An algorithmic approach to upper arm contouring.

There has been a renewed interest in upper arm contouring given the recent advances and subsequent patient interest in weight loss. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery are often left with a significant amount of redundant skin and laxity of their upper extremity. Some patients within this group have excess fat in their upper arms with relatively good skin tone, while others have a paucity of excess fat with a significant amount of redundant skin. The optimal treatment for each patient can vary. A clinical algorithm is presented that is designed to select the best method for upper arm contouring based on the aesthetic analysis of the upper arm. Case examples are provided demonstrating results that were obtained by following this algorithm.