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Page 6 of 7 Andjelkov et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2018;5:18 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2017.96

A

B

Figure 5. A 67-year-old patient, before (A) and 1 year after (B) short scar arm lift in combination with fat grafting

direction, whereas as those procedures extending across the brachial sulcus towards the elbow can address
[14]
skin excess in both a longitudinal and transverse plane . Therefore this discussed technique can falter in
accommodating patients with high skin excess. This emphasises the importance of patient selection.

Relatively high satisfaction rate after 6 months for the group III confirms the use of this surgical procedure
as an option for selected cases within this group, especially when patients do not accept long scars.

In addition to the importance of patient selection in the success of this procedure, careful pre-operative
[11]
assessment and appropriate skin markings are decisive . With appropriate attention to these factors, the
final aesthetic result should satisfy patient demands [Figure 5].

Major weight-loss patients are not good candidates for this surgery because of poor skin contraction
potential. That is why they were not included in this study.

In conclusion, this modified short scar brachioplasty technique, as proposed by the authors, has
demonstrated its invaluable place among upper extermity contouring armaentarium. The technique has
shown to be an easy and effective solution for a diverse selection of patients suffering brachial lipodystrophy
(IIa, IIb, IIIa). Patients classified in groups IIa and IIb reported high acceptance and satisfaction rates. When
considering its application to a group IIIa patients, it is necessary to explain in detail its limited application
in achieving satisfactory reduced brachial sagging. The technique discussed offers further refinement in the
development of upper extremity contouring. Limited scar brachioplasty only has specific applications, and
should not be considered a replacement for traditional brachioplasty [14,15] .

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Principal surgeon and the first author of the paper: Andjelkov K
Participated in data research, writing and processing the data: Atkinson CJ

Data source and availability
This is a retrospective study. Patients’ data were collected from their protocols. All patients were operated in
“Hospital Colic”, Belgrade, Serbia.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.