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Skin on the upper arms can become loose with age and weight fluctuations. For mild laxity, non-surgical treatments may help. However, when there’s significant sagging, an arm lift may be the best option. This procedure removes excess skin and fat but comes with a visible scar from the armpit to the elbow (and sometimes along the chest). If you're thinking, "Yikes, a scar?"—you probably don’t need this surgery. Let’s discuss options to help you make the most informed, confident choice.
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.
Especially with aesthetic treatments, seeing is believing. Please take some time to review our before and afters gallery. It will help you set expectations, and may help you discover questions you have about the procedure. Some of the answers to your questions may be found on this page or in the vendor brochures and educational materials, available for download above.
The best way to affirm your candidacy for this procedure is to consult with Dr. Folk in our Denver practice. Simply call our office, or submit a contact form to request a consultation.