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Can someone have arm Lipo if they have had axillary lymph node dissection?

I had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection. Im scheduled for a abdomniplasty revision with bbl and arm lipo in july 2017. Are these procedures, especially the arm lipo ok to have done?

Doctor Answers 7

October 3rd, 2016

Liposuction after lymph node dissection for breast cancer

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Thank you for asking about your arm liposuction.

  • I don't think anyone can answer this on-line.
  • You need a thorough examination of your arms and discussion of the risks.
  • And your surgeon needs to know what was done - 
  • Radiation is common after node dissection and adds other concerns.
  • The arm problem may be fat, it may be impaired lymphatic flow after node dissection it and it may be tissue changes after radiation.
  • Is your surgeon a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? If not, you must be cared for by such a surgeon.
  • And your surgeon needs to discuss the surgical plan with your oncologist and radiation oncologist if you had chemotherapy or radiation therapy to be sure the plan makes sense for you.

Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS

Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
September 30th, 2016

Liposuction of the upper extremity and axillary node sampling

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The lymph system is intimately involved in fluid clearance with the axilla being the major reservoir for drainage of the upper extremity. Patients who have had some degree of node sampling in this area are at higher risk of swelling or lymphedema. However, it is important to understand the specifics of the operations performed. Lymph node sampling usually involves less extensive dissection i.e. less damage to the lymphatic drainage (vs. axillary dissection). With this in mind, more dissection equals higher risk of post op swelling (which may or may not be persistent).

This decision to operate is generally operator dependent. I would avoid liposuction in the setting of an axillary dissection. For patients who have undergone sentinel lymph node sampling, I would have to mask the decision on a case by case basis. These patients should be aware that their risk profile is higher.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.


Donovan Rosas, MD

Donovan Rosas, MD
Kissimmee Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

September 30th, 2016

Double-check for Lymphedema; Swelling Can Be Worse With Liposuction

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If you had lymph nodes removed it's likely that you have lymphedema and not true fat in the area, so the treatment is not liposuction.  If you have true fat, swelling post can be way worse with your history.  Please see a vascular physician for an evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6C2fuS-AgOnvBjr6_VSQg

Jason Emer, MD

Jason Emer, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 207 reviews

September 30th, 2016

Arm Liposuction after Axillary Node Dissection/Radiation

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I assume if you had axillary node dissection and lumpectomy, you have also had radiation to the breast. I think liposuction of the arm could lead to lymphedema as you have a predisposition at this point. Better to focus on the abdomen and butt and accept your arms than have a devastating complication. Be sure to talk to your surgeons about your concerns. Also ask your breast surgeon his/her opinion. Best wishes. 

Erica Anderson, MD

Erica Anderson, MD
Reston Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

September 30th, 2016

Arm liposuction

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Hello and thank you for your question.   First, speak with your surgeon and ask his/her opinion.  If you only had a sentinel node dissection, then I have safely performed liposuction of the arm in patients before.  In my practice, I do not perform liposuction of the arm if a formal axillary node dissection has been performed.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD

Richard G. Reish, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 173 reviews

September 30th, 2016

Lymph node dissection and arm lipo

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I think that if you had a true axillary node dissection and not just a sentinel lymph node biopsy, it could make you prone to swelling issues in your arm post-op that could be permanent. Best to review with your surgeon.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/liposuction/

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 30 reviews

September 29th, 2016

Arm lips after lymph node dissection

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Excellent question.  Ultimately this is at the discretion of your chosen surgeon.  If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy (which is the removal typically of only 1-2 nodes), you might be ok to proceed so long as you understand there might be increased risks of prolonged postoperative swelling.  I would likely avoid performing arm liposuction in a patient who had a formal axillary dissection (removal of most or all axillary nodes) as these patients are already at some risk of lymphedema and may clear fluid associated with the procedure at a significantly impaired rate.  

Charles Galanis, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.