Upper-arm fat remains even after losing 12 kg... Why Kim Ha-young opted for liposuction [Weekend Health]

[Financial News] What should you do if you’ve lost more than 10 kg but fat on your upper arms is the only thing that remains? Interest in managing body fat in specific areas continues to grow after actress Kim Ha-young revealed why she chose liposuction: her upper arms had not changed even after dieting.
 Kim Ha-young said on social media last August that she had lost 12 kg ahead of her wedding, but the fat on her upper arms had not gone down as much as she had hoped. She explained that she decided to have liposuction on her upper arms because it was difficult to post her wedding photos without retouching them.
 As this shows, fat in certain areas can remain relatively resistant even after successful weight loss. The upper arms are a common source of concern after dieting, especially when prominent fat there can make the upper body look larger than one’s weight would suggest. ■ Why does upper-arm fat remain even after losing 10 kg? When people start dieting, some notice changes first in their face, chest or waist circumference, while others may not see much difference in their upper arms or thighs.
 This is because the places where fat accumulates and the way it decreases vary from person to person. Genetics, sex, hormones and age affect body-fat distribution, so even when people lose the same amount of weight, the changes can differ from one area to another.
 In the upper arms, overall circumference and contour are affected not only by subcutaneous fat but also by the development of muscles such as the triceps and by skin elasticity. Focusing on arm exercises does not selectively remove fat from that area, either.
 There are recent cases of people considering liposuction to improve localized fat that remains even after losing weight with treatments such as GLP-1-based anti-obesity drugs.
 An analysis by 365mc, a medical institution specializing in liposuction, of surgical data from five of its hospitals in Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan found that the number of arm liposuction procedures rose by about 30.9%, from 10,307 in 2023—before GLP-1-based anti-obesity drugs became widely used—to 13,487 in 2025.
 However, these figures do not indicate a change across the overall medical market or mean that a particular procedure is necessary. Liposuction is intended to improve body contours by removing subcutaneous fat from specific areas, rather than to reduce weight. It is up to consumers to understand the characteristics of each procedure and choose what is right for them. ■ For cylindrical upper arms, remove fat ‘evenly’ rather than in large amounts Liposuction on the upper arms requires consideration of anatomical features that differ from those of the abdomen. Because the arms are roughly cylindrical, the surgical plan should ensure a natural transition in fat thickness across the front and back, as well as the inner and outer sides. Removing too much fat from a particular direction can create differences in contour when viewed from the front and side, or leave the skin surface uneven.
 The extent of fat removal from the inner upper arm should be determined carefully, since the skin there is thin and nerves and blood vessels pass through the area. Excessive fat removal can cause skin adhesions, an uneven contour or changes in sensation. Before surgery, therefore, the overall shape of the arms, symmetry between the two sides, skin elasticity and fat distribution should all be assessed alongside arm circumference, so that a surgical plan can be tailored to the individual’s body shape.
 Kim Dae-gyeom, director of Global 365mc Daejeon Hospital, explained, “With upper-arm liposuction, it is important not only to remove fat but also to consider the arms’ overall balance and natural contours after surgery. Medical professionals should accurately assess each person’s fat distribution and skin condition, determine an appropriate scope for surgery, and plan carefully to help prevent side effects caused by excessive fat removal.”
 He added, “Before surgery, people should fully inform their medical team about the medications they are taking, any underlying conditions, and their history of surgery and anesthesia. Medical professionals should check in advance for risk factors for complications such as bleeding or blood clots, and provide specific guidance on temporary symptoms that may occur after surgery, such as bruising and swelling, warning signs to watch for, and how to respond.” 
[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter