Outcomes of Combined Liposuction/Laser Skin Tightening versus Open Suction-Assisted Brachioplasty in Moderate Arm Ptosis

Background: Only a few studies have directly compared outcomes of different arm contouring techniques across matched cohorts of patients. In this study, the authors present preliminary data comparing outcomes of conventional open suction-assisted brachioplasty (using the Pascal and Le Louarn procedure) versus combined liposuction/laser skin tightening in (grade 2b arm ptosis per El Khatib classification). Methods: Thirty patients (60 arms) (28 women, two men) with moderate brachial ptosis (severe upper arm adiposity and a moderate degree of skin laxity) (grade 2b arm ptosis per El Khatib classification) were included. Objective and subjective measures were used in the assessment of results. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in objective measurements (arm circumference reduction ratio and percentage of ptosis elimination) between the groups. Patient satisfaction scores were higher with liposuction/laser skin tightening and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Patients in this latter cohort reported less pain and earlier return to work (mean less than a week) (p < 0.05). Four patients complained of residual ptosis in each group. Conclusions: Liposuction/laser skin tightening is a safe and effective alternative to open suction-assisted brachioplasty (using the Pascal and Le Louarn technique) in patients with severe arm adiposity and moderate brachial ptosis (grade 2b arm ptosis as described by El Khatib classification). Proper patient selection remains critical for the success of this treatment strategy and requires precise clinical analysis as described. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.