New, Non-surgical Arm Lift Option for Loose Skin?

Question

I heard last week on a talk show about a non surgical procedure to remove the loose skin under the arm. It includes ultrasound and red ultra rays.  What is this non surgical arm lift procedure?  Does it work?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the non-surgical arm lift option for loose skin. Since you asked this question in August 2010, it has almost been ten years; the technique does not work. Ultrasound and red ultra-rays do not remove loose arm skin. The only thing that permanently removes loose arm skin is an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. Radiofrequency may tighten the arm skin a little, but not much. Therefore, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and don't necessarily jump on the latest and greatest new technique. Experienced plastic surgeons rely on procedures that are known to work overtime. Thank you for your question regarding the new, non-surgical arm lift option for loose skin.
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there are really no effective non-surgical treatments for removing significant skin under the arm. Non-invasive procedures like coolsculpting only address the fat that lies under the skin and over the muscle, it does not do anything to improve excess skin. Laser therapy and other skin tightening procedures provide extremely minimal results, if there are any results at all. There is a reason why board certified plastic surgeons do not include this procedure in their practice offerings. It would be best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review the best options for you.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When
redundant upper arm tissue is present surgical excision is the only viable
treatment alternative. A variety of non- surgical methods have been utilized,
but the results of these procedures have been disappointing. When redundant
upper arm tissue is present, consultation with a board certified plastic
surgeon is appropriate.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

The simple answer is that non-surgical correction of any significant skin redundancy is still a marketing hype and not a reality.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin tightening lasers can work.  They do not replace conventional arm lift surgery.  However, I recommend the non-ablative Yag laser for skin tightening of the arms.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, for significant excess skin there is no good non-surgical alternative.  Brachioplasty (arm lift) provides an excellent result, but there are significant scars.  Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for all your options. Below is a fully healed arm lift done surgically.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

There are many causes for flabby arms. If one has flabby arms, the best indicator of the treatment would be the elasticity of the skin. If the skin has good elasticity, then Lipo suction alone may be the answer. If not, then an arm lift to resect the excess skin is best. However, the best indication for an arm lift, and the most gratifying are those who have lost a lot of weight. The skin is usually flabby and overstretched. It is simple and effective to remove the skin that has been stretched past its capacity. No Liposuction, or other noninvasive modalitiy will help the skin become more firm around the arms. The length and type of the incision will vary depending upon the location and the amount of fat in the arms. The cost will also vary by geographic locale. Most will run anywhere from $3500-$7000. I would advise you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to have treatment recommendations specific to your concerns.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Unfortunately, there is no effective nonsurgical &ldquo;skin  tightening&rdquo; procedure.
	Arm lifting ( brachioplasty) is the only way to improve the contour of the upper arms by directly excising the &ldquo;loose skin&rdquo;.

	In person consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will be helpful.

	Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

None of the nonsurgical modalities will accomplish much for bat wings or extensive sagging of the upper arms.  They may be efficacious in cases of slight sagging.  Definitely see a plastic surgeon who has access to all the modalities and will give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of improvement from Thermage and other noninvasive options.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The non-invasive skin tightening lasers may improve the skin quaity but if your arm is very loose the better result will be with a formal brachioplasty.

New, Non-surgical Arm Lift Option for Loose Skin?

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