Fat grafting as adjuvant to reduce scars in arm

Abstract

Aim: Brachioplasty in patients who are normal weight, with moderate skin excess and who are not accepting long scars, remains a challenge for plastic surgeons.

Methods: We present our experience in 47 patients with short scar brachioplasty in combination with posterolateral liposuction, fascia anchoring and fat grafting in the inferomedial arm in order to improve skin quality and correct minor irregularities. Patients’ satisfaction rates were evaluated after 3 and 6 months following the procedure.

Results: Patients (groups IIa, IIb and IIIa according to Rohrich classification) showed high satisfaction rates with the result both after 3 and 6 months after the procedure. The results were maintained. There were 2 cases (4.2%) of isolated wound dehiscence occurred, which were all resolved conservatively with dressings and antibiotics.

Conclusion: The technique presented in this paper has shown to be an easy and effective solution for a diverse selection of patients suffering brachial lipodystrophy. Limited scar brachioplasty only has specific applications, and should not be considered a replacement for traditional brachioplasty.

Keywords

Arm lift / brachioplasty / fat grafting / lipodystrophy

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