The Trend of ‘Bone-Thin Arms’: Popularity of Arm Liposuction — But It Can Make Arms Look Saggy if Done Excessively

As the trend of wanting an extremely slim body, known as ‘bone-thin’ or ‘skeletal’ look, continues, more people are seeking so-called ‘bone arms’ where the bones of the arms appear prominent.

Recently, YouTube and blogs have frequently featured reviews of arm liposuction, with many praising the results of achieving ‘bone-thin arms.’ Those considering or having undergone the procedure cite reasons such as “even slim body types need liposuction,” “I’m stressed about my arms not having clean lines,” and “I really want bone-thin arms.” Some clinics promote this by advertising phrases like “We’ll create your bone-thin arm line” or “Get celebrity-level arm lines.”

However, many online commenters express concerns, saying things like “Extremely thin bodies can seriously harm health,” and “Prominent bones look unnatural or eerie.” Here, we explore what arm liposuction to create ‘bone-thin arms’ involves and what precautions to take.

Arms Tend to Accumulate Fat More Easily Than Other Areas

Dr. Insoo Kwak of Oneul Plastic Surgery explains that arm liposuction has been gaining popularity for quite some time. The upper arm tends to accumulate fat more easily compared to other parts because it’s used less frequently and has relatively poor blood circulation. Moreover, as people age, collagen in the skin decreases and muscle mass declines, causing skin elasticity to drop and upper arm fat to become more noticeable.

Arm liposuction is performed similarly to other areas. The procedure uses suction devices to remove fat, sometimes using ultrasound to liquefy fat cells before suctioning them out. Dr. Kwak notes, “Fat cells are loosely connected compared to other tissue cells, so they can be removed simply by suction.” He adds, “To reduce bleeding, a tumescent anesthesia solution containing vasoconstrictors is injected into the fat layer, and then a thin cannula (a blunt-ended tube) is used to suction out the fat.”

Excessive Slimming Can Cause Loss of Skin Elasticity

Before proceeding with arm liposuction, a ‘pinch test’ is performed, where the surgeon pinches the fat in the area to estimate how much fat is present. Dr. Kwak advises, “If the pinched fat thickness exceeds 8mm, liposuction can be safely performed.” However, very thin individuals should be cautious. “If the fat layer is minimal or skin elasticity is poor, removing too much fat can cause the arms to lose firmness and appear saggy,” he warns. “It is important to carefully assess how much subcutaneous fat is present and decide the amount to remove accordingly.”

Possible side effects of arm liposuction include bleeding, bruising, uneven or hardened skin texture. After the procedure, patients should move carefully for 2 to 3 days. Dr. Kwak recommends, “Once most swelling subsides, stretching and exercise help restore skin elasticity in the treated area.”

Alternatives: Fat-Dissolving Injections

Some people prefer fat-dissolving injections instead of liposuction to reduce stubborn fat. These injections use substances that break down fat cells and are helpful for localized fat removal. They don’t require anesthesia and tend to cause less pain or bruising compared to liposuction. However, fat-dissolving injections can still cause swelling, bruising, and fat atrophy, so caution is needed. Whether liposuction or injections, it is best to consult experienced specialists thoroughly before undergoing treatment.