What's the Best Procedure for Wrinkled Aging Arms?

Many people in your age group (because of sun damage, genetic predisposition and other medical problems) have problems with their upper arms and forearms. The problem of the forearm laxity is a vexing one for the patient as well as their treating plastic surgeon. I strongly council you to consider doing nothing surgical for the severe laxity of the forearm, because the trade-off of scarring and contour improvements are not as good for your upper arms. Scar positioning is a challenge in forearm laxity. Also forearm laxity procedures are more likely to result in sensory and hand function problems postoperatively. In the forearm, the best technology I've seen for non-operative improvement for laxity is SkinTyte™. One treatment a week for 6 weeks will make a dramatic improvement. You may need some maintenance treatments throughout the year as well to maintain your improved contour.

Plastic surgery is the trade-off between nearly imperceptible scarring and contour improvement. Extreme laxity of the upper arm can be tremendously corrected with the surgical technique called brachioplasty or arm lift. Brachioplasty surgery takes about 2-3 hours depending on the patient's size. Patients who have very thick upper arms, may benefit from simultaneous Vaser Liposuction, while at the same time removing the excess skin with the brachioplasty. That would be decided upon in your consultation, depending upon your goals. Most patients do not require post-operative compression garments after their surgery. The incision is a woven suture with almost no outside suturing. I typically do not require drains to be placed for this procedure. Many patients benefit from postoperative massage therapy to soften the operative tissues and desensitize the incision. Persistent arm swelling is rare. Patients can resume normal exercise and activity in 2-3 weeks. I allow my patients to shower the next day. Usually my patients are fine to drive a vehicle 4-5 days after surgery.

Representative photos with great results are available on my website for your viewing.

The best thing to do would be to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in person who can review your medical history and work with your specific situation.There are some non invasive possibilities like injectables that can make minor improvements when administered by a skilled experienced doctor. An upper arm skin removal surgery is a much more commonly practiced procedure, and could definitely help with improving the shape and appearance of your arm.

A large number of treatment options are available to treat aesthetic deformities of the arm. The specific option chosen will depend upon the patient's anatomic findings and aesthetic goals. It's important to remember that no two patients are ever exactly alike and for this reason, procedures need to be tailored to meet their specific needs.Although your history is helpful, it's virtually impossible to make a specific recommendation without pictures or a physical examination. Based on the available information, your biggest concern is loose saggy skin on the insides of your arms. This problem usually always requires removal of the excess skin with a procedure known as a brachioplasty. The procedure involves a trade-off between excess skin and scarring along the inner aspect of the arm. This approach may require secondary maneuvers to address changes in your skin because of solar damage.If you're considering treatment of your inner arms, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plant that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.