Brachioplasty by Power-Assisted Liposuction and Fat Transfer: A Novel Approach That Obviates Skin Excision.

BACKGROUND: Current brachioplasty techniques include excisional surgery alone or in combination with liposuction. These techniques are associated with poor outcomes, such as residual contour deformities and unfavorable scarring.

OBJECTIVES: The authors proposed a new classification system and treatment algorithm for brachial ptosis and described their experience with power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling to treat brachial ptosis without excisional surgery.

METHODS: Ninety-five patients with grades 1, 2, or 3 brachial ptosis who underwent brachioplasty were evaluated in a prospective study. Power-assisted liposuction was applied to the posterior arm and para-axillary region, and power-assisted lipofilling was applied to the so-called "bicipital triangle" of the medial arm.

RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 39 years, mean body mass index was 28 kg/m(2), mean lipoaspirate volume was 240 mL per arm, and mean fat-injection volume was 110 mL per side. The mean operating time was 50 minutes, and the average follow-up period was 24 months. Hematoma developed in 2 patients who underwent brachioplasty in combination with another body contouring procedure (1 abdominal hematoma and 1 thigh hematoma; 2.1% complication rate). No other complications were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: Brachioplasty by means of power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling is a safe and reliable option that obviates excisional surgery in patients with mild to moderate brachial ptosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.