Reviewed by Dr. Roger C. Mixter

All surgeries have risks and complications. Complications with arm liposuction are rare, but can occur. These complications can include medical complications or dissatisfaction with the results of the upper arm liposuction procedure. Some liposuction techniques carry specific risks. These can be seen here.

Anesthesia
Although rare, the risk of a bad reaction to anesthesia exists during arm liposuction. To reduce this low risk further, make sure your surgeon knows of any allergies you have and what other medications (including vitamins and herbal remedies) you take.

General Risks and Complications
Excessive operative or postoperative bleeding can occur with arm liposuction surgery. There is also the risk of developing a large blood clot or pocket of fluid in the treated areas. A large clot or a pocket of fluid may need to be removed or drained, but may just be allowed to resolve on its own.

Tissue Necrosis
Liposuction can inadvertently cut off the blood supply to a piece of tissue or fat, causing it to die, which is called necrosis. When necrosis occurs in fat after liposuction, the fat drains from the incision sites. However, necrosis in other tissue is more serious and must be treated immediately.

Emboli
An embolus (plural: emboli) is a blood clot or any bit of material that travels through the bloodstream and causes a blockage. A blood clot is a thromboembolus. One that lodges in the lungs is a pulmonary thromboembolus.  A fat embolus is a globule of fat that gets into the bloodstream. Liposuction can cause emboli that travel to the heart, lungs or brain, leading to serious health problems, such as a heart attack, breathing difficulties or stroke.

Pulmonary thromboemboli can lead to difficulty in breathing, cardiac arrest or coma. Symptoms include labored breathing within 72 hours after the surgery. A pulmonary embolism usually occurs within 3 weeks after the surgery.

Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, can occur during or after liposuction. In most cases, this occurs with overhydration, or the administration of too much fluid, and is more likely to occur with wet and super-wet liposuction techniques.

Fluid Shifts and Blood Loss
In addition to too much fluid being administered, there is also the risk of dehydration and excessive blood loss. Both are more likely to happen when a large amount of fat is removed.

Irregular Contour Deformities
Although not physically harmful, one of the major problems associated with upper arm liposuction are contour irregularities. These are dents, bumps and waves in the area treated and can be unattractive. These conditions are usually the result of the procedure itself, but can also happen if you do not strictly follow postoperative protocols.

General Dissatisfaction
General dissatisfaction with upper arm liposuction can happen if you have failed to explain your expectations about your appearance to your surgeon. You must be as clear and detailed as possible about how you want to look to avoid being disappointed after the surgery. Being extremely clear about what you want can help keep your expectations realistic, since your surgeon will be able to discuss what upper arm liposuction can do for you and what it cannot do.