What is the Best Treatment for Sagging Arms?

Sagging in the upper arms can inhibit your wardrobe choices and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Whether aging, genetics or massive weight loss is responsible for your sagging contours, an arm lift (brachioplasty) can help to rejuvenate your upper body and restore a sense of satisfaction with your image.

What is an arm lift?

During an arm lift, your surgeon will make an incision on the underside of the upper arm, removing excess skin and fat. The supportive tissue is tightened and firmed, leaving the arm contour smooth and toned. An arm lift provides long-lasting relief from the signs of aging and can help you to once again enjoy wearing all your favorite sleeveless tops and swimwear.

What is the cause of flabby arms?

As we age, youth-enhancing compounds such as collagen and elastin begin to decrease, leaving the skin at risk for sagging and volume loss. Weight fluctuations and genetics can also leave the upper arms looking deflated and baggy. Unfortunately, no amount of weight-lifting, aerobics, or dieting can affect meaningful change in these cases. Only a surgical intervention with brachioplasty can help to restore an attractive upper arm shape.

Who is a good candidate for an arm lift?

An arm lift is beneficial for anyone who has struggled to contour the upper arms at the gym but found that sagging skin and fat remain persistent. Good candidates are at a stable weight for their frames. They are non-smokers who are mentally and physically healthy and have no significant medical issues to speak of. Finally, clients should have a realistic and positive outlook towards their arm lift results based on a private consultation with their plastic surgeon.

Who is not a good candidate?

If you are dealing with excess fat in the upper arms, but your skin is still taut, liposuction may be a better technique for resolving your cosmetic concerns. Similarly, if your issue is more with the texture of your skin and less with excess sagging, it may be better to consider a non-surgical alternative to brachioplasty.

What are the drawbacks to an arm lift?

The main drawback with brachioplasty is the scar left behind on the inner arm. It may be visible in sleeveless clothing, although over time, it will fade and be less conspicuous. Many patients, however, feel that their scar is a small price to pay for the improvement an arm lift brings in terms of their appearance and self-confidence. 

Another drawback is that some patients might experience temporary numbness in the upper arms, as surgery can affect the sensory nerves. Swelling may also occur after surgery, but it typically lasts only a number of days. 

Arm lift surgery has a high rate of patient satisfaction. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and possible complications of an arm lift with you in detail during your private consultation. 

What is the takeaway?

While there are multiple ways to contour the upper arms, including non-surgical options such as laser therapy or CoolSculpting, a surgical arm lift is considered the gold standard in strategic body sculpting. Brachioplasty delivers long-lasting results that are dramatic and transformational. Patients who undergo arm lift surgery feel more secure in their appearances and experience heightened confidence both professionally and personally. Call Dr. Nadeau today to discover the ways in which an arm lift can help you to look and feel your best in years.