In most cases, loose upper arm skin is caused by a significant weight loss. When individuals gain weight, either suddenly or over time, the upper arms increase in volume. In order to accommodate the extra weight, the skin must stretch. Once that additional weight is lost, the skin often fails to tighten and will sag as a result. Age can also affect the arm skin’s appearance. As a person ages, the elasticity of the skin decreases and it begins to loosen and sag. Undergoing an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, can be a solution to restoring your skin. In some mild cases laser “smart” liposuction may also be used to shrink the excess skin.
A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon performs the arm lift using the Harmonic® Scalpel, with incisions limited to the armpit area (limited incision arm lift for mild excess only), an incision that progresses to the mid-portion of the arm (limited incision arm lift for moderate excess), or an incision that progresses from the armpit to the elbow (a classical arm lift, for moderate to severe excess). Excess fat is removed by direct excision as well as with liposuction, and the excess skin is trimmed and re-draped. The incision line placement for an arm lift is in the least conspicuous spot on the arm, most often at the lowest border of the arm.
*individual results may vary