Summary
Performing procedures to reshape the arm needs an understanding of the aesthetic arm deformity and its causes. Brachioplasty, liposuction, and non-invasive body shaping may all be used for arm shaping or contouring. Upper extremity liposuction is appropriate for younger patients with fatty collections and good skin quality. Women interested in shaping the arm who would like to improve along the deltoid region and over the triceps are good candidates for liposuction of the arm. Skin is relatively thin in the arm, so skin retraction is less likely in the standard patient than abdomen or back. Skin laxity is possible after liposuction, and if this is anticipated, it is best to discuss the potential need for second-stage skin removal. Liposuction treatment is often weighed against arm lift with the possibility of a visible scar. Weight loss leads to variable degrees of skin redundancy. Some patients receive help from a minimal incision arm lift.
In contrast, others receive help from traditional arm lifts, and others have so much laxity that the arm lift needs to be extended beyond the axilla along the lateral chest wall. There is an increasing number of transcutaneous energy delivery devices currently available. They are classified according to the type of energy they deliver to their target—mechanical (e.g., suction, massage), radiofrequency, ultrasound, cryolipolysis, and laser.
Performing procedures to reshape the arm needs an understanding of the aesthetic arm deformity and its causes. Brachioplasty, liposuction, and non-invasive body shaping may all be used for arm shaping or contouring. Upper extremity liposuction is appropriate for younger patients with fatty collections and good skin quality. Women interested in shaping the arm who would like to improve along the deltoid region and over the triceps are good candidates for liposuction of the arm. Skin is relatively thin in the arm, so skin retraction is less likely in the standard patient than abdomen or back. Skin laxity is possible after liposuction, and if this is anticipated, it is best to discuss the potential need for second-stage skin removal. Liposuction treatment is often weighed against arm lift with the possibility of a visible scar. Weight loss leads to variable degrees of skin redundancy. Some patients receive help from a minimal incision arm lift. In contrast, others receive help from traditional arm lifts, and others have so much laxity that the arm lift needs to be extended beyond the axilla along the lateral chest wall.
Arm Lift Surgery
The use of arm lifts is rapidly increasing. Tremendous variability in presentation has led to different types of arm recontouring. From suction-assisted lipectomy, for appropriate candidates, to minimal incision arm lift and a more extensive arm lift procedure, the objective is to reproduce a proportional and functional proportional and functional arm contour. Patient selection, preoperative assessment, and a clear understanding of the arm’s anatomical features are paramount. Preoperatively designed markings of four significant groups of arm lift-minimal incision, standard, extensive, and chest-arm lift are based on the position and proximal and distal involvement of excess skin and fat and preferred scar position. Selective ancillary procedures, such as breast recontouring and upper body lifts, can be helpful to adjuncts to arm lifts.
Upper extremity liposuction is appropriate for younger patients with fatty collections and good skin quality. Women request this procedure than men. Skin is relatively thin in the arm, so skin retraction is less likely in the standard patient than abdomen or back. Skin laxity is possible after liposuction, and if this is anticipated, it is best to discuss the potential need for second-stage skin removal. Arm Liposuction treatment is often weighed against arm lift with the possibility of a visible scar. While liposuction reduces bulk and improves the contour of the arm, it cannot adequately treat skin redundancy. Liposuction in the arm is challenging, finding the balance between removing subcutaneous fat to uncover a more muscular physique without removing so much that there is resulting skin redundancy. Today, non-invasive options are performed as an adjunct to liposuction to enhance the completeness of fat removal, the evenness of the result, and aid in skin tightening and smoothing.
When a person loses a significant amount of weight through gastric bypass, lap band surgery, post-pregnancy, or diet and exercise, they can be left with an abundance of excess skin that cannot possibly conform to their body’s new contours. The loose skin makes it difficult to feel confident, fit into clothing, and or it may get in the way of maintaining personal hygiene and cause rashes and skin infections. In this case, a body lift will remove excess skin, help to repair and adjust the contour of underlying tissues, and remove any excess fat that may remain. While this surgical procedure can be applied to the entire body, it may be limited to the arms, breasts, chest, and middle back (upper body lift). Upper-body-lift surgery may consist of one or several procedures, including an upper arm lift, breast lift (or gynecomastia), or surgery to remove fat rolls along the back. Loose, sagging skin resulting from dramatic weight loss or after liposuction is removed to create a tighter and smoother contour, improving your profile and leading to renewed self-confidence.
There is an increasing number of transcutaneous energy delivery devices currently available. They are classified according to the type of energy they deliver to their target—mechanical (e.g., suction, massage), radiofrequency, ultrasound, cryolipolysis, and laser.
Nonsurgical Fat Reduction
Unwanted local fat deposits negatively affect body shape and image. Diets, exercise, medications and/, liposuction, or gastric surgeries may effectively control obesity. Surgical or minimally invasive body shaping can dramatically improve the shape and proportion of your body, enhancing your appearance and boosting your self-confidence. For patients who require minor improvement or are unwilling or unable to undergo a surgical procedure, nonsurgical fat reduction is an alternative for surgical procedures. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive options for fat reduction use various modalities, including freezing, ultrasound, radiofrequency, infrared light, vacuum massage, and injectable medication. Realistic expectations on the part of patients and the appropriate application of technologies by surgeons are the key to achieving patients’ aesthetic goals.
Radiofrequency Skin Treatment
Minimally invasive procedures to tighten and lift skin give natural results with minimal risk and recovery time. Monopolar radiofrequency deliver a high-frequency electric current—tissue resistance to electrical current, results in volumetric heating to the deep dermis and underlying tissue. The resulting heat leads to immediate collagen contraction and a delayed wound healing response, with new collagen formation up to 4 to 6-month post-treatment. The FDA initially approved monopolar radiofrequency (RF) devices to treat periorbital wrinkles. Since then, they have been used to treat laxity of the forehead, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette, lines, jawline, and neck. Although the results of RF are not as dramatic as a facelift, over 90% of patients obtain noticeable tightening of the treated areas, and it never looks “pulled.” Another benefit of radiofrequency is its ability to reduce fat and tighten the skin by directing energy to target collagen. For example, a patient with flabby upper arms may have more loose skin than fat in this area. In this instance, Prof Moawad might use radiofrequency to tighten the skin first and then remove excess fat. However, if he determines that there is fat primarily in an area, he will remove the fat first and then tighten the skin afterward. “Radiofrequency is a very versatile procedure that can be used on any area of the body – from large areas like the abdomen to minimal areas such as the chin – with the same degree of success.
Stretch Marks Treatment
Many things change after you have a baby: schedules, sleep time, and a sense of freedom, to name a few. Along with, there are many physical changes you’ll see. Chief among them is stretch marks. Stretch marks or striae are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue. Stretch Marks are the result of the dermal tear, which over time may diminish, but will not disappear completely. Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding, hormonal replacement therapy, etc. Stretch marks formed during pregnancy, usually during the last trimester. It generally appears on the belly and commonly on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks. For the treatment of red stretch marks, clinicians may consider the PDL, 1,064-nm Nd: YAG laser, and 532-nm KTP laser, which would likely improve the redness (vascular component) of red stretch marks. Recently, several emerging treatment modalities, including fractionated micro-needling RF, ultrasound, and PRP and micro-needling, have reported good clinical improvement of stretch marks. Stretch marks prevention and treatment stay a clinical challenge. Physicians should set realistic expectations with patients seeking stretch marks treatment and informing patients that the appearance and texture of stretch marks may improve but will not completely resolve to be an integral part of setting these expectations.
