By Beth Landman
Loose skin or a little extra weight on the arms can be covered up in the cooler months, but come spring, it’s time to take action. There is no shortage of potential solutions—from injectables, to radio frequency, to a good old-fashioned intensive workout regimen. Below, some of the best options.
1. BODYTITE
Legendary plastic surgeon Sherrell Aston uses this minimally invasive radio-frequency procedure that tightens skin on the arms. He often does it along with liposuction of the upper arm, and both can be performed under local anesthesia. “Fullness on the back of the arms responds very well to lipo, which is done with a single incision at the elbow crease,” he says. draston.com
2. ENDYMED
Jeannel Astarita, founder of Just Ageless NYC Wellness Center, suggests this radio-frequency device. “It has a new mini shaper handpiece that’s very efficient in delivering heat to the right depth, which achieves the maximum result in skin tightening,” she says. justagelessnyc.com
3. FUTURA FIT
Jeannel Astarita and Dr. Marina Peredo use this machine that passively exercises the muscles of the arm. “If your muscle is flexing, it doesn’t matter if your brain is telling your muscle to flex or the machine is doing it,” says Astarita. “Just one half-hour session is the equivalent of six half-hour sessions with a trainer.” marinaperedomd.com
4. INSTALIPO
Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Sharon Giese is one of the first to have these ultra-strong LED lights focused on arms, meant to release fatty acids and toxins while tightening the skin on your limbs. sharongiesemd.com
5. ULTHERAPY
The ultrasound technique, most often used on faces, is also employed to firm up arms by Dr. Peredo. marinaperedomd.com
6. SCULPSURE
This method, used by Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, destroys fat cells without damaging the skin. “You can actually con tour the arms with this and you get some tightening, but it’s best for someone with good elasticity,” he says. sobelskin.com
7. COOLSCULPTING
“We have applicators specifically shaped for the arm,” explains Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Maman. “It’s a noninvasive, half-hour treatment that kills fat cells, which are then automatically absorbed and eliminated. You can expect about 30 percent of the result of traditional liposuction, but it works best on patients with good elasticity.” plasticsurgeonsnyc.com
8. MIXTO SX
Manhattan and Hamptons dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark chooses this fraxelated Co2 laser to combat lax skin. It’s ablative, so keep in mind there is some downtime. kennethmarkmd.com
9. ROPES OR AXLE AT CRUNCH
The Powerwave Battle Roping class brings definition to the arms and gives a cardiovascular workout; Axle uses a lightweight training bar to give a full range of motion while building arm muscles. crunch.com
10. CREPE ERASE
For a quick and easy at-home treatment, the two-step Crepe Erase, for which Jane Seymour is a spokeswoman, first sloughs off dead skin, then helps diminish fine lines and laxity with a mixture of botanical oils and plant extracts. crepeerase.com