Get rid of loose skin on your arms!

What to do for loose skin on your arms?

loose skin can be tighten with nonsurgical and surgical procedures!

For many people it doesn’t seem to matter how many triceps exercises you do or how often one reaches their “ideal” weight, the skin of the upper arms is one of those places that can defy the benefits of diet and exercise. All we must do to see one’s upper arms sag is just get older. Yes, weight loss or sun damage can contribute to the loosening of the skin, as can smoking and unhealthy eating, but even the natural loss of fat from under the skin in our 40s and 50s is very often enough to start the sagging skin process.

The result is loose, sagging skin that can flap and is often referred to as “Bat Wings” by some.  It is noticeable mostly when one waves or moves their arms, and sometimes a crepe-like texture on the skin is also present. In addition to calling attention to itself, this look can contribute to a droopier overall appearance of the upper body and make you look much older than you are.

If you lived in the south for most of your life, the sun has done some damage, whether you asked for it or not! And, this is the season of sun dresses and sleeveless T-shirts, which draws attention to the arms.

In an upper arm lift, the upper arm is reshaped by tightening loose skin and removing any excess fat that may have collected beneath the skin. The length, location, and shape of the incision that is used depend on each person’s individual situation. However, there should be no “stitch” marks when performed properly. With expert technique and proper suturing technique, the result should be a fine hairline scar that is minimal. One must realize they are trading the loose, sagging skin and excess fat that was present before the arm lift for tight skin with a fairly inconspicuous scar.

Results are visible almost immediately, although there will be swelling and bruising initially. Most of this subsides within the first couple of weeks, but healing, regardless of the procedure, is always a process. Final and best results are seen  6-12 months after the procedure.

A compression sleeve or elastic bandage is required as part of the post-operative care to keep swelling to a minimum and help speed the resulting new contour.

For those with less skin to remove, there is now a minimally invasive procedure called ThermiTight. This method involves use of a radio-frequency instrument heated to a specific temperature which tightens the skin as well as melts fat when indicated.

Most requests for arm procedures naturally occur in the spring-time when sleeveless shirts and dresses are worn as well as tank tops. Many women report using outfits they have not worn in years following such upper arm procedures.

In some cases, what ThermiSmooth and ThermiTight radio-frequency treatments may allow for is subtle improvement non-surgically. Liposuction can also be included and is sometimes used in conjunction with an arm lift and ThermiTight procedures.

There are a variety of surgical and non-surgical options for loose upper arm skin and excess fat. Each patient must be individualized. To assess your needs and to frame those options for your informed choice, a board-certified plastic surgeon is a right start.

E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS
www.FingerandAssociates.com
www.NewYouthMedicalSpa.com

Contact us at 912-354-4411 to schedule a complimentary consult.