Close to 50 lb. weight loss - Non-surgical arm skin tightening? (Photos)

Question

I am 54 yrs old and over several years have lost close to 50 lbs. A big downside of course, is that now the skin on my upper arms is sagging and rippling. Is there a Non-surgical procedure that will yield very positive results to tighten the skin? I dont want to spend thousands of dollars for only modest results. There has to be something available now that works well without having to cut the skin off. Right?

Erik Peterson, MD · Answer

Hi! Dr. Peterson here
First, congratulations on your weight loss! It’s completely understandable to want to tighten the upper arms without surgery. There are non-surgical options that can help, like BodyTite or J-Plasma, which use energy-based methods to firm the skin while stimulating collagen. Thermage or Ultherapy can also help, though results tend to be more subtle.
Realistically, non-surgical options can improve mild to moderate sagging, but very loose skin usually responds better to a surgical arm lift. A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon can help you figure out what’s realistic for your skin and goals.

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

Kishen Nara, MBBS, FACCSM(Surg) · Answer

Dear Jaspsadie,
Thank you for your question. This is relevant not just for yourself but also many others who seek an answer for this common presentation. First of all, well done for looking after yourself and losing some weight with a focus on healthy living.
Understandably, by this stage, we should have advanced with non-surgical techniques to alter the appearance of soft tissues after massive weight loss. Although a lot has improved in terms of techniques and research pertaining to radiofrequency, dermabrasion, lipofilling, platelet-rich plasma, and energy based devices, we still have a lot to learn and improve on. This is why cosmetic research is essential. 
Without performing a thorough clinical assessment, it is impossible to provide a dedicated and accurate plan for you. However, upon basic visual inspection, it appears that you may have moderate skin excess with associated irregularities of the surface of the skin. 
Of course, serial non-surgical procedures may assist temporarily in the mid-term especially with tightening the skin. Please realise that tightening the skin may not necessarily translate to the outcome you desire. This is a whole assessment on its own. The cumulative cost and unpredictable outcomes may be expected should you require further amendments following skin tightening.
Non-surgical options may have it's role for specific goals but this needs to be carefully assessed.
There is another option, which is surgery or brachiaplasty with or without simultaneous liposuction of the arms. Disclaimer: All surgical procedures have it's inherent potential risks and complications. It is imperative to seek a second opinion from a qualified medical professional prior to any surgical undertaking. Always consider your decision carefully after being fully informed about the procedure of your choice.
The benefits of surgical excision of the soft tissues of the arms may involve permanent removal of the redundant excess tissues that may present as "sagging" or "rippling" and the likely reduction of volume and diameter of around the arms. The downside of surgery of course are the potential risks of surgery such as scarring, numbness and contour irregularities especially around the scar line. 
It is essential to have a comprehensive consultation with regards to your presentation from a trusted and experienced doctor or surgeon specific to aesthetic surgery. 
To learn more about our quality consultation in Melbourne especially related to the component of liposuction you are welcome to click below. Learn about your options with confidence.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

There are several non-surgical options available for skin tightening that may help improve the appearance of sagging skin on the arms. These treatments typically use energy-based technologies such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. Some popular non-surgical skin tightening treatments include:

Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin, which stimulates collagen production and can lead to tighter skin over time.

Ultrasound Therapy: Similar to RF, ultrasound therapy uses focused ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and skin tightening.

Laser Treatments: Certain laser treatments can also help tighten the skin by promoting collagen remodeling.

Microneedling with Radiofrequency: This combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to enhance collagen production and improve skin texture and tightness.

It's important to consult with a dermatologist or a qualified aesthetic professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs and to discuss the expected results, costs, and any potential risks. They can provide guidance based on your skin type, the degree of sagging, and your overall goals.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Though there are non surgical options available that can provide improvement, they will not yield the same result as surgery.  You can consider BodyTite an option.  This minimally invasive procedure uses RF technology both on top of and just under the skin to facilitate skin tightening.  It can be used in conjunction with liposuction and no general anesthesia is required.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

You are not going to get dramatic results without surgery. 
You could look into non surgical options like Morpheus 8 needling, this would be your next best option before liposuction or renuvion. Liposuction/renuvion decreases fat while tightening the skin. No cutting of skin required.This is classed as a minimally invasive surgery and performed under light sedation.

Close to 50 lb. weight loss - Non-surgical arm skin tightening? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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