Argon Plasma-Assisted Liposuction for Arm Contouring: Safety, Efficacy, and Skin Tightening Outcomes

Brachioplasty remains the gold standard for addressing excess skin on the arms. However, because of visible scarring and potential complications, new technologies have been explored to enhance skin tightening in combination with liposuction.

The authors of this study evaluate the safety and efficacy of argon plasma-assisted liposuction (APAL) for upper-arm contouring by quantifying changes in ptosis reduction, arm diameter, and skin elasticity.

Fifteen patients (30 arms) were included in the study. All patients underwent power-assisted liposuction combined with argon plasma at 50 W for 3 min per arm. Follow-ups were conducted at 10, 30, and 180 days postprocedure. Cutaneous temperature was measured before treatment and at 1 and 5 min after argon plasma application. The variables assessed at the maximal point of convexity of the abducted arm included thickness (measured through ultrasound), ptosis, diameter (measured using a 3-dimensional camera), and elasticity (measured with a Cutometer). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the ARM-Q test.

Compared with preoperative levels, there was a significant reduction in all parameters (ptosis, diameter, thickness, and skin elasticity) at each follow-up point. Results stabilized from Day 30 onward. By the end of the study, the mean reduction was 29% for ptosis, 15% for diameter, and 42.7% for thickness. Patient satisfaction (ARM-Q) was notably high, with an average increase from 1.6 to 3 (85%). No major complications were observed, and skin heating remained within a safe threshold.

APAL may be a safe and effective technique for upper-arm contouring, particularly in patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity.