A Retrospective Analysis of Upper Arm Rejuvenation Surgery in 50 Patients
Jinglin Zhu, Fangning Zhao, Facheng Li- General Medicine
- Surgery
Abstract
Background
Upper arm aesthetics often suffer from aging effects like skin laxity and sagging due to collagen and elastin depletion. Fat loss, obesity, and weight fluctuations further exacerbate these issues. Existing classification systems for upper arm excess are complex and have practical limitations.
Objectives
To develop a more concise and clear classification of upper arm excess that can guide surgical interventions effectively and assess clinical outcomes.
Methods
Patients undergoing upper arm rejuvenation surgery from January 2020 to January 2023 were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. Mild cases underwent suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), moderate cases underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) combined with SAL, and severe cases underwent brachioplasty combined with SAL. Arm circumferences and BODY-Q questionnaire were collected pre- and post-operatively.
Results
The study included 50 female patients, aged 21-49. The average follow-up time was 7.5±2.2 months. Arm circumference reduction rates were 6.8% in mild cases, 15.1% in moderate, and 17.3% in severe. Regarding the BODY-Q questionnaire for upper arms, the average score increased by 0.9 for mild, 2.1 for moderate, and 2.9 for severe cases. Complications were minimal, including one seroma and two cases of scar widening.
Conclusions
The revised classification system for upper arm excess proved effective in guiding surgical decisions. Different surgical approaches based on severity—SAL for mild cases, SAL combined with RFAL for moderate, and SAL with brachioplasty for severe—resulted in satisfactory outcomes, as indicated by BODY-Q scores. This system offers a concise, objective, and practical tool for plastic surgeons.