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. 2023 Dec;47(6):2495-2501.
doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03452-6. Epub 2023 Jun 14.

Use of Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (BodyTite) for Upper Arms Lifting

Matilde Tettamanzi  1 , Nicola Pili  2 , Manuela Rodio  2 , Pietro Luciano Serra  2 , Claudia Trignano  3 , Corrado Rubino  2 , Emilio Trignano  2
Affiliations

Use of Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (BodyTite) for Upper Arms Lifting

Matilde Tettamanzi et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Body contouring surgery is increasingly requested by patients, both for aesthetic and post-bariatric purposes. There has also been a rapid increase in demand for noninvasive aesthetic treatments. While brachioplasty is burdened by numerous complications and unsatisfactory scars, and conventional liposuction is unsuitable for all patients, nonsurgical arm remodeling performed with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) allows to effectively treat most of patients, regardless of the amount of fat and ptosis of the skin and avoiding surgical excision.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 consecutive patients who presented to the author's private clinic and required upper arm remodeling surgery for aesthetic purposes or after weight loss. Patients were classified according to the modified classification of El Khatib and Teimourian. Pre- and posttreatment upper arm circumferences were taken after 6 months of follow-up to assess the degree of skin retraction obtained by treating the arm with RFAL. A satisfaction questionnaire regarding the appearance of the arms (Body-Q upper arm satisfaction) was administered to all patients before surgery and after 6 months of follow-up.

Results: All patients were effectively treated with RFAL, and no cases required conversion to brachioplasty. The average reduction in arm circumference was 3.75 cm at 6 months follow-up, and patients' satisfaction increased from 35 to 87% posttreatment.

Conclusions: Radio frequency is a valid tool to treat most patients with upper limbs skin laxity, with significant aesthetic results and a high degree of patient satisfaction, regardless of the degree of skin ptosis and lipodystrophy of the arm.

Level of evidence iv: 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 .

Keywords: BodyTite; Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction; Tumescent local anesthesia; Upper arms lifting.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Preoperative view. b Postoperative view after 6 months
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Preoperative view. b Postoperative view after 6 months
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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