Alternatives to brachioplasty: explore arm-lift options

What is brachioplasty?

The arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to firm the arms and give them a more toned, firmer appearance. It is a purely cosmetic operation. This means it is not driven by any medical necessity whatsoever. In other words, brachioplasty is not an essential procedure intended to improve the patient’s health.

Before brachioplasty, a preoperative consultation with the surgeon is essential to review the patient’s medical history, explain the procedure, and confirm the indication. Tests such as a blood test or an X-ray may be requested. The patient must also adopt a healthy lifestyle, notably quitting tobacco and alcohol. Proper preparation is crucial to approach the surgery with confidence. Brachioplasty, or lift of the arms, begins with general or local anesthesia. The surgeon then makes incisions on the inner sides of the arms to remove excess skin and fat. Liposuction may be combined to refine the contour. Finally, the tissues are sutured and the area is covered with a dressing to promote healing.

However, this procedure is not trivial and can present several contraindications and side effects, which raises the question of less invasive alternative solutions. Among the main contraindications are: bleeding disorders, certain cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or smoking. These conditions increase surgical risks and compromise wound healing. Even in a healthy patient, brachioplasty can lead to complications such as hematomas, infections, healing disorders (thick or hypertrophic scars), temporary loss of sensation, or asymmetries. These are followed by postoperative sequelae, often marked by pain, swelling, and a recovery period of several weeks.

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The use of radiofrequency therapy to combat skin laxity.

Radiofrequency is a noninvasive technique used to treat skin laxity by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity. It works by emitting electromagnetic waves through a device applied to the skin, which penetrate deeply to generate controlled heat (between 38°C and 42°C at the surface, up to 60°C in the dermis) without damaging the epidermis. This heat causes an immediate contraction of collagen fibers, producing a visible tightening effect from the very first session. It also activates fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, gradually improving skin firmness.

The results are reflected in smoother, more toned skin, with a reduction in skin laxity that is progressively diminished over the course of sessions. The technique is well tolerated and generally does not require social downtime, aside from mild, transient redness. Although frequently applied to the face, neck, or abdomen, radiofrequency is also an effective option for addressing moderate arm laxity. A protocol comprising multiple, spaced sessions is usually recommended to achieve a long-lasting result.

A study conducted on 33 female patients demonstrated the efficacy of radiofrequency for treating skin laxity. Six radiofrequency sessions, distributed over 6 to 12 months, were required to treat the abdominal region. Several histological changes were observed, reflecting a structural improvement in the dermis and the increase in the depth of the collagen birefringence band (9.7% at 6 months), indicating long-term collagen remodeling, as well as an increase in papillary height. This term refers to the thickness of the papillary layer of the dermis, located just below the epidermis. This region is rich in blood capillaries and in fibroblasts, cells that produce collagen and elastin. This layer decreases with age, exacerbating skin laxity. According to the observations, papillary height increased by 28.9% at 6 months and by 40.3% at 12 months.

Radiofrequency may increase papillary height by reactivating biological activity in the dermis, thereby improving skin density, firmness, and texture.

Although this study focuses on the abdominal area, it can be assumed that this technique is applicable to various body regions, particularly the arms.

Focused ultrasound as an alternative to arm lift procedures.

The use of ultrasound is a non-invasive technique known as HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound). This method aims to firm lax skin without surgery. The device emits focused ultrasonic waves at various depths beneath the skin—1.5 mm, 3 mm, and 4.5 mm—to target the epidermis, dermis, and deep support tissues, stimulating collagen production and producing a lifting effect without surgical intervention. It creates localized thermal coagulation in the targeted tissues without damaging the skin’s surface and induces a contraction of collagen fibers and stimulates fibroblasts to kickstart the production of new collagen and elastin. The skin then gradually becomes more toned and firmer over 2 to 3 months. However, this technique is less drastic than a facelift and is intended for moderate skin laxity.

In a review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 42 studies comprising a total of 411 patients were analyzed to assess the efficacy of focused ultrasound in improving skin laxity. The results show that 84% of patients reported satisfaction with this technique across all evaluated criteria. Although the majority of studies focus on the face and neck regions, it is reasonable to consider that this approach could also be applied to other areas of the body exhibiting moderate skin laxity, such as the inner arms.

Targeted exercises and the adoption of a balanced diet to improve arm skin laxity.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a fundamental strategy for improving the appearance of the arms. It rests on two complementary pillars: a balanced diet and consistent physical activity. Among the most effective exercises to strengthen muscles and limit skin sagging are biceps curls, triceps extensions, push-ups, and dumbbell routines. Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, these movements gradually tone the area and reduce fat accumulation. The key lies in consistency and discipline: frequent deviations or irregular practice can undermine the expected results.

Although this technique can improve arm firmness and contour, it is not very effective at eliminating excess skin once it has already developed.

Consequently, results remain limited in cases of significant skin laxity and are not comparable to those achieved with more targeted medical or aesthetic techniques.