Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture PART III. The Arms: Biceps, Triceps, and Deltoids

Abstract

Background: Arm contouring usually represents a challenge for the surgeon due to zones with high risk of irregularities/asymmetries, the variable degree of skin laxity, and the differences between patient/gender preferences. In men, the bigger and muscular the arms the better, while women tend to prefer a slim and soft silhouette. Methods: We performed arm cadaveric dissections and also searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the arm in addition to HD2, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: Two hundred eighty-nine consecutive patients (275 men and 14 women) underwent high-definition lipoplasty/HD2 plus fat grafting of the biceps (72 muscles), the triceps (46 muscles), the deltoids (426 muscles), or a combination of them. Mean age was 39 and 36 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 30-150 ml. No major complications were reported. Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 24 months. Most patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Men usually seek an overall well-toned and muscular extremity, while women tend to prefer a slim but also athletic contour. Such outcomes can be achieved through intramuscular fat grafting of the biceps, triceps, and deltoids. The proper recognition of the pedicles and a precise surgical technique will ensure both its safety and the reproducibility of the results.

Variable Energy and Ultrasound–based Liposculpture of the Arms: Multicenter and Multidevice Study

“…This finding further supports the significant benefits of both technologies for arm contouring and muscular definition. 2,4,12,19,28 Interestingly, the use of any technology in addition to VASER and MicroAire (such as Renuvion, BodyTite, or Laser) was associated with a higher incidence of complications ( P < 0.05). However, after considering the practical significance (effect size), only BodyTite and laser showed a slightly different yet not statistically significant rate of complications, which can be attributed to the skewed distribution toward these specific devices (most patients underwent either of these two technologies).…”

“…However, those that remain after initial treatment are the ones that usually require intralesional injection of enzymatic/anti-inflammatory medication and extensive follow-up. 1 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 28 , 34 Other complications of arm contouring include overresection, burns, asymmetry, and contour defects, all of which can be treated with reoperative procedures (lipoinjection, liposhifting, and equalization).…”

Ultrasound-guided Fat Graft of the Obliques–Serratus Complex

“…In particular, the ability of fat stem cells in a stimulating and proactive environment to promote tissue regeneration and maturation through the active participation of growth factors, and the differentiation of latent cells into active cells have been demonstrated. [12][13][14][15][16] At present, an increase in the use of autologous fat transfer for muscle tissue augmentation has paralleled the growing popularity of liposuction for body contouring. This creates an inexpensive and readily available product for lipografting, which is the application of liposuctioned material.…”

“…In particular, the ability of fat stem cells in a stimulating and proactive environment to promote tissue regeneration and maturation through the active participation of growth factors, and the differentiation of latent cells into active cells have been demonstrated. 12–16…”