Getting crepey loose skin upper inner arms, I’m 34 and very fit. What can be done? Open to all options (photo)

Upper inner arm skin is inherently thinner than the outer arm skin and will have a tendency to thin, sag, and stretch over time. It is very similar to inner thigh skin. Treatment for thin inner arm skin in the upper third of the arm would be a mini-brachioplasty which involves skin removal and tightening through a horziontal incision in the armpit. It is an effective and efficient procedure which will not improve the entire arm but will address upper inner arm skin.

Thank you for questions regarding loose creepy upper arm skin. There are several options for the treatment of loose upper arm skin. For definitive treatment of this area, I would suggest either a crescent or a mini-brachioplasty or arm lift. During the surgery, a crescent area of arm skin is removed from the upper, inner armpit. An incision is made and hidden in the armpit. This can help to remove excess upper arm skin. I think that would be your best alternative. Other alternatives would be a modified “T” arm lift incision, where the aforementioned crescent or mini-brachioplasty is performed with a slight extension down your inner arm. This is a larger scar and removes more excess skin. However, based on your single picture I do not think you need this type of arm lift. The more extensive arm lift would be an incision from the armpit to your elbow. Based on your single picture, I do not think you need this type of arm lift either. Another alternative may be J - plasma. This may help to tighten the skin, but in your case, I do not think would be a definitive cure or solution. I do not suggest liposuction in your case. Liposuction would lead to further skin laxity and worsening of your arm condition. I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions regarding treatment of your arms, please contact me. Either a crescent arm lift, mini, modified “T” full incision arm lift or J-plasma treatment should work. Good luck. When considering arm lift surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Travel if you must. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

If you have loose skin, an arm lift to remove that excess skin is usually a better alternative than liposuction or BodyTite. Schedule an in-office consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in arm lifts and discuss the pros and cons of a brachioplasty.  He or she may want to opt for the non-invasive treatment first; and if the improvement is only minimal, perform the arm lift.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA