I'm 48 years old with crepey forearm skin due to weight loss. Are there any permanent treatments to address this?

Question

Also have loss of volume

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to observe the excess of the forearm area. 
The only way to improve it  is removing the excess which is always an excess of width. So the incision will be from the elbow towards the wrist. 
It is of course a very visible incision but it fades over time. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Although tightening of arms (arm lift) is more frequently performed, tightening of forearm skin can be done in the same fasion. Scar can be placed on the back of the forearm or within medial aspect of the arm, close to the body. However, due to significant number of superficial nerves in the forearm, this is procedure that should be done by someone familiar with forearm/hand anatomy. This can be further combined with fat grafting  and liposuction, as needed. Hope this helps.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Rithmil,

Thank you for your question. I understand your concerns about the changes in your forearm skin following weight loss. The good news is, there are permanent solutions available to improve the appearance of your forearms.

Crepey, loose skin on the forearms is often a consequence of significant weight loss. This issue can be successfully addressed with a forearm reduction procedure, which I've performed multiple times. Similar to a brachioplasty (or arm lift), this surgery removes excess skin and fat from the forearms, which can help improve their overall contour and appearance.

If necessary, this procedure can be performed alongside a brachioplasty to provide a more balanced and comprehensive upper body rejuvenation. For the loss of volume you mentioned, fat grafting may be a suitable option, where we transfer fat from another part of your body to restore volume to your forearms.

It's important to have an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these options in detail. They can perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and help you decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

You could be a great candidate for Collagen Induction Therapy also called Needling. It is really effective.

Of course, an « in person » consultation is necessary.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The only permanent treatment is death. Otherwise, as you age, your skin will thin and become more lose and crepey. Treatments like Secret, radiofrequency and micro-needling, can be very helpful to treat and maintain better skin quality, thickness, and tone.  This can be done even once or twice a year as maintenance.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam or photos is needed to give the best recommendation.  However you may be a candidate for Morpheus8.  This treatment combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to determine if you are a candidate.

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear, that is an excellent question. An alternative treatment is the use of biostimulator combined with morpheus and with this collagen and elastin are formed and favors skin retraction and a more natural appearance. I hope you consider this opinión.