite that is caused by small bands extending from the fat compartments to the undersurface of the skin is affected by the alteration of the fatty skin support.The upper inner arm skin and the inner thigh skin is thin and generally has poor elasticity relative to other parts of the body.  Also, being that the arm and thigh skin must drape around a cylinder, gravity becomes especially unfriendly.  The upper arm and inner thigh skin is also prone to heavier cellulite and the development of contour irregularities with aging, hormone changes, weight changes, etc.There are techniques that may help minimize the risk of lumpiness with liposuction.  Massage and proper compression post-operatively may also have a positive impact.  Your young age is a benefit. A well-trained and experienced plastic surgeon would be able to best evaluate and determine whether you are a good candidate for liposuction and what results you might anticipate.Best of luck should you decide to proceed with surgery, and I hope you achieve the results you are looking for.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The differing results from liposuction and be due to the type of liposuction. Your plastic surgeon will be able to examine you and tell you what would give you the best results. VASER liposuction is a good option as it reduces the risk of lumpiness and well as tightening the skin. Do your homework and make sure your chosen surgeon has plenty of experience in liposuction to arms.

David A. Dreyfuss, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you maybe should consider Coolsculpt for your arms.  It is a totally non invasive procedure done in the office.  There is no downtime and the results are excellent.  Starving yourself will not maintain a long term result.  I cannot say why some patients complain about lumpiness after arm liposuction.  However, patients with poor skin elasticity may have issues with skin smoothness after surgery.  Seek out a surgeon who can truly evaluate whether liposuction or Coolsculpting would be a good option.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Are you able to provide a picture of your arms? This would help in answering your inquiry. It's difficult to tell what would be best for your circumstances without seeing if your arms are in fact mostly muscle or fat, and whether or not you have loose skin. By the sounds of it, you would likely benefit from either liposuction or even Coolsculpting.

Why do some arm liposuction patients say their results are lumpy?

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