How to improve sagging skin on the arms

Will arm exercises tighten the skin?

Pushups and other exercises for the triceps, the muscles at the back of your upper arms, can improve muscle tone. Resistance training, including lifting weights, also helps. Strength training works on muscle, not excess skin, which is an inconvenient distinction for a workout plan. If hanging skin remains despite regular exercise, doing more repetitions is not a substitute for skin removal.23

How should you care for the skin?

Use general skin care to support hydration and protect exposed arms. Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp after bathing, or whenever it feels dry. Outdoors, seek shade, wear protective clothing and apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to uncovered skin. If loose skin folds against itself, keep the area clean and dry to reduce irritation.4

If sagging developed while taking a GLP 1 weight loss medicine, talk to your dermatologist about persistent skin changes or rashes in folds. These medicines can be associated with loose skin and dryness; skin care and assessment are separate from deciding whether to have cosmetic treatment.4

What can help without surgery?

Laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and tighten arm skin. Collagen is a protein that gives skin structure. Fillers can also stimulate collagen production. Discuss the risks, benefits and likely improvement with your clinician before choosing a procedure.2

Dermatologists also use microneedling for sagging skin. Tiny needles stimulate collagen production; radiofrequency microneedling adds heat. A dermatologist should assess whether your arms are suitable. Improvement develops gradually, sometimes within weeks, with full results usually taking several months. More than one session can be needed. Home devices give less noticeable results and can cause infection, scarring or changes in skin color.5

Avoid microneedling if you heal poorly, have a history of raised scars called keloids, have a weakened immune system, or are receiving radiation treatment. Treatment must wait if the area has an infection or sunburn. Tell the dermatologist about isotretinoin use. Temporary burning, swelling and color changes can last a few days to a week; follow the aftercare plan.5

When is an arm lift worth considering?

Consider a plastic surgery consultation for significant hanging skin, especially after major weight loss. An arm lift removes extra skin rather than asking it to reconsider. The tradeoff is a permanent scar, often running along the upper arm. Suitable candidates have stable weight, do not smoke and have no medical conditions that increase surgical risk.13

Ask the surgeon about their training and experience with arm lifts. Bring details of your medical conditions, allergies, medicines and supplements. Incision length depends on the amount of excess skin; extensive skin removal can require an incision extending toward the chest.3

Shape changes are visible immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising can take weeks to settle. Recovery includes compression garments and avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Risks include infection, bleeding, numbness and wound separation. Contact your surgeon for fever, incision discharge, excessive bleeding, uncontrolled pain or changes in arm or hand sensation or movement.1