Upper arm concerns, such as excess fat and sagging skin, often referred to as “bat wings,” are common, particularly among individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or the natural effects of aging. These changes can lead to skin laxity that resists improvement through diet and exercise alone, affecting the overall contour and appearance of the arms. In the past non-surgical treatments like exercise, topical creams, Kybella, and radiofrequency or ultrasound-based therapies have addressed these issues, they often yield limited results, especially in cases of significant sagging or excess skin.
Today, more effective solutions such as arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) and LipoAI can restore a firmer, more defined arm contour. A brachioplasty involves the surgical removal of excess skin and tightening of the underlying tissue, making it ideal for patients with substantial skin laxity. In contrast, LipoAI utilizes laser energy to melt fat and stimulate collagen production, offering mild skin tightening and fat reduction with minimal downtime. While LipoAI is less invasive and suitable for those with good skin elasticity and moderate fat deposits, brachioplasty delivers more dramatic results for those with severe skin sagging.
Table of Contents
Why Upper Arm Fat Can Be Difficult to Reduce Naturally
Targeted fat loss, often called “spot reduction,” is challenging because the body burns fat all over, not just from specific areas, regardless of where you focus your exercise. Genetics, hormones, and individual fat distribution patterns largely determine where the body stores and loses fat, making it difficult to slim down a particular area like the upper arms through diet and exercise alone.
Kybella is an injectable that is used for fat reduction. It is a non-surgical option that appeals to patients seeking a less invasive alternative to liposuction.
Understanding Why Kybella Injections Were Discontinued at Bellissimo
“Kybella is outdated and limited with its results when compared to other treatment modalities we carry at Bellissimo.”
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that targets and reduces small pockets of fat. It works by using deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that breaks down fat cells, which are then gradually eliminated through the body’s natural metabolic process. Kybella treatments can involve excessive swelling, discomfort, and require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result. It is also not recommended for contouring and defining the jawline.
Dr. Antimarino now offers LipoAI as a preferred alternative, achieving better sculpting, contouring, and fat reduction for smaller areas with greater consistency and fewer sessions. Bellissimo is committed to patient education and compassionate care combined with excellent outcomes. Each consultation allows a patient to address their concerns and discuss all the various treatment options available at Bellissimo.
How Lipo AI Offers a Superior Alternative to Fat-Dissolving Injections
Laser liposuction offers several benefits over Kybella, particularly for patients seeking more immediate and noticeable fat reduction. It not only removes fat more effectively in a single session but also tightens the skin through the heat generated by the laser, which stimulates collagen production. In contrast, Kybella requires multiple treatments and is limited to small areas, with gradual results over several weeks.
LipoAI is a minimally invasive, advanced laser liposuction device used to remove smaller areas of excess fatty tissue. Dr. Antimarino chooses this device over Kybella injections because it offers greater precision and controlled contouring all over the body. The procedure is concise, with minimal recovery time.
LipoAI has minimal swelling and discomfort. Patients typically wear a dressing for the first few days, then transition to a wrap worn in the evenings to reduce any residual swelling. The results are long-lasting and more predictable compared to Kybella. LipoAI can be done quickly and safely in an office setting, delivering contouring results that often exceed those of standard liposuction or injectable treatments.
For more insight into how LipoAI is transforming body contouring, read Dr. Antimarino’s feature on Cartessa Aesthetics and NewBeauty: How GLP-1s and Laser Innovation Are Reshaping Aesthetic Treatments.
Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty): Firming and Sculpting Loose Upper Arm Skin
Brachioplasty removes the excess skin and fatty tissue of the upper arms, providing significant improvement in contour. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia at a surgery center. It typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. No drains are involved post-operatively, but patients will wear compression garments for 3–4 weeks to minimize swelling. In some cases Dr. Antimarino may recommend combining liposuction with arm lift surgery to enhance contour while tightening the skin. The ideal candidate is in good health and has excess skin or fat in the upper arms due to genetics or weight fluctuations. These patients generally desire smoother, firmer, and more contoured arms.
Recovery and Results: Lipo AI and Arm Lift vs. Deoxycholic Injections
LipoAI involves minimal swelling and discomfort. Extra-strength Tylenol is typically sufficient to manage post-procedure discomfort. Patients see noticeable improvement immediately, with final results visible at 6–8 months.
Kybella, by contrast, is associated with significantly more swelling and pain. It often requires 2–3 treatments and is limited to small treatment areas.
Arm Lift surgery offers long-term results by removing excess skin and fat. It is performed as an outpatient procedure. Post-operative pain is typically mild and resolves within a few days. Patients usually return to work within a week and resume exercise within 3 weeks.
Both LipoAI and Arm Lift procedures provide long-lasting results.
FAQs on Arm Procedures at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery
Why doesn't Bellissimo offer Kybella injections anymore?
Is Lipo AI more effective than Kybella for upper arm fat?
Can Arm Lift Surgery be combined with Liposuction
Yes. In some cases, Dr. Antimarino may recommend combining Liposuction with Arm Lift surgery (brachioplasty) to enhance contour and tighten the skin. During your consultation, a personalized plan will be created based on your skin quality and goals.
How quickly can I expect results with LipoAI?
Is recovery easier with LipoAI compared to Kybella?
Yes. Most patients experience only mild swelling and discomfort after Lipo AI, often managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Recovery is typically much easier than Kybella, which can cause extensive swelling and may require multiple sessions for noticeable results. Lipo AI allows most patients to return to normal activities quickly.
Summary & Expert Recommendations by Dr. Antimarino
Choosing an Arm Lift or LipoAI over Kybella injections offers several key advantages, especially for patients seeking immediate and noticeable results. An Arm Lift removes excess fat and tightens sagging skin, which Kybella cannot address. LipoAI provides precise contouring with some skin-tightening benefits, fewer treatment sessions, and more predictable outcomes. Both options can treat areas beyond Kybella’s limited application zones and are designed to deliver long-term, natural-looking results.
At Bellissimo Plastic Surgery, patients have access to the most advanced and effective techniques for upper arm sculpting. Whether through a surgical Arm Lift or the minimally invasive LipoAI, Dr. Antimarino and his team provide refined, personalized care that exceeds the limitations of outdated treatments like Kybella.
Schedule your consultation today to discover which solution aligns best with your goals and lifestyle.
