Medial Scar Fish-Tail Brachioplasty with Ultrasound and Power-Assisted Liposuction in Arm Ptosis

INTRODUCTION: This paper discusses the surgical outcomes and complications of the medial scar fish-tail brachioplasty technique used with UAL (LIPOSAVER, LHbiomed Co., Korea) and PAL (Microaire, USA) in treating Teimourian grade III to IV arm ptosis.
METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using patient data and chart reviews from the authors’ private cosmetic practice. It focused on patients who underwent fish-tail (FT) brachioplasty combined with UAL/PAL from October 2020 to April 2023. The study comprised 31 healthy participants. A comprehensive review of all patients’ demographic data, surgical records, complications, lipoaspirate volumes, and patient satisfaction was undertaken.
RESULTS: From October 2020 to April 2023, a total of 31 fish-tail brachioplasty procedures using UAL/PAL were carried out. The mean age was 36.3±15.2 years, the body mass index (BMI) was 27.3±4.3 kg/m², and all patients were female. Of the patients, 9 (29%) underwent isolated fish-tail brachioplasty with UAL/PAL, while 22 patients (71%) opted for additional procedures. Regarding complications, 7 patients (22.5%) experienced issues. The most common complications seen with fish-tail brachioplasty with UAL/PAL were minor wound dehiscence at the T-junction in 3 patients (9.6%), hypertrophic scar in 2 patients (6.4%), seroma in 1 patient (3.2%), and surgical site infection in 1 patient (3.2%). The overall complication rate was 22.5%.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Medial scar fish-tail brachioplasty, combined with UAL/PAL, is a safe and efficient method. This combination provides a viewpoint on defining the aesthetic components of the arm.

Keywords: Arm lift, brachioplasty, liposuction, PAL, UAL