Ms. Thuy lost over 20 kg after childbirth, now weighing 60 kg. However, her upper arms remained large despite consistent exercise, massage, and using various creams advertised to dissolve fat.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Head of the Dermatology - Aesthetic Dermatology Unit at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, observed localized fat in Ms. Thuy's upper arms, noting good skin quality with no significant sagging. As Ms. Thuy preferred a non-surgical approach, the doctor recommended High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment.

HIFU technology utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to create controlled thermal effects in the subcutaneous tissue at a specific depth, according to Dr. Dung. This energy damages some fat cells in the targeted tissue, which the body then gradually eliminates through natural metabolism over several weeks to months. HIFU also stimulates collagen production, improving skin firmness. The method's advantages include being non-surgical, requiring no incisions, offering a short procedure time, and allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately afterward.

After approximately two weeks, Ms. Thuy's upper arms began to feel firmer, with the improvement continuing and becoming most apparent after three months of treatment. She now feels more confident wearing short-sleeved outfits.

Dr. Dung uses HIFU to firm Ms. Thuy's upper arms. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

According to Dr. Dung, exercise and a balanced diet help manage weight, reduce overall body fat, and improve health. However, localized fat reduction depends on individual fat distribution, genetics, body type, hormonal changes, or the aging process. Current research shows inconsistent evidence for selective fat reduction through exercises targeting specific body areas. Consequently, many people still experience localized fat in their upper arms, abdomen, or thighs even after significant weight loss.

Furthermore, arm size is influenced by multiple factors; not all large upper arms are due to excess weight. If large upper arms result from developed muscle mass, botox injections are a more suitable option. In cases of excessive fat accumulation, noticeable skin sagging, and a desire for substantial volume reduction in a short period, more invasive methods might be necessary.

The doctor advises against choosing fat reduction methods based solely on advertisements or social media trends. It is recommended to seek medical consultation to accurately determine the cause, receive appropriate treatment, avoid unnecessary interventions, and achieve optimal results.

Minh Huong