I’m scared, do I need a revision? (Photo)

Question

Hi everyone! How are you? I got arm lift surgery and I believe fat was left over in my left arm. I can pinch it, jiggle it, you name it! I showed my surgeon but he said “it’s only so much he can do and the gym should fix it”. I was upset about that reply because it was a costly procedure to have mismatch results. I don’t think he wants to do it but am I going to need a revision?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not told us how long post-operatively you are. I always recommend waiting 6 months from the date of surgery before doing any revisions. You would benefit from a revision. At the time of revision, liposuction and scar revision can be performed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello DiorVega. Thank you for your question regarding whether you need an arm lift revision.

Thank you for your history and your pictures. Yes, it appears that you do have some arm lift asymmetry. Due to the arm asymmetry, I would suggest you continue to wait until you are fully healed. Typically, arm lift patients are close to healed at approximately 4 to 6 months. Therefore, I would wait 4 to 6 months after your initial arm lift procedure and then reassess. It is possible that you may need more arm liposuction and a revision of the arm lift scar.

If you undergo surgery now, your incisions may not heal properly, and you might be subjecting yourself to unnecessary surgery. Waiting allows for better healing and a clearer assessment of what adjustments may be needed.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding whether you need an arm lift revision.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Based on the apparent time frame of the above photos it seems a bit early to tell. However, in all body contouring procedures, including arms, the risk of revision is always there because of existing preoperative asymmetry, the length of the scars, and the poor elasticity of the tissues. The good things is that revisionary surgery is typically rather easy and your surgeon will likely work with you on the cost.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for asking, from the photos it seems that you have very little time since surgery, to be able to determine if you need a revision of the surgery, at least 3 months must pass, to see if there is still plenty of skin, if more liposuction is required, Currently, a lot of inflammation can be seen in that photo. thank you.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

Based on the appearance of your incisions, you are likely still pretty early in your recovery. I would expect that you are also still somewhat swollen. The swelling can be asymmetric but will decrease with time and your arms will likely shrink. If there is a difference in the size of the arms the difference may reduce as well. Give it some more time.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

First, you are very early in the healing process and do have swelling. You have two different arms and they may not swell to the same extent. Second, only so much skin can be removed safely since swelling does occur. We do not want to cut off circulation to the lower arm and hand. Give yourself time to heal. At 6 months, then discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from the photos, but it appears your surgery may be recent.  You will want to wait six months for the tissues to settle and the scar to mature before determining if a revision would be beneficial.