Skip to main content
Top

30-03-2024 | Liposuction | Original Articles

Clinical Efficacy Analysis of Circumferential Upper Arm Liposuction with Double Incision: A Study of 496 Cases

Authors: Yuzhao Liu, Wei Han, Qiangzhen Deng, Jingling Lv, Hangyuan He, Yongjun Liang, Jinwen Liu, Guoliang Shen

Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

In cases where the upper arm exhibits an irregular cylindrical appearance with subcutaneous fat concentrated primarily in the posterior lateral aspect, traditional localized fat suction techniques may lead to uneven or disharmonious results when addressing this concern. Many practitioners have turned to circumferential fat suction methods using multi-incision approaches to ensure effective results and fat removal. However, these methods often involve numerous incisions and complex procedures, necessitating the development of new, more efficient surgical techniques.

Methods

We collected and screened patients who underwent upper arm circumferential liposuction with a double incision technique at our hospital from October 2020 to February 2023. A total of 496 cases were included in our retrospective analysis, in which we examined factors such as the length of surgery, arm circumference before and after surgery, subcutaneous tissue thickness before and after surgery, fat suction volume, postoperative satisfaction, and postoperative complications of the patients.

Results

The average length of surgery was 71.7 min. 458 cases (92.3%) showed significant improvement, 23 cases (4.6%) reported satisfaction, and 10 cases (2.0%) were essentially satisfied. Additionally, 339 cases (68.3%) experienced an improvement in skin laxity. Four cases (0.8%) developed localized hard nodules with slight tenderness in the early postoperative period, which resolved without special treatment after observation and follow-up for 1–3 months. Three cases (0.6%) reported localized pain or numbness, and they were given oral medication. Their symptoms disappeared after 1–3 months of observation and follow-up. Three cases (0.6%) had localized pain or numbness, and their symptoms disappeared. All of these cases improved and resolved after one month of taking mecobalamin tablets. There were also three cases (0.6%) with mild pigmentation of the incision and two cases (0.4%) with mild limitation of unilateral upper arm abduction movement. However, upper arm activities were not affected after three months to one year of follow-up. No serious complications were reported, resulting in an overall satisfaction rate of 99.0%.

Conclusion

The double incision upper arm liposuction is safe, effective, time-saving, with high satisfaction and fewer complications, and is worthy of clinical popularization and application.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.​springer.​com/​00266.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Vasilakis V et al (2020) Four-position four-entry site circumferential arm liposuction: technique overview and experience. Aesthetic Plast Surg 44(5):1596–1603CrossRefPubMed Vasilakis V et al (2020) Four-position four-entry site circumferential arm liposuction: technique overview and experience. Aesthetic Plast Surg 44(5):1596–1603CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Stevens WG, Pietrzak LK, Spring MA (2013) Broad overview of a clinical and commercial experience with CoolSculpting. Aesthet Surg J 33(6):835–846CrossRefPubMed Stevens WG, Pietrzak LK, Spring MA (2013) Broad overview of a clinical and commercial experience with CoolSculpting. Aesthet Surg J 33(6):835–846CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Stevens WG (2014) Does cryolipolysis lead to skin tightening? A first report of cryodermadstringo. Aesthet Surg J 34(6):NP32–NP34CrossRefPubMed Stevens WG (2014) Does cryolipolysis lead to skin tightening? A first report of cryodermadstringo. Aesthet Surg J 34(6):NP32–NP34CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Carruthers JD, Humphrey S, Rivers JK (2017) Cryolipolysis for reduction of arm fat: safety and efficacy of a prototype coolcup applicator with flat contour. Dermatol Surg 43(7):940–949CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Carruthers JD, Humphrey S, Rivers JK (2017) Cryolipolysis for reduction of arm fat: safety and efficacy of a prototype coolcup applicator with flat contour. Dermatol Surg 43(7):940–949CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
5.
go back to reference Sugawara J et al (2017) Application for lower facial fat reduction and tightening by static type monopolar 1-MHz radio frequency for body contouring. Lasers Surg Med 49(8):750–755CrossRefPubMed Sugawara J et al (2017) Application for lower facial fat reduction and tightening by static type monopolar 1-MHz radio frequency for body contouring. Lasers Surg Med 49(8):750–755CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Wu DC et al (2016) Subdermal radiofrequency for skin tightening of the posterior upper arms. Dermatol Surg 42(9):1089–1093CrossRefPubMed Wu DC et al (2016) Subdermal radiofrequency for skin tightening of the posterior upper arms. Dermatol Surg 42(9):1089–1093CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Alster TS, Tanzi EL (2012) Noninvasive lifting of arm, thigh, and knee skin with transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound. Dermatol Surg 38(5):754–759CrossRefPubMed Alster TS, Tanzi EL (2012) Noninvasive lifting of arm, thigh, and knee skin with transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound. Dermatol Surg 38(5):754–759CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK (2019) Utilisation of cryolipolysis among asians: a review on efficacy and safety. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 7(9):1548–1554CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK (2019) Utilisation of cryolipolysis among asians: a review on efficacy and safety. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 7(9):1548–1554CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
9.
go back to reference Chia CT et al (2015) Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction compared with aggressive superficial, subdermal liposuction of the arms: a bilateral quantitative comparison. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 3(7):e459CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Chia CT et al (2015) Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction compared with aggressive superficial, subdermal liposuction of the arms: a bilateral quantitative comparison. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 3(7):e459CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
10.
go back to reference Leclere FM et al (2015) Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades I and II: a prospective study of 45 patients. Lasers Med Sci 30(3):1053–1059CrossRefPubMed Leclere FM et al (2015) Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades I and II: a prospective study of 45 patients. Lasers Med Sci 30(3):1053–1059CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Nilforoushzadeh MA et al (2023) Efficacy of endolift laser for arm and under abdomen fat reduction. J Cosmet Dermatol 22(7):2018–2022CrossRefPubMed Nilforoushzadeh MA et al (2023) Efficacy of endolift laser for arm and under abdomen fat reduction. J Cosmet Dermatol 22(7):2018–2022CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Katz B, Doherty S (2018) Safety and efficacy of a noninvasive 1,060-nm diode laser for fat reduction of the flanks. Dermatol Surg 44(3):388–396CrossRefPubMed Katz B, Doherty S (2018) Safety and efficacy of a noninvasive 1,060-nm diode laser for fat reduction of the flanks. Dermatol Surg 44(3):388–396CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Apfelberg DB (1996) Results of multicenter study of laser-assisted liposuction. Clin Plast Surg 23(4):713–719CrossRefPubMed Apfelberg DB (1996) Results of multicenter study of laser-assisted liposuction. Clin Plast Surg 23(4):713–719CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Shermak MA (2014) Aesthetic refinements in body contouring in the massive weight loss patient: part 2. Arms. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(5):726e–735eCrossRefPubMed Shermak MA (2014) Aesthetic refinements in body contouring in the massive weight loss patient: part 2. Arms. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(5):726e–735eCrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Nagrath N, Winters R (2023) Brachioplasty. In: StatPearls. 2023: Treasure Island, FL Nagrath N, Winters R (2023) Brachioplasty. In: StatPearls. 2023: Treasure Island, FL
16.
go back to reference Sergesketter AR, Erdmann D (2022) A personal approach to brachioplasty. Ann Plast Surg 88(5 Suppl 5):S433–S438CrossRefPubMed Sergesketter AR, Erdmann D (2022) A personal approach to brachioplasty. Ann Plast Surg 88(5 Suppl 5):S433–S438CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference (2022) Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics 2020–2021. Aesthet Surg J 42(Suppl 1):1-18 (2022) Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics 2020–2021. Aesthet Surg J 42(Suppl 1):1-18
18.
go back to reference Hoyos A, Perez M (2012) Arm dynamic definition by liposculpture and fat grafting. Aesthet Surg J 32(8):974–987CrossRefPubMed Hoyos A, Perez M (2012) Arm dynamic definition by liposculpture and fat grafting. Aesthet Surg J 32(8):974–987CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Hong JY et al (2020) Efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound for noninvasive abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. Dermatol Surg 46(2):213–219CrossRefPubMed Hong JY et al (2020) Efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound for noninvasive abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. Dermatol Surg 46(2):213–219CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Duncan DI (2012) Improving outcomes in upper arm liposuction: adding radiofrequency-assisted liposuction to induce skin contraction. Aesthet Surg J 32(1):84–95CrossRefPubMed Duncan DI (2012) Improving outcomes in upper arm liposuction: adding radiofrequency-assisted liposuction to induce skin contraction. Aesthet Surg J 32(1):84–95CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Paul M, Mulholland RS (2009) A new approach for adipose tissue treatment and body contouring using radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. Aesthetic Plast Surg 33(5):687–694CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Paul M, Mulholland RS (2009) A new approach for adipose tissue treatment and body contouring using radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. Aesthetic Plast Surg 33(5):687–694CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
go back to reference Klein JA (1990) Tumescent technique for regional anesthesia permits lidocaine doses of 35 mg/kg for liposuction. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16(3):248–263CrossRefPubMed Klein JA (1990) Tumescent technique for regional anesthesia permits lidocaine doses of 35 mg/kg for liposuction. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16(3):248–263CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Collins PS, Moyer KE (2018) Evidence-based practice in liposuction. Ann Plast Surg 80(6S Suppl 6):S403–S405CrossRefPubMed Collins PS, Moyer KE (2018) Evidence-based practice in liposuction. Ann Plast Surg 80(6S Suppl 6):S403–S405CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Holt NF (2017) Tumescent anaesthesia: its applications and well tolerated use in the out-of-operating room setting. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 30(4):518–524CrossRefPubMed Holt NF (2017) Tumescent anaesthesia: its applications and well tolerated use in the out-of-operating room setting. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 30(4):518–524CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Hong YG et al (2012) Three-dimensional circumferential liposuction of the overweight or obese upper arm. Aesthetic Plast Surg 36(3):497–503CrossRefPubMed Hong YG et al (2012) Three-dimensional circumferential liposuction of the overweight or obese upper arm. Aesthetic Plast Surg 36(3):497–503CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Deng M, Gu Y, Lei H, Liu Z, Ma G (2014) Application of adjacent aesthetic unit combined liposuction in upper arm. Chin J Plast Surg 30(6):439–442 Deng M, Gu Y, Lei H, Liu Z, Ma G (2014) Application of adjacent aesthetic unit combined liposuction in upper arm. Chin J Plast Surg 30(6):439–442
29.
go back to reference Gu Y et al (2021) Application of a proposed multi-positional circumferential arm liposuction method and quantification of its clinical efficacy evaluation. Aesthetic Plast Surg 45(3):1115–1124CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Gu Y et al (2021) Application of a proposed multi-positional circumferential arm liposuction method and quantification of its clinical efficacy evaluation. Aesthetic Plast Surg 45(3):1115–1124CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
30.
go back to reference Garibyan L et al (2014) Three-dimensional volumetric quantification of fat loss following cryolipolysis. Lasers Surg Med 46(2):75–80CrossRefPubMed Garibyan L et al (2014) Three-dimensional volumetric quantification of fat loss following cryolipolysis. Lasers Surg Med 46(2):75–80CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Leclere FM et al (2016) Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades III and IV: a prospective study involving 22 patients. Plast Surg (Oakv) 24(1):35–40CrossRefPubMed Leclere FM et al (2016) Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades III and IV: a prospective study involving 22 patients. Plast Surg (Oakv) 24(1):35–40CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Clinical Efficacy Analysis of Circumferential Upper Arm Liposuction with Double Incision: A Study of 496 Cases
Authors
Yuzhao Liu
Wei Han
Qiangzhen Deng
Jingling Lv
Hangyuan He
Yongjun Liang
Jinwen Liu
Guoliang Shen
Publication date
30-03-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Print ISSN: 0364-216X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5241
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03875-9