Stubborn arm fat and loose skin that won’t respond to exercise can undermine your confidence in sleeveless clothing. Dr. Sam Assassa, founder of Beverly Hills Aesthetics and president of the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery since 2006, developed SmartARMLift™ as a surgical alternative for patients seeking slimmer, more toned arms without extensive scars or prolonged recovery. Recognized internationally for pioneering minimally invasive body contouring techniques, Dr. Assassa has performed more non-surgical aesthetic procedures than any cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills. This laser-assisted procedure combines precise fat removal with skin tightening technology, delivered under local anesthesia at his state-of-the-art facility.
Why Dr. Assassa Created SmartARMLift™
With over two decades of experience in advanced aesthetic procedures, Dr. Assassa recognized a significant gap in treatment options for patients with mild to moderate arm concerns. “I created SmartARMLift™ after seeing too many patients who wanted improvement but weren’t ready for traditional surgery,” he explains. “These were active individuals who couldn’t accept weeks of recovery or permanent scars running from armpit to elbow. The challenge was developing a technique that could address both excess fat and skin laxity through tiny access points.”
Dr. Assassa’s extensive expertise in both surgical and non-surgical body contouring uniquely positioned him to pioneer this minimally invasive approach. His background includes developing groundbreaking techniques like CosmoFaceLift™ and Smart Liposculpt™, along with years of teaching laser-assisted procedures to physicians internationally. This comprehensive knowledge allowed him to identify which patients would achieve excellent results with a less invasive option—and who truly needed traditional surgery.
“By combining laser lipolysis with thermal skin tightening, we achieve results that look natural and proportionate to each patient’s frame,” notes Dr. Assassa. “The key is patient selection and precise technique. When performed on appropriate candidates, SmartARMLift™ delivers significant improvement without the trade-offs of major surgery.”
What Is SmartARMLift™?
SmartARMLift™ represents a middle ground between traditional brachioplasty and non-invasive treatments. The procedure uses a thin laser fiber inserted through millimeter-sized incisions to liquify unwanted fat while simultaneously heating the underside of the skin. This dual mechanism removes fat deposits while triggering collagen remodeling for gradual skin tightening over three to six months.
The technique specifically addresses the common complaint Dr. Assassa hears from patients: upper arms that appear disproportionately heavy or undefined despite regular exercise. While diet and resistance training can reduce overall body fat, genetic fat distribution patterns and age-related skin changes often leave the upper arms resistant to improvement through lifestyle measures alone.
Common Reasons Patients Choose SmartARMLift™
Dr. Assassa’s patients seek arm contouring for a variety of concerns that impact their daily confidence and clothing choices:
- Weight Loss Success with Remaining Loose Skin: Many patients have achieved significant weight loss but are left with excess skin that won’t tighten on its own, despite their fitness achievements.
- Age-Related Skin Laxity and Fat Deposits: As collagen production naturally decreases after age 40, upper arms can develop both sagging skin and stubborn fat pockets that resist traditional exercise.
- Disproportionate Arm Appearance: Even patients at their ideal weight often notice their arms appear heavier or less defined compared to the rest of their toned physique.
- Avoidance of Sleeveless Clothing: Self-consciousness about arm jiggle or “bat wings” leads many to avoid tank tops, sundresses, and sleeveless formal wear they’d otherwise love to wear.
- Exercise-Resistant Problem Areas: Dedicated tricep workouts and arm exercises may build muscle but cannot address excess skin or genetically predetermined fat distribution patterns.
- Desire to Avoid Surgical Scars: Patients who want improvement but aren’t willing to accept the long, visible scars that traditional brachioplasty leaves from armpit to elbow.
“Many patients come in frustrated because they’ve lost weight everywhere except their arms,” notes Dr. Assassa. “Or they’ve achieved their goal weight but are left with loose skin that won’t tighten on its own. That’s exactly the scenario where SmartARMLift™ excels.”
The SmartARMLift™ Procedure
During your treatment at Beverly Hills Aesthetics, Dr. Assassa begins by marking the areas to be contoured based on your consultation discussion. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort while allowing you to remain awake and responsive. Small access incisions, typically two to three per arm, are strategically placed in inconspicuous locations.
A thin cannula containing a laser fiber is inserted through these openings. The laser energy liquifies fat cells, making them easier to remove through gentle suction. Simultaneously, the thermal energy contracts existing collagen fibers and stimulates new collagen production in the deeper skin layers. This controlled heating is what creates the tightening effect that continues improving for months after your procedure.
The entire process takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on the treatment area. You’ll wear a compression garment afterward to support optimal healing and skin contraction. Most patients describe the experience as far more comfortable than anticipated, with many surprised they remained awake throughout.
What to Expect: Your SmartARMLift™ Journey
Your Consultation: Dr. Assassa examines your arms, discusses your concerns and goals, and determines whether SmartARMLift™ is your best option. He’ll explain exactly what results you can expect based on your unique anatomy.
Procedure Day: You’ll be made comfortable in our state-of-the-art treatment suite for approximately two hours. The entire process from preparation through completion is performed under local anesthesia, and you’ll go home the same day wearing your compression garment.
First Few Days: Most patients experience mild soreness similar to post-workout muscle aches. Swelling and minor bruising are normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. You can typically return to desk work within two to three days.
Weeks 1-2: Swelling and bruising gradually resolve. The compression garment is worn for about two weeks to support optimal skin contraction. Light activities are fine, and most patients resume exercise after two weeks.
Months 3-6: Results emerge gradually as your skin continues tightening through new collagen formation. While you’ll notice immediate reduction in arm circumference, the full effect becomes apparent around three to six months post-procedure.
Ideal Candidates for SmartARMLift™
This procedure works best for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and localized fat deposits. You may be an excellent candidate if you have upper arms that appear disproportionate to your overall physique, notice jiggling or sagging when you move your arms, feel self-conscious in sleeveless clothing, are within 20 pounds of your goal weight, prefer to avoid general anesthesia and surgical scars, and want to return to your normal routine within days rather than weeks.
“During consultations, I assess skin quality, fat distribution, and degree of laxity,” explains Dr. Assassa. “Patients with severe skin excess spanning from armpit to elbow may achieve better results with traditional brachioplasty. But for the majority of people bothered by their arms, SmartARMLift™ delivers significant improvement without the trade-offs of major surgery.”
Good overall health and realistic expectations are essential. The procedure is not a weight loss solution but rather a contouring treatment for specific problem areas.
These abrasive surgeries also require risky general anesthesia and ultimately cause more pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About SmartARMLift™
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Traditional brachioplasty removes excess skin through a long incision, leaving a visible scar from armpit to elbow. It requires general anesthesia, one to two weeks off work, and six weeks before resuming exercise. SmartARMLift™ uses local anesthesia, creates minimal scarring, and allows most patients to return to normal activities within days. However, traditional surgery remains the better option for patients with severe skin excess.
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The fat cells removed during SmartARMLift™ are permanently gone. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with significant weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight preserves your results long-term.
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You'll notice immediate improvement in arm contour once swelling subsides. The skin tightening component continues improving for three to six months as new collagen forms. Most patients see their final results around the six-month mark.
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Most patients describe mild soreness and tightness for the first few days, similar to having done an intense arm workout. Over-the-counter pain medication typically provides adequate comfort. Swelling and bruising are manageable and resolve within two weeks.
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Many patients address multiple areas during the same timeframe. Dr. Assassa can discuss combination treatments during your consultation based on your overall goals.
What are the potential risks? SmartARMLift™ is minimally invasive with a strong safety profile. Possible side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, and minor discomfort. Serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced specialist like Dr. Assassa.
Why Choose Beverly Hills Aesthetics
As the developer of the SmartARMLift™ technique, Dr. Sam Assassa brings unparalleled expertise to arm contouring procedures. His artistic eye and technical precision ensure results that look natural and proportionate to your body. Rather than simply removing the maximum amount of fat, he sculpts arms that appear toned and defined while maintaining feminine contours.
Our Beverly Hills practice offers the latest technology in a comfortable, private setting. Dr. Assassa personally performs every procedure and follows each patient’s progress through their entire recovery journey. His reputation for natural-looking results and meticulous attention to detail has made Beverly Hills Aesthetics a destination for patients throughout Los Angeles seeking non-surgical body contouring solutions.
Schedule Your Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you’re ready to feel confident in sleeveless clothing and address stubborn arm concerns, SmartARMLift™ may be your solution. Dr. Assassa will evaluate your arms, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation. Contact Beverly Hills Aesthetics at 424-284-8933 or request an appointment online to learn whether this innovative procedure is right for you.
SmartARMLift ™ VS. SurgicalARMLift?
BEFORE & AFTER
For more information or to find out the right option for you, call Beverly Hills Aesthetics at 424-284-8933 Or Request a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Assassa. We look forward to meeting you.