Lipo and brachioplasty bad results. Is my surgeon's story plausible or did something else go wrong? (Photo)

Question

I had arm lift 5 weeks ago and arms were reduced only 3cm or one inch. After six hours of surgery, I found out only 3 days ago that he did lipo and if caused my arms to swell so he couldn't take more tissue. He thinks I reacted to the infiltration fluid used for lipo. I was never told this after surgery - only three days ago. He offered a revision. Is this a plausible story or is something else wrong.

Lars Enevoldsen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your photographs it looks like your surgeon knows what he is doing.  The scar placement is good and the it looks like it was nicely closed.  Since he did lipo then there is still some swelling so you should expect that there will  be some more reduction in arm circumference over time.  It is very possible that your arms swelled to the point that he could not remove as much skin as was initially planned.  It is to his credit that he played it safe rather than "going for it" and closing your incisions so tightly that you had wound separation and ultimately worse looking scars.  It certainly doesn't look like anything "went wrong".  If he is offering a revision at no charge or even for the cost of OR and anesthesia then that speaks to his credibility and I agree with Dr Pousti that you should stick with him.  If you decide to have a revision you should wait several months to be sure that all swelling has resolved before you go ahead with it.  I hope this helps.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding "bad" arm lipo and brachioplasty results and whether your plastic surgeon's story is plausible, or did something go wrong.  Your plastic surgeon's story is plausible.  Several things may have happened: too much tumescent fluid may have been used; too little arm fat may have been removed; alternatively, you may have reacted to the tumescent fluid.
In the end, we may never know.  However, if you are dissatisfied with your arm lift results, most plastic surgeons would encourage an arm lift revision.  During the arm lift revision, I suggest you have more arm liposuction to debulk the upper arm skin and residual arm fat.  Then, during the same procedure, undergo an arm lift revision with further removal of excess skin and fat from the arms.
If you or your plastic surgeon is overly concerned about the potential for an allergic reaction to the tumescent fluid, you may consider undergoing just arm liposuction.  At a later date, approximately 4 to 6 months later, you could undergo a formal arm reduction.  This may achieve your best result; however, it is two separate surgeries.  Thank you for your question regarding "bad" arm lipo and brachioplasty results and whether your plastic surgeon's story is plausible, or did something go wrong.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding revision arm lift surgery.  I  hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty, please contact an arm lift expert. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is difficult, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts.  Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 150 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Please carefully review their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns after arm lifting surgery. It would not be fair/ethical for online consultants to second-guess what your plastic surgeon has told you. Assuming your plastic surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with, I would suggest that you "stick with him”.  Generally speaking, most plastic surgeons are very dedicated to making their patients happy with the outcome of their surgery.I would suggest that you communicate your questions/concerns with your plastic surgeon in a calm and constructive fashion. Ultimately, it will be important that you feel comfortable/confident with your plastic surgeon prior to proceeding with any additional surgery. Best wishes.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Arm reduction does cause a lot of swelling.  The concern is excising too much with a tight wound closure.  Tight closures can result in the wound opening, uneven contour and unsatisfactory scars.  Your scars are good.  Right arm contour is good.  The left arm appears a little less reduced.   Swelling can be more prevalent on one side.  Symmetry can be difficult to achieve (the arms may not be symmetrical to begin with).  Secondary procedures may improve the result.  This should not imply that something was done wrong.

Lipo and brachioplasty bad results. Is my surgeon's story plausible or did something else go wrong? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Expecting more than 3 cm arm reduction.

Answer: Expecting more than 3 cm arm reduction.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Lipo and brachioplasty bad results. Is my surgeon's story plausible or did something else go wrong? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Expecting more than 3 cm arm reduction.

Answer: Expecting more than 3 cm arm reduction.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.