One of the most difficult aspects of liposuction is deciding how much fat should actually be removed.

It is not simply about removing as much fat as possible.

What matters is understanding the patient’s ideal body contour and determining which areas should be reduced, how much volume should be removed, and where fat should be preserved to maintain a smooth, balanced silhouette.

At AVAN TOKYO, we focus not only on the amount of fat removed, but also on the overall harmony of the shoulders, upper arms, back, waistline, and breasts.

This case involved a patient who had previously undergone upper arm liposuction at another clinic and came to us seeking an even slimmer, more defined upper-body contour.

Can You Have Additional Liposuction After Previous Arm Liposuction?

In selected cases, yes.

At AVAN TOKYO, we also see patients who have already undergone liposuction elsewhere but would like further refinement.

Common requests include:

“I had arm liposuction in Korea, but I would like the area near the armpit and upper arm junction to be slimmer.”

“I am already thinner, but I would like an even sharper contour.”

“I want my arms to look more lean and defined.”

In this case, the previous surgeon had already performed the initial liposuction well.

However, the patient wanted to pursue an even more refined upper-body silhouette.

We therefore performed additional liposuction and removed approximately:

Upper arms: 400 cc of pure fat
Back: 800 cc of pure fat

The patient also underwent hybrid breast augmentation to improve the overall balance between the slimmer upper body and the breast contour.

Hybrid Breast Augmentation for a Slimmer, More Balanced Upper Body

The hybrid breast augmentation in this case consisted of:

Motiva Ergonomix2 Demi 270 cc implants
Subglandular placement
Fat grafting: 120 cc to the right breast and 100 cc to the left breast

Hybrid breast augmentation combines breast implants with fat grafting.

The implant provides the main volume, while fat grafting can be used to soften transitions, refine the contour, and create a more natural appearance.

For patients undergoing upper arm and back liposuction at the same time, this combination can create a stronger visual contrast between a slimmer upper body and fuller breasts.

Our concept is simple:

Sharper arms.
A smoother upper-body silhouette.
Naturally enhanced breasts.

This case is shown at three months after surgery.

As the volume of the upper arms and back decreases, the breast contour can appear more prominent and balanced within the overall upper-body silhouette.

“Fat That Can Be Removed” Is Not Always “Fat That Should Be Removed”

Just because fat is present does not mean that all of it should be aggressively removed.

The key question is:

Which fat should be removed, and which fat should be preserved to achieve the patient’s desired shape?

Every patient has a different distribution of fat, skin thickness, muscle structure, degree of skin elasticity, and level of asymmetry.

In revision liposuction cases, previous surgery may also create scar tissue, fibrosis, adhesions, or irregular tissue planes.

For this reason, revision liposuction can be more technically demanding than primary liposuction.

At AVAN TOKYO, we evaluate not only the amount of fat but also:

● the angle from the shoulder to the upper arm

● the upper arm and armpit junction

● the thickness around the axillary region

● the transition from the arms to the back

● the relationship between the upper body and the breasts

The goal is to design the entire upper-body silhouette rather than focusing on one isolated area.

We Do Not Promise That One Liposuction Procedure Will Create the “Perfect” Body

I do not believe it is appropriate to promise every patient:

“One liposuction procedure will absolutely give you your ideal body.”

The final result varies depending on anatomy, fat distribution, skin contraction, postoperative fibrosis, asymmetry, healing, and the level of slimness the patient wishes to achieve.

It is also common for a patient’s goals to evolve.

After seeing a significant improvement from the first procedure, some patients may think:

“Now that my arms are slimmer, I would like this area to be even more refined.”

That does not necessarily mean the first procedure was unsuccessful.

Sometimes, achieving a more advanced level of contour refinement requires a second-stage approach.

What matters is carefully evaluating the current tissue condition, understanding what can realistically and safely be improved, and pursuing consistent quality and reproducibility without making unrealistic promises.

What AVAN TOKYO Focuses on in Liposuction

At AVAN TOKYO, we do not judge the quality of liposuction simply by how many cubic centimeters of fat were removed.

Our goal is to create an upper-body contour that looks balanced from every angle.

We focus on:

A slimmer appearance from the front
A thinner profile from the side
A sharper transition from the shoulder to the arm
A smoother contour around the upper arm and back
A balanced contrast between the waist, upper body, and breasts

We welcome consultations not only from patients considering liposuction for the first time, but also from those who have already undergone treatment elsewhere and would like further refinement.

You may be a candidate for consultation if you are concerned about:

● residual fullness after previous arm liposuction

● the upper arm and armpit junction

● back fat

● achieving a more defined upper-body contour

● combining liposuction with breast augmentation for greater overall balance

At AVAN TOKYO, liposuction and breast augmentation are not treated as isolated procedures.

We begin with the body shape the patient hopes to achieve and work backward to determine which procedures may help create that silhouette.

We will continue to pursue high-quality results, reproducibility, and patient satisfaction while respecting each patient’s individual anatomy and goals.

Case Summary

Revision upper arm liposuction after previous treatment at another clinic

Upper arm liposuction: approximately 400 cc of pure fat
Back liposuction: approximately 800 cc of pure fat
Hybrid breast augmentation: Motiva Ergonomix2 Demi 270 cc
Implant placement: subglandular
Fat grafting: 120 cc right / 100 cc left
Follow-up: 3 months postoperative

The appropriate amount of fat removal, implant size, fat grafting volume, and surgical technique vary depending on anatomy, fat distribution, skin condition, and individual goals.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Liposuction: swelling, bruising, pain, edema, postoperative fibrosis or firmness, contour irregularities, asymmetry, pigmentation changes, scarring, infection, and other possible complications.

Hybrid breast augmentation: swelling, bruising, pain, infection, lumps, fat necrosis, calcification, skin retraction, asymmetry, scarring, capsular contracture, implant malposition, and other possible complications.