What is an arm lift?
Arm lifts are a widely accepted, long-term approach to removing arm fat. For some, reduced levels of collagen and elastin are the main causes of droopy arms; while others cannot seem to get rid of stubborn arm flab due to weight gain. Excess skin on the arms can also result from weight loss. Additionally, with age, the skin on the upper arms slowly loses its elasticity, damaging collagen and elastin fibers. This makes the skin less firm and more prone to sagging. An arm lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and underlying tissue in order to reshape the back of the upper arm and produce a smoother appearance. In this procedure, an incision is made from the armpit region down to the elbow — depending on how much correction is needed.
Who should consider an arm lift?
Those dealing with stretched, droopy skin after weight loss are prime candidates for an arm lift. People with naturally loose skin on the arms may also be good candidates. A surgical arm lift is better suited for those experiencing excess fat and diminished levels of collagen and elastin in the upper arm region. For those with a minimal amount of excess fat, a non-surgical arm lift may be more suitable to tighten sagging skin.
What treatments are used to achieve arm rejuvenation?
Arm lift surgery is the only way to completely remove excess skin and fat from the arms; however, non-invasive procedures can help to smooth and firm the arms. Non-invasive skin-tightening treatments are used to stimulate collagen production and are most effective in younger patients before collagen levels deteriorate significantly. At Essential Aesthetics, we offer Kybella injections and diluted Sculptra fillers to achieve arm rejuvenation non-surgically.
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells. When injected into the upper arm, it can help minimize fat deposits and tighten the skin in that area. Sculptra diluted fillers are another non-surgical alternative that has the capacity to smooth and firm the skin on the arms and requires minimal to no recovery time.
Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable filler that can provide long-term skin tightening benefits, reduce skin laxity, and overall improve skin elasticity, tone, and texture. When Sculptra fillers are diluted and injected superficially into the upper inner arms for off-label use, it can help tighten up and redefine sagging skin, as well as reduce wrinkles and fine lines that naturally occur with aging. These fillers stimulate the production of collagen within and beneath the skin and fat pads, aiding in the regeneration of lost collagen.
Both Kybella and Sculptra are useful as stand-alone therapies, but these treatments can be combined with non-invasive technologies like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) treatments to improve the look and firmness of the arms. With laser IPL treatment, short pulses of light are used to target new collagen growth, revealing even-toned skin. RF energy also stimulates collagen production and elastin fibers as it delivers controlled heat to the deep dermis in a safe and effective manner. This therapy can help smooth, tighten, and contour the skin for an overall younger-looking appearance. Light and laser-based treatments also prove useful in the removal of scars after a surgical arm lift.
What to expect with a non-surgical arm lift?
The number of necessary treatments may vary based on each patient’s physical examination and personal concerns. In some cases, combining different treatments may be the best course of action. Kybella treatments are spaced out in 4 to 6-week intervals to allow time for recovery and yield better results. With Sculptra Aesthetic, patients typically receive three vials over the course of a few months. Diluted Sculptra fillers can last up to five years as reported in previous clinical trials — with recommended touch-up treatments about every 18 months. Common side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, injection site pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and bumps. These side effects should resolve in a few days but can last up to 2 weeks depending on each individual.
IPL Photorejuvenation works with your skin to remove imperfections over a sequence of treatments. Optimal results are typically achieved after 4-6 sessions at 2-6 week intervals, and you may continue to see improvements for up to six months following treatment. After RF treatment, you will instantly notice an improved appearance of the skin. We recommend receiving treatment every week, and maintenance and follow-up sessions every 3-6 months.
Tighten and lift your arms at Essential Aesthetics.
Interested in treatment for Saggy Arms? Our Danville office is ideally located for clients from Pleasanton, Tracy, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Concord, and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Call or text our office today at 925.855.177 to schedule a consultation or request one online!