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What Causes Sagging Upper Arms?

The skin of the upper arms can begin to sag for different reasons, ranging from age and genetics to weight loss.Though fairly common, patients with drooping arm skin often report feeling self-conscious when wearing short-sleeved garments or performing certain activities that require them to raise their arms above their heads. Fortunately, there are solutions available. Below, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, Steven Holzman, MD, explains the most common causes of sagging upper arms and how they can be corrected.

Overall, our bodies rely on the collagen and elastin in our dermal layers to keep the skin taught and capable of “bouncing back” after being stretched. However, over time, these fibers become more and more vulnerable to weakened production and lower density. For the upper arm area, this deterioration or reduction of collagen and elastin is typically associated with two primary factors:

• Aging – A loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of the aging process, and this decline can be exacerbated by genetics and certain lifestyle factors. Some of these factors may include too much sun/UV exposure, environmental pollutants, tobacco and alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition.

• Weight Fluctuations – Once the skin has stretched after carrying extra weight for an extended period of time, the collagen and elastin fibers can become damaged. Following bariatric surgery or other forms of major weight loss, many patients notice that their skin—especially around the arms, thighs, and abdomen—does not fully contract to the shape of their slimmer figure, resulting in a “flabby” or “droopy” appearance.

Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures that can be effective solutions for restoring tighter, firmer upper arm contours. Medically referred to as a brachioplasty, an arm lift can be performed to remove loose skin and excess fat while tightening the overall structure of the arm tissues. For individuals with sagging skin in multiple areas following major weight loss, post-weight loss body contouring surgery can help to address sagging upper arms as well as loose skin around the abdomen, back, thighs, and face. Both the arm lift and body contouring procedures are able to sculpt and smooth the body to create a slimmer, more toned appearance.

For more information about upper arm rejuvenation options, or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Holzman, please contact us today.