Upper arm skin tightening

Loose skin on the upper arms can change the appearance of your arms even when you exercise regularly and maintain a stable body weight. To choose the right treatment, it is important to assess how much the appearance of the upper arms is determined by skin laxity, subcutaneous fatty tissue, and muscle tone. At Imedic poliklinika, depending on the findings, we consider Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8, Ultraformer III and Attiva radiofrequency treatments. The aim is to improve skin firmness and the contour of the upper arms, with an individual choice of method and realistic expectations.

Why the skin on the upper arms sags

The skin on the inner side and back of the upper arm is thin and has little support. As the years go by, the body produces less and less collagen and elastin, so the skin gradually loses its firmness. This process begins as early as around the age of 25, and on the upper arms it usually becomes visible after the age of forty, in some people even earlier, depending on heredity. Body weight also affects the appearance of the arms. When fatty tissue accumulates above the elbow, the skin stretches, and after weight loss there is often an excess of skin that does not retract on its own. Then there is the triceps, the largest muscle of the upper arm, which makes up about two-thirds of the upper arm. When it is not active enough, it loses tone, so the back of the arm appears softer.

What you can do yourself

Resistance exercises for the triceps and biceps can improve the strength and shape of the upper arm muscles, but they cannot remove pronounced excess skin. That is why skin condition and muscle tone are assessed separately. A balanced diet, sufficient protein and a stable body weight protect the skin from further stretching. Creams hydrate the skin and make it softer and smoother, but they do not reach the deeper layers, so they cannot tighten skin that has lost its elasticity. When the skin is still loose despite exercise and skincare, treatments that work in the deeper layers and stimulate the skin to produce new collagen can help.

How do we choose an upper arm tightening treatment?

During the consultation, we assess the quality and thickness of the skin, the degree of laxity, and the amount of subcutaneous fat tissue. It is important to distinguish between skin that has lost firmness and pronounced excess skin, as the same result cannot be expected in both cases.

Based on the examination, we recommend the appropriate method or a carefully planned combination of treatments. The number of sessions, intervals and the need for maintenance are determined individually. In cases of a large excess of skin, particularly after significant weight loss, we also discuss the limitations of non-surgical procedures and the need for an assessment by a plastic surgeon.

We measure the circumference of the upper arms and take photographs to track progress. The photographs remain in your medical record and we only publish them with your consent.

Methods for tightening upper arm skin

To tighten the skin of the upper arms, we use various technologies that differ in their mode of action, treatment intensity and recovery. Depending on the individual assessment, the choice may include Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8, Ultraformer III or Attiva radiofrequency. Below we explain how each method is applied and what is important when choosing.

Alma PrimeX

Alma PrimeX combines ultrasound and radiofrequency. The ultrasound acts on the fat cells above the elbow, and the radiofrequency energy heats the collagen fibres in the skin, which contract so that the skin begins to produce new collagen. That is why PrimeX is a good choice when there are minor fat deposits along with sagging skin. We also use the same treatment for tightening the skin on the stomach and knees. The treatment is performed without anaesthesia. During the treatment you feel warmth and mild stinging, and afterwards the skin can be slightly red for up to 24 hours. The number of sessions and intervals are determined individually, according to the condition of the skin and the response to the treatment. The degree of improvement depends on the initial condition of the skin, the chosen method and the individual response to the treatment. Read more about the treatment on our page about Alma PrimeX.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency. The needles deliver energy deep into the skin, up to 8 mm on the body, where they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and reduce minor fatty deposits. It is a good choice for mild to moderate skin laxity. Anaesthetic cream is applied before the treatment, so only a mild tingling sensation and pressure are felt during the procedure. After the treatment, the skin is red and slightly swollen for up to three days. The number of sessions, intervals, and maintenance requirements are determined individually. Improvement develops gradually over the following months, and we assess the results at follow-up visits. Read more about the treatment on our page about Morpheus8.

Ultraformer III for upper arm skin tightening

Ultraformer III uses focused ultrasound to heat tissue in a controlled manner at selected depths. The treatment is performed through the skin's surface, without introducing needles or cannulas. The goal is to stimulate collagen remodelling and gradually improve the firmness of the skin on the upper arms.

We consider this method for mild to moderate skin laxity, when examination shows that there is a possibility of improvement without surgical removal of excess skin. The choice of attachment and parameters is adapted to the tissue thickness and the anatomy of the area.

The change develops gradually over the coming weeks and months. The number of treatments and the need for repetition are determined by the initial condition and the skin's response. During the treatment, warmth and short-term discomfort may be felt, so the intensity is adjusted to suit the patient.

Read more about how the treatment is performed and how to prepare on our page about Ultraformer III.

Attiva radiofrequency for upper arm skin tightening

Attiva is a minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment where a thin cannula is inserted under the skin through a small entry point. Radiofrequency energy heats the tissue in a controlled manner, stimulating the contraction of existing collagen fibres and their further remodelling. The aim is firmer skin and a more clearly defined upper arm contour.

The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia with tissue temperature monitoring. Attiva may be considered when an examination shows that a subcutaneous radiofrequency approach is suitable for loose skin on the upper arms. The suitability of the method depends on the quality of the skin, the anatomy of the area and the patient's general health.

After the treatment, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur, so instructions for care and return to physical activities are given individually. The result develops gradually, and the number of sessions is determined after an examination and monitoring of the tissue's response.

Read more about the procedure on our page about Attiva radiofrequency.

Skin, fat tissue or muscle – and where the treatment boundaries lie

Sagging skin on the upper arms can have three different causes, and the choice depends on this: skin that has lost its firmness (thin, wrinkly and sagging), localised fatty deposits (thicker, softer fold) and weaker tone of the underlying muscle. Tightening devices give the best results with mild to moderate laxity. In cases of greater excess skin, for example after significant weight loss, the effect is limited and no non-invasive treatment can remove it, so the doctor explains during the examination when a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary. A more detailed guide to choosing a treatment by goal can be found on our page about body toning.