Arm Lipo — what’s does the difference look between lumpiness and uneven fat removal?

Question

Im 8 weeks after arm Lipo (smart Lipo) and I still have some dents/ripples. Is this lumpiness normal or is this uneven fat removal?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you are unhappy with your results please speak to your physician and ensure he was a full body VASER HD liposuction physciain wtih expensive experience in body shaping and not just traditional fat reduction.  At this point you should be using compression, RF treatments like venus legacy / exilis ultra / inmode forma or contoura and lymphatic massage to get you through healing.   We always add shock wave therapy such as cellutone, z wave, and eclipse evive to help prvent scar tissue formation and ensure an even and smooth result. It will take 6-12 months to see the final outcome.   If you are unhappy you can get a revision procedure by an expert in VASER HD lipo.  Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Creative9486,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory Chambon, MD · Answer

Smart Lipo of the upper arms is one of slowest areas to heal (up to 6 months). During that time, uneven swelling and deep bruising will steadily improve. Skin will become smoother and tighten. Matter of fact, I saw a patient I did this procedure on 3 years ago, and commented " My arms look better than ever!" Be patient.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At this stage you can do massage and give time to settle at least 3 months. Venus legacy treatment will help. Please check with your PS

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

It looks like a lot of lumps and indents that you have on your arms are caused by the compression garments. I do not have my patients wear any compression garments but you can ask your doctor if you can remove yours after such a long time following the procedure. It takes 3 months for the swelling to completely come down in my patients and I believe that to be the case in the majority of patients. Most likely all of this will resolve over time. Good luck from New York City

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and
welcome to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. 60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months. 
It is still too early to assess the result. One cannot discern between swelling and residual fat. 
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon. If after 6 months there is residual lumpiness, revision is an option. This timing allows for subsidence of swelling and the hypervascularity of healing. 15% of cosmetic procedures require a secondary touchup.
Best wishes...

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you should massage your arms for a few minutes twice per day. you need to allow at least 6 months to assess your final result.david berman md

Arm Lipo — what’s does the difference look between lumpiness and uneven fat removal?

Answers (7)

More Smart Lipo Questions

12 days post-op. Was 350ccs of fat enough to contour my outer thighs? Would you recommend more? (photo)

1 week post SmartLipo/Laser Assisted Lipo on abdomen and flanks. Is it normal to have incision discharge? Advice on aftercare?

Would Smart Lipo and then Ultrasound Cavitation be good for me? (photos)

I am on Prozac and abilify, and would like to know if it’s ok to have smartlipo done on my abdomen, waist, and arms?

What is considered 1 zone for smart lipo? If I wanted lipo on lower/upper abs, flanks and upper back, how many zones is that?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS