Josie Gibson has revealed she recently underwent liposuction and an arm lift as part of her ongoing battle with lipoedema, candidly telling fans that she had “45%” of her arm removed during surgery.
The 41-year-old TV presenter shared the update on her Instagram Stories on Friday, explaining that she had brachioplasty surgery the previous week and was already feeling “really, really good” in the days after the procedure.
Josie reassured followers after receiving a wave of concerned messages, saying: “I’ve just had about 20 messages asking how I am, so I’m so sorry I didn’t want to alarm anybody. I went in to see Paul Tulley last Friday for brachioplasty.”
Making clear there had been no emergency, she added: “There was nothing wrong with me. I’m really, really good, in fact.”
She went on to explain exactly why she decided to go ahead with the operation, saying: “So for those of you who don’t know what brachioplasty is, obviously I had liposuction on my arms, and then I’ve had an arm lift, and that’s because the lipoedema is obviously on my arms as well.”
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an abnormal build-up of fat and connective tissue, most commonly affecting the legs, hips and bottom, but in some cases the arms too. The condition can significantly affect both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.
Opening up about the personal impact it had on her confidence, Josie admitted: “So I just felt gross whenever I was in like a vest top, and I just wanna go out in the summer and feel alright when I put a vest top on.”
She also reflected on how frustrating it has been to live with the condition, adding: “Constantly fighting your genetics.”
Despite the scale of the procedure, Josie said her recovery has gone far better than expected. “So I went in last Friday, I’ve had 45% of my arm removed, I’ve got my bandages on, and that just keeps your arm all intact,” she said.
She then revealed that, surprisingly, pain had not been the hardest part. Instead, it was being forced to slow down. “But I’m very lucky, I’m quite a fast healer, so the only thing that has been annoying about it, there’s been no pain, I’ve had no pain at all, but it just stopped me in my tracks,” she said.
“And those who know me know I am so busy, I’m always doing something, and this has really stopped me in my tracks.”
Josie said even basic tasks had become difficult during recovery, explaining: “Like even putting the bins out, just you can’t do, so, but otherwise I’m so glad I’ve had it done.”
She also confirmed she will return to London at the end of next week to have her bandages removed, promising another update for fans once that happens.
“But I did have it done a week ago today, and I feel great, I feel really good, considering I’ve had 45% of my arm removed, I feel really, really good,” she said.
Josie ended her update by thanking the medical team who looked after her, praising surgeon Paul Tulley and his staff for putting her at ease ahead of the operation.
“Paul Tulley and his team were amazing, I felt really relaxed, because I was nervous about this one, but they’ve been incredible,” she said.
She also thanked Karla Santos for helping with her recovery, adding: “And then I went and see my beloved Karla Santos last night for lymphatic drainage, which is so important after you’ve had surgery, she’s an angel, I love that woman so much, but thank you to everybody that has been taking care of me.”
