Arm liposuction story for those seeking an appearance between bony and straight arms
Hello, this is Dr. Choi Pyongrim
from Lesarts Plastic Surgery.
The arm line is a crucial area that determines
the overall body balance, which is why
many people naturally worry about it.
In arm liposuction consultations, the most
common request we hear is: “I don’t want
arms that are too thin like bony arms,
but please make them look smooth
with a natural straight line.”
If too much fat is removed, the arms
look skeletal and unnatural. Conversely,
if not enough is removed, the change is minimal,
so proper volume adjustment and delicate line correction
are the most important aspects of arm liposuction.
At Lesarts, we consider the anatomical features
of the arms and individual body balance
to create customized arm liposuction, achieving
even the subtle sensation of an appearance between
bony arms and straight arms.
In this article, I will explain from a physician’s perspective
why line design is so important in arm liposuction
and how we achieve natural results.
The arms are a small but noticeable area.
Simply reducing fat does not guarantee good results.
It is essential to consider skin elasticity, fat distribution,
muscle lines, and nerve/lymph structures
to create a natural contour.
Therefore, during liposuction, anatomical understanding
and design points must be well connected.
Anatomical understanding (critical points!!)
1. Fat distribution (Where does it accumulate?)
The largest subcutaneous fat deposits in the upper arm
are often concentrated in the posterior/extensor compartment.
This is commonly referred to as the back bulge.
Fat on the anterior side (over the biceps)
can be relatively more fibrotic.
If this distribution is not understood,
it is easy to create localized imbalances
and irregularities.
2. Skin elasticity and the role of “residual” fat
If the skin is elastic, the amount of fat removal
can be planned more aggressively.
However, if skin elasticity is severely reduced
due to aging or significant weight loss,
simply removing fat can make loose skin
more noticeable, creating an aesthetic disadvantage.
In such cases, combining arm lift surgery
with liposuction should be considered,
rather than performing liposuction alone.
3. Identification of nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics
The sensory nerves running along the medial upper arm
travel just beneath the skin.
These nerves can be damaged if the incision placement
is inaccurate or if excessive superficial suction is performed,
which may result in sensory loss, so caution is required.
Additionally, when performing suction near the armpit
where blood vessels and lymph nodes are concentrated,
it is important to minimize the risk of hematoma
and lymphatic circulation disturbances.
4. Depth differentiation – superficial vs. deep
Subcutaneous fat is divided into superficial and deep layers.
Excessive removal of the superficial layer can easily
cause irregularities and unevenness.
Primarily, the deep layer should be addressed,
while the superficial layer requires a delicate approach.
– Arm Liposuction Design Points –
1) Setting the overall silhouette goal
-Maintain the axis (shoulder → elbow) proportion:
Observe the line from shoulder to upper arm to elbow,
and design the mid-arm to taper naturally.
-Avoid excessive conical shape:
To prevent a distorted thin appearance, leave
a slight residual volume along the line from mid-arm to elbow.
2) Approach by specific areas
-Posterior (back bulge) area:
This is where most fat is concentrated.
Even fat removal here has the greatest impact on improving the silhouette.
-Anterior (biceps) area:
The skin is often thin and fat may be fibrotic.
Excessive superficial manipulation increases the risk of irregularities.
Focus on the deep layer and proceed delicately.
-Axillary (armpit) area:
Smoothly connect the extended armpit area
to create a natural boundary after surgery.
3) Designing residual fat considering skin elasticity
– Arm Liposuction Patient Case Analysis –
Patient information: mid-20s female, 165 cm / 60 kg, BMI 22
[Surgical scope and direction]
Full arm liposuction including the armpit area
*Patient wants: maximum fat removal while
maintaining a natural straight arm line
Pre- and post-operative photo comparison
(Pre-op / 5 months post-op)
Dr. Pyongrim Choi at Lesarts – Arm Liposuction Before and After Comparison – Front View
Dr. Pyongrim Choi at Lesarts – Arm Liposuction Before and After Comparison – Back View
Arms at Attention – Front and Back View –
Fat in the back bulge area has been removed,
creating a natural straight arm line.
Fat around the elbow has been smoothed,
minimizing distorted curves.
Dr. Pyongrim Choi at Lesarts – Before and After Arm Liposuction Comparison – Front View with Arms Raised
Dr. Pyongrim Choi at Lesarts – Before and After Arm Liposuction Comparison – Back View with Arms Raised
Arms Raised – Front and Back View –
Fat removal from the front (biceps) area was minimized,
while the sagging fat (bra strap area) was completely removed,
creating a natural muscle silhouette without exaggerated contours.
Dr. Pyongrim Choi at Lesarts – Before and After Arm Liposuction Comparison – Semi Sdie View
Arms at Attention – Semi-Side View –
Fat removal at the hollow area where
the upper arm meets the elbow was minimized,
resulting in a slim, straight line
without exaggerated curves.
An important aspect of arm liposuction
is not simply removing a lot of fat.
It is essential to plan the surgery
considering the arm’s overall proportions,
muscle mass, skin elasticity, and individual body characteristics.
Our clinic focuses on creating delicate lines,
not by excessively thinning the arms to look “bony,”
but by achieving a natural, straight arm line
and a soft, feminine silhouette.
With arm liposuction that removes flaws
and maximizes strengths, achieving the arm line
that suits you best requires an accurate analysis
of arm structure and fat distribution
to properly plan the procedure.
Our goal is to create a “balanced arm line”
that fits your body shape perfectly.
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