Skin on the upper arms can become thin and loose over time due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. For mild sagging, non-surgical treatments like RF microneedling or skin-tightening serums may help, allowing you to avoid visible scars. However, if the laxity is more pronounced and leaves you feeling self-conscious, an arm lift (brachioplasty) might be necessary to achieve smoother, more toned arms.
The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat along the inner arm, typically leaving a scar that runs from the armpit to the elbow—and possibly extending slightly onto the lateral chest if extra correction is needed. Now, if you're thinking, "Yikes, why would I want a scar there?"—you probably don’t have the degree of laxity this surgery is designed for.
At the time of this writing, we have fantastic options for very mild and severe skin laxity. But for those with "in-between" laxity—too much for non-surgical treatments but not enough to justify a full arm lift—things get trickier. This is where an honest, thorough consultation is essential. We’ll walk through your options together, weighing benefits and trade-offs so that you can make the decision that feels right for you.