Will a body wrap work on tightening the skin under my arms? (Photo)

Question

I've read about body wraps to help temporarily tighten the skin. Will this really work even though it may be temporary? If so, how long will the effects last it I eat clean, do exercises focused on my arms, and drink a lot of water? Also would you suggest using the It Works body wraps?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

A body wrap is one of the worst things you can do to your body. It's a total scam. And here's why.There is no scientific evidence that body wraps burn fat. The only way to melt fat is with diet and exercise (granted some healthy supplements may contribute to weight loss). The truth is, body wraps are nothing more than bandages, or sometimes clay, that are soaked in herbs. And we're supposed to believe that you can lose inches off your body in just an hour. Sit down and think about that for a moment. How is that even possible? People spend months, sometimes even years on diet programs. Truth be told, if you stick to a diet, it does work. Anyone who disagrees falls into the category of the people who diet, and fall back into their old ways, causing them to gain the weight back.Many of you may be wondering what exactly a body wrap is. It's pretty much a material, whether it be bandages, clay, even seaweed, soaked in herbs. How it works (and this is usually performed in a salon or spa), is by wrapping the client (or yourself) in seaweed or clay, which has been infused by herbs. They tell you to wrap yourself, beginning from the ankles, after measuring yourself in over 20 different areas. You must remain in the wrap for one hour. During this time, the spa technician will usually tell you that you can either relax, or jog on the treadmill/exercise for the hour. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but who's to say you don't actually feel better and slimmer after the hour? But it's not because of the wrap...it's because you were exercising.While body wraps may temporarily tighten your skin, it's not permanent. You see, it's not really taking off fat. It's simply water weight, and water retention.More effective ways of decreasing areas of stubborn fat are Coolsculpting or liposuction. More effective ways of skin tightening include Pelleve radiofrequency treatments. Dermapen treatments are more effective for stretch marks.  You would be getting more of your money’s and time’s worth with more effective treatments.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your history of weight loss and photographs, I would suggest that you do not waste your time/resources on  "body wrap” modalities… Pros/cons of arm lifting you and was discussed during your previous  post. Best wishes.

Will a body wrap work on tightening the skin under my arms? (Photo)

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Will a body wrap work on tightening the skin under my arms? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Body Wrap

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.