What happens to the armpit area after lipo? 10 days post breast lift and lipo. (photo)

Question

Eleven days ago, I had a mastopexy and lipo in the armpit area. At the end of the surgery, my doctor placed a 3in wide elastic band around my chest, to apply pressure on this area and said I could remove it after 24hours. Now that much of the swelling has gone down, the fatty bulge is significantly smaller than it was pre-op, but I now have loose skin that still pokes out the side of my bra. Should I have had the skin excised, too? I am hoping that there is still room for improvement.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for  your question and the photo. Lipo removes fat, but not the skin. It is early in your course and there may be some shrinkage over time as the swelling goes down. If there is too much skin still, it could likely be excised.Best wishes.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in the healing process. It is too soon to evaluate final results which can take several months, especially if laser liposuction was utilized.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during this time.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office here at CARE we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service.  Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question and photo. It takes ~16 weeks for the result of your liposuction to be final. During that time you will have swelling and the skin will continue to go through changes. So rest assured that you will likely continue to improve in this area and your result will eventually be different from what you see today. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, removing the fat may make the skin loose but it is also early post-op and you may have some remodeling and contraction of the skin.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Ten days is WAY too early for assessing the result.Give it two months and stop obsessing.A watched pot never boils.Talmage Raine MDdrraine,com

What happens to the armpit area after lipo? 10 days post breast lift and lipo. (photo)

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