Impact of Laser Lipolysis With and Without Liposuction on Arm Circumference: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) for arm fat reduction has gained popularity compared with traditional liposuction. The authors of this study aim to quantify changes in arm circumference through LAL and compare outcomes between treatments with and without suction. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review was conducted from inception until May 2024, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata. Mean differences in arm circumference were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Out of 135 screened studies, 7 were included in the analysis. The pooled arm circumference reduction (n = 199) was 2.95 cm (P < .001, 95% CI, 1.50-4.41). Subgroup analysis revealed that the reduction with suction was 3.39 cm (P = .078, 95% CI, -0.38 to 7.16), and without suction, it was 2.04 cm (P = .022, 95% CI, 0.30-3.78). Overall, both clinicians and patients reported high satisfaction levels with the treatment, although satisfaction was notably lower among patients with more advanced conditions. Reported complications were mild and transient, including instances of ecchymosis and prolonged edema. Although the current evidence is limited by small sample size, the safety profile of LAL is favorable and the outcomes are promising. Further studies are needed to validate these findings. Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic).