Though the arm lift can help make one’s arms look slimmer and more toned, not everyone is keen to undergo surgery just to reap the arm lift’s benefits.
If you’re one of these people, here’s some good news: there are non-surgical arm lift alternatives that you can take instead of the usual surgical arm lift.
Read on to learn more about these minimally invasive arm lift alternatives.
Laser skin tightening
One of the best alternatives for a surgical arm lift is laser skin tightening, which is perfect for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. In this procedure, the upper arms are treated with a high-power surgical laser that stimulates collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is responsible for skin elasticity and healing.
Unlike an arm lift, laser skin tightening involves no scarring, no downtime, and almost no discomfort. However, the results appear gradually, so you may need to undergo multiple treatments spaced several months apart.
Thermage
Thermage is a slimming treatment that is somewhat similar to laser skin tightening, but its main difference lies in the fact that Thermage uses radiofrequency waves rather than light energy. The waves melt fat and tighten collagen fibers, hence resulting in a firmer and more youthful-looking skin on the arms. In addition, it stimulates natural collagen production, just like laser skin tightening. It is also great for stretch marks.
Thermage treatment is typically discomfort-free, although you may experience a warming sensation. The recovery period typically lasts for three to five days, but the swelling and redness are minimal. Fat is eliminated in four to eight weeks after the application of treatment.
Thermage can enhance slightly loose or crepe-like skin on the upper arms, but it is not recommended for treating severely drooping skin.
VelaShape
VelaShape is a relatively recent treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration only in 2007. It makes use of a combination of radiofrequency treatments, infrared light, massage, and suctioning in order to smooth cellulite and tone the thighs. However, it can also be effective on the upper arms as it melts excess fat away so your body can absorb and expel the fat cells on its own.
VelaShape requires four to six treatments, spaced one week apart. Though it can reduce stubborn fat pockets, it still cannot fully achieve the results of an arm lift as it does not remove excess skin.
VASER Liposelection
Classified as a non-invasive liposuction treatment, VASER Liposelection involves the use of ultrasonic energy to dissolve fat tissues, hence aiding their elimination from the body. It can also be used on the upper arm to get rid of stubborn fat pockets and tighten the skin.
Unlike other fat removal methods, VASER Liposelection leaves the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissues unharmed, making it a safe and non-invasive alternative for an arm lift. However, it cannot replace an arm lift surgery if there is a lot of excess skin involved.
Lipodissolve
Lipodissolve is a treatment that is pretty similar to VASER Liposelection, in that it can help melt fat and tighten skin on your upper arms. However, instead of using ultrasonic energy, Lipodissolve makes use of injections that contain natural and synthetic enzymes to break down fat.
This treatment is administered in a series of sessions, but the exact number of sessions depends on the amount of fat and excess skin of the patient. It takes time to see the effects of the treatment, usually within four to eight weeks after the administration of the last injection.
Zerona
Zerona is another arm lift alternative treatment that liquefies fat cells and allows the body to naturally expel them through the lymphatic system. This time, cold lasers are used to target unwanted fat cells on the waist, hip, thighs, and upper arms.
Like most non-invasive arm lift alternative treatments, Zerona involves no scarring, downtime, or discomfort. It also does not have any side effects. At least six treatments spaced one day apart are needed to achieve optimal results. One session lasts for 40 minutes.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy makes use of an injectable solution that contains amino acids, medication, and natural ingredients. The injections are targeted towards the middle layer of the upper arm’s skin, where the solution melts fat and tightens skin. It is a perfect non-surgical alternative to arm lifts for patients with limited unwanted fat and skin on the upper arms. Those with too much excess skin will not benefit from mesotherapy, as it only has a slight tightening effect on the skin.
Results often become visible four to eight weeks after treatment. Some patients may also require several injections for optimal results.
Toning exercises
Arm and upper body exercises have always been effective when it comes to achieving toned arms. However, the biggest problem with them is that it takes months before you can start seeing results. Also, weight lifting and other strength-building exercises cannot address the extra skin on your arms, though they do give you a sleeker look.
Rather than being an alternative to an arm lift surgery, toning exercises are best done after an arm lift so that you can augment the surgery’s results and help maintain its effects in the long run. These exercises also help build muscle mass, thus helping your body burn more calories and prevent weight gain.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is an inexpensive alternative to an arm lift that can reduce fat and excessive skin tissue. It can heat up the skin, dislodge unwanted pockets of fat cells, and stimulate blood circulation, which in turn causes weight loss and skin tightening. Massage may even reduce the appearance of cellulite in various parts of your body, even your upper arms.
Just like toning exercises, the only downside to massage therapy is that it requires numerous massage treatments over a long period of time before you can actually start seeing results.