• Plasma fibroblast therapy is an effective treatment for tightening sagging skin on the inner arms, providing patients with mild to moderate results. Do manage your expectations, because there will not be any dramatic lifting.

• Not everyone is a suitable candidate. Patients with extreme sagging, coagulopathic disorders, or keloid formation should seek other treatment options.

• Results are not instant and multiple treatments might be needed, further adding to the time and expense involved.

• Plasma treatment improves skin quality more than it physically lifts the skin, and effects may be temporary, often needing ongoing maintenance.

• Recovery on the inner arms might be slower due to the thinner skin, along with the potential for motion to slow healing. Furthermore, it can lead to irregular texture or nerve hypersesthesia.

• Plasma is not an alternative to surgical procedures or surgical fat reduction techniques. For patients looking for more dramatic results, they should consider a different treatment.

Energy-based devices are often used in an attempt to tighten loose, sagging skin. There are hundreds of clinics across the U.S. Providing plasma treatments, promising patients a more conservative alternative to surgery.

Using the power of heat to stimulate collagen, the treatment can provide some degree of mild to moderate skin tightening results in the right candidates. Results can be variable and modest at best; thick, heavily sagging skin does not respond well.

Swelling, redness, and some mild pain can occur after a session. Unlike these treatments, plasma treatments may require multiple sessions and are usually not covered by insurance.

Individuals with darker skin tones might experience hyperpigmentation. The following sections explain in detail what plasma can and cannot accomplish for inner arm skin.

What Is Plasma Fibroblast Therapy?

Plasma fibroblast therapy is a noninvasive skin tightening treatment that uses plasma energy to contract and rejuvenate loose, sagging skin. Its most common use by far is for cosmetic procedures. The procedure reduces the appearance of facial creases, wrinkles, and skin blemishes caused by sun exposure.

It can be found in many clinics throughout Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas. Their non-surgical eyelid lift and skin spot treatments eliminate the requirement for invasive cuts or stitches.

The treatment is performed by directing a precise, lightning-like arc of plasma—an energized form of gas—onto the skin’s surface. The plasma energy forms small, precise dots that trigger the skin’s natural healing process.

The process stimulates fibroblast cells in the skin, encouraging them to create collagen. This collagen is crucial for keeping our skin plump and stretchy. It’s collagen remodeling that ultimately gives the skin a tighter, more youthful appearance in the months to come.

How Plasma Aims to Tighten

The plasma fibroblast tools essentially make very fast, very small wounds on the surface of the skin. These micro-injuries signal to the body to begin the healing process. Fibroblasts, specialized skin cells, flood the area and begin regenerating collagen.

As collagen production increases, the skin becomes tighter and less droopy. The newly formed outer skin works as a protective barrier while the area heals. This ensures that the underlying layers are safe from damage, allowing for a quicker recovery than with deeper procedures.

In general, everyone requires one to three sessions, spaced at least eight weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.

The Science: Simple Explanation

Unlike lasers, plasma fibroblast therapy is not a purely energy-based treatment. The difference between lasers and plasma is significant. Lasers utilize light, whereas plasma utilizes the effect of ionized gas.

This treatment can be a lot more accurate, particularly on tiny patches or sensitive regions. It’s an effective treatment for all skin tones, which makes it a versatile choice.

Not a Laser, Not a Light

Treating inner arm sagging is actually quite difficult! The skin in this area has a high degree of laxity and is more delicate compared to other areas.

Understanding the skin’s unique structure will go a long way toward establishing realistic expectations. Results may be more subtle than that of the face or eyelids.

Inner Arm Skin: A Tricky Area

Skin on the inner arm is arguably the most difficult areas to tattoo. This area is particularly prone to issues with sagging and loss of tone. This is one of the first areas to show significant aging signs. It’s usually just caused by a combination of aging, weight changes, and normal arm motion.

These factors combine to make the skin in this area thin and loose, and thus more prone to displaying sagging prematurely. Tens of thousands are counting on novel plasma treatments to do the job. This area poses its own unique challenges that may make outcomes less predictable.

Why This Skin Sags More

Inner arm skin is very thin compared to areas such as the thighs or abdomen. This translates into having less connective tissue that contains the collagen and fat, both of which contribute to skin’s firmness. Without that support layer, skin here succumbs more readily to the effects of gravity and time on the surface.

Even people who are diligent with fitness or anti-aging regimens will see sagging in this area earlier. That’s because of the way this skin is structured.

Thinner Skin, Less Support

Lived experience is hugely important. The inner arms are highly mobile, constantly in motion and prone to rubbing against clothing and other skin. With time, this constant friction destroys the skin’s natural elasticity.

Reaching, lifting, or just resting with bent elbows—these seemingly minor movements really start to accumulate. The more you stretch the skin, the less of that snap there is.

Movement and Friction Factors

We have seen plasma treatments successfully benefit many people. The very thin, fragile skin of the inner arms makes for slower healing and more modest improvements. Numbness or tingling is normal for several days or weeks, and complete recovery takes months.

Success varies according to skin type, age, and the degree that the skin has been stretched. Inner arm skin is a tricky area to work on.

Plasma Treatment Limitations: Inner Arms

The inner arms are a unique case for treatment plasma, and present further challenges. This area’s skin is very thin and delicate, making it less receptive to plasma’s tightening and lifting abilities. Today, plasma treatment is in vogue primarily for its non-invasive approach and skin-tightening potential.

Nonetheless, the success of the treatment remains by a variety of individual and procedural variables. Understanding these limitations allows for understanding what to truly expect, and helps individuals identify whether this is the best fit for their goals.

1. Degree of Sagging Matters Greatly

The fate of plasma treatment for sagging skin largely rests on the severity of sagging. For mild to moderate sagging, plasma can work miracles, achieving a tighter appearance gradually. The minimally invasive plasma device operates by precisely controlled delivery of heat under the skin, stimulating the development of new collagen and tightening the treated area.

If the inner arm is extremely loose or has a lot of sagging skin, plasma might not provide an adequate lift. In such scenarios, the outcomes are often relatively subtle or even imperceptible.

Doctors usually assess the severity of sagging before recommending plasma. For someone with only a slight droop or early signs of laxity, plasma can offer a gentle boost. With more advanced sagging, though, options like surgery may work better.

For example, a person who lost a lot of weight might have extra skin folds that do not respond to surface-level therapy. This makes it clear why a tailored assessment is so important before starting treatment.

2. Skin Type and Tone Restrictions

Skin types and tones do not respond equally to plasma. Individuals with darker skin types, in particular, are at risk for adverse pigment alterations. This means darkened patches of skin or hypopigmented light marks that remain after the skin has healed.

The natural thickness and elasticity of the skin play a role in how effectively plasma is able to tighten the area. For those with thin or easily-reactive skin, the heat produced by the device can result in excess swelling, redness or even bruising.

A careful review of skin type and tone helps lower risks. Some providers may do a test patch to see how the skin reacts. In Los Angeles, where the sun is intense year-round, sun exposure before or after treatment can raise the chances of visible side effects.

People with a history of skin sensitivity or allergies may need extra caution. Getting a full evaluation by a trained professional can help match the treatment to the skin’s unique needs.

3. Results Aren’t Instant or Guaranteed

Once treated, the skin immediately begins a healing stage that leads to the production of new collagen over the course of several weeks to months. The majority of individuals notice a difference after three to six months. It’s often difficult to predict how much improvement you’ll see.

Patients will vary in their perception of change. Some will see minimal improvement and others will achieve a more dramatic lift. There’s no instant reward and no promise of one.

There’s no guarantee that plasma will achieve every objective. Outcomes depend on age, skin condition, genetics, and the degree to which an individual adheres to aftercare instructions. Someone with a smoking habit, for instance, can expect a longer healing time.

This means that a person who has high sun exposure may be less likely to see improvement. Better to treat plasma as an investment of time and money than as an instant cure.

4. Multiple Sessions Often Needed

If one desires a solid outcome on the inner arms, it likely requires multiple plasma treatments. One treatment sometimes won’t cut it. The majority of people require two-to-four sessions done with a few weeks in between.

Each additional visit not only prolongs the overall treatment, but extends the prep, in-treatment, and healing process. Of course, needing multiple sessions increases the cost, both financial and in terms of time required for the treatment.

For busy professionals who live and work in sprawling cities such as Los Angeles, scheduling multiple return trips can be a major inconvenience. Individuals need to be prepared for the treatment commitment and should expect several days of recovery time following each treatment session.

Generally, individuals are back to normal activity in a few days. The delicate skin on the inner arm is prone to swelling or bruising, which will extend your downtime before returning to workouts or vigorous activity.

5. Not a Weight Loss Solution

Plasma treatment isn’t a replacement for an invasive fat removal procedure. That’s because it doesn’t shrink fat cells, it tightens skin. Individuals with more accumulated fat in the arms will not achieve an optimal improvement in contour and girth.

For example, someone with “bat wings” caused by both loose skin and underlying fat will only see skin tightening—not fat reduction. In some cases, liposuction or other fat-removal treatments will be necessary first, and plasma will then be used to treat the excess loose skin that remains.

It is key to set the right goal: plasma is for tightening, not slimming.

6. Potential for Uneven Texture

After plasma treatment, many individuals report a bumpy skin surface. This may result in the presence of small bumps, patchy skin tone, and in some cases, mild scarring. The risk is even greater for patients with sensitive skin or a history of slow healing.

Healing patterns are individual—some people have skin that heals very quickly, others longer and sometimes with slight textural changes. Swelling, redness or numbness can persist for days.

In very rare cases, these marks or color changes can remain for several weeks. Even with the most skilled hands employing the most careful technique to prevent unevenness, the risk still exists, particularly after multiple treatments.

7. Healing Can Be Prolonged Here

Healing on the inner arms is typically a longer healing process than facial or neck treatments. The skin in this area is constantly in motion, contributing to delayed recovery. Others experience redness and slight swelling for a week or longer.

Bruising occurs often as well, especially in those that tend to bruise easily. Other considerations—like your age, health, and how much time you spend in the sun—play a role in how quickly you’ll heal.

In warm, sunny climates such as Southern California, staying out of direct sun is an important part of protecting delicate new skin and speeding the healing process. Aftercare—such as using non-irritating cleansers and other products—is incredibly important to the healing process, but requires time and patience.

8. Nerve Sensitivity Concerns

The inner arm is very sensitive as there are many small nerves that run just under the skin. Plasma treatment may cause tingling, numbness, or minor pain following the procedure due to possible nerve damage. Though the majority of individuals find these symptoms resolve within a few days, some experience persistent unusual sensations.

If you do suffer from nerve sensitivity or have a history of nerve pain, plasma might not be the right treatment for you. Inability to sleep, work, or exercise due to post-treatment discomfort can be a significant concern.

Open communication with a provider helps set expectations and plan for comfort during recovery.

9. Limited Fat Reduction Capability

Plasma does not reduce fat. Its primary purpose is to improve the appearance of the skin by providing smooth and tight skin, not reducing the volume of the arms. Those seeking a trimmer appearance can be disappointed if removal of underlying fat is the focus.

Often, providers will combine plasma with other treatments to create a more holistic outcome.

10. Cost Versus Achievable Tightening

Plasma treatments are significantly more expensive compared to multiple at-home treatments, and the cost of several plasma sessions can be prohibitive. In a large city, such as Los Angeles, one treatment session can cost upwards of several hundred dollars or even more.

As you consider the costs, consider the long-term outcomes and where they would stack up versus surgery or other skin-tightening devices. In instances where significant sagging is present, surgery—despite higher initial cost—can be a more valuable payoff.

11. Who Should Consider Alternatives

Patients with extremely lax dermis, poor healing history, pigment abnormalities, or nerve involvement should look into alternate therapies. These disease states might not be amenable to therapy.

Medical history, current stressors, and pharmaceutical medicines all play a role as well. An extensive health history and physical examination help maximize safety and minimize complications.

Overall, the best way to set expectations with plasma treatment is to be honest and communicative with your provider about your overall health and aesthetic goals.

Who Should Avoid Plasma for Arms?

Plasma skin tightening for sagging skin on the inner arms can provide a viable solution for many, though not all. Understanding when plasma isn’t the right solution saves you time and ensures you receive safe, effective results. There are a handful of health and lifestyle factors that may make plasma either less safe or less likely to work effectively.

Certain Medical Conditions

Individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid plasma injections. For instance, if you suffer from autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or blood-clotting issues, plasma is more detrimental than helpful.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally recommended to defer. This is mostly due to the lack of evidence supporting that it’s safe for them or their infants.

If you have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis in or around the treatment area, plasma can irritate these conditions. Always inform your provider of your medical history, no matter how small it is. It gives them more information to determine if plasma is the right option for you.

Unrealistic Outcome Expectations

Plasma is effective at tightening mild to moderate sagging, but it isn’t a miracle cure. If you’re looking for a big bang approach, you may be disappointed.

Individuals with more significant sagging, commonly found in those older than 65, will be disappointed with the lift. This problem is not only prevalent after surgery, but following major weight loss.

By having an honest conversation with your clinician about the limits of plasma, you protect yourself from unrealistic expectations.

If You Scar Easily

If you develop keloids and/or are prone to scarring, skip the plasma. Any treatment that breaks the skin can create thick, raised scars in certain individuals.

If you’ve experienced hypertrophic scars after previous procedures, plasma is likely to cause the same risk.

Active Skin Infections Nearby

Plasma is not safe if you have an active skin infection, inflammation, or are healing from a recent rash. Infections not only interfere with healing, they can progress, increasing the chances of further complications.

What Plasma Realistically Achieves

Plasma treatment to lift sagging skin on the inner arms is one of the hottest trends in Los Angeles and around the country. It is crucial to understand what this new treatment actually can and cannot achieve. Given that results are likely to be small, it is wise to be specific about desired outcomes from the outset.

Mild to Moderate Improvement Max

Non-invasive procedure Plasma skin tightening usually results in dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone. 92% of people who repeat the treatment see visible changes. What is remarkable is the skin contraction rate of about 60%.

This is much more successful than the other non-surgical options, which typically max out at 40-45%. This doesn’t imply that the skin is actually raised as it would be following an operation. Not surprisingly, a lot of patients report improvement in the smoothness and firmness of the skin, but some confuse improved skin texture with real lifting.

Skin Quality vs. Actual Lift

Additionally, the effects of plasma are typically quite short-lived and dissipate with time. The body’s natural reaction is to create new collagen, keeping skin elastic and younger looking for years to come. Approximately 85% of people experience tighter skin, though continual treatments are usually required.

While results can last for years with proper maintenance, each person’s skin is just going to respond a little differently. Factors such as age and skin type are very important determinants of how long the results last.

Temporary Tightening Effects

Plasma treatment is not a substitute for surgery. Those who are extremely heavy or have highly redundant skin or require a large degree of lifting may be more suitable surgical candidates. Plasma is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging who desire a lifting effect, but little to no downtime.

Why It Won’t Replace Surgery

In contrast with other treatments, plasma is unique in its immediate, noticeable improvement and the extended duration of the effects. When the lift needed is big, surgical approaches remain the gold standard.

Plasma vs. Other Arm Treatments

Plasma skin tightening is an increasingly popular option for patients looking to address sagging skin along the inner arms. It is unique in that it provides an option between home devices and surgical lifts. The real test is how it stacks up against the alternatives!

Comparing to Radiofrequency

While plasma and RF treatments have the same goal — tightening loose, saggy skin — the two processes are quite different. Plasma employs regulated heat from ionized gas to tighten skin and stimulate collagen production.

Similar to plasma, radiofrequency uses heat energy but delivers it deeper into the skin using electrical currents. On average, plasma treatments deliver a superior skin contraction percentage — up to 60%, versus 40-45% with radiofrequency. This results in plasma typically tightening the skin more per treatment.

Plasma is unique in other ways too, most notably its speedy recovery. 95% of individuals return to their daily routine within several days. Swelling, redness or bruising is mild and resolves rapidly.

Radiofrequency treatments require virtually no recovery, though you might require additional sessions to achieve the same effect.

How It Differs From Ultrasound

Ultrasound utilizes thermal energy to treat the arm. Plasma uses energy from a tiny arc to tighten the skin. Plasma is ideal for those with mild to moderate skin sagging looking for noticeable results without surgery.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more powerful, it’s a great middle ground between non-invasive treatments and more invasive procedures.

Surgical Options: A Big Leap

While surgery helps remove excess skin for a more dramatic change, it comes with greater risks and an extended recovery. Recovery from an arm lift typically requires a minimum of one week off of work, and complete recovery can take six months or longer.

Plasma provides results that are long-lasting—some patients enjoy their effects for a decade or more—without the scarring or extended recovery period. Aftercare is simple: keep the treated skin clean and avoid sun for best results.

The Plasma Recovery Lowdown

Plasma procedures to treat sagging skin on the inner arms can offer dramatic results with minimal risks of complications when compared with traditional surgery. Recovery is not a quick process. Here’s what you should look forward to and why each step is important.

Dot Scabs: The Healing Phase

Once plasma treatment is complete, small dot scabs appear on the skin. They appear as a matrix of brownish dots exactly where the device contacted. These dot scabs indicate where energy penetrated the epidermis to initiate the healing response.

Swelling and redness begin within hours and typically reach their maximum by day two. For those it affects, these signs are gone in three days. Some may notice them stick around for a week or longer. Those with sensitive skin or a tendency to redness will see prolonged healing.

Swelling and Redness Timeline

Swelling and redness can be expected. They appear very puffy and can feel quite warm and puffy to the touch. The majority of individuals find that these begin to fade around five days.

If the skin gets regular exposure to heat or sunlight, the healing process can be delayed. The color of the skin might not blend in with the rest of the arm. This can occur up until the scabs come off, often up to a week.

Aftercare: Crucial but Demanding

Aftercare is critical to the success of plasma recovery. Patients must ensure the skin remains clean, dry, and protected from sun exposure. Not applying sunscreen or removing scabs can delay healing and lead to pigmentation or scars.

Gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers allow the skin to heal while protecting it.

Social Downtime Considerations

Visible dot scabs and swelling from fillers can interfere with social plans. No more short sleeves or trips to the gym until skin tone returns to baseline.

For those whose occupations involve public-facing work, they typically can’t just go into a week of work from home or a planned week off.

My View: Plasma for Arms

Plasma treatment has become increasingly popular for sagging skin on the inner arms. Those who want a tighter, more toned appearance without intensive surgery are especially interested. This technique relies on tiny little needles, typically only 3-5 millimeters, and spurs the creation of collagen at the dermal level.

Patients typically notice immediate improvements in texture and tightness, and 85% report noticeable improvement. Results can endure for years, occasionally five years or longer. It’s a high price to pay though! Prepare to shell out between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the clinic and the square footage involved.

Is It Truly Worth It?

The true worth of plasma treatment ultimately comes down to the needs and desires of the individual patient. It’s not a panacea, and forging that change can be a lengthy process. The operation can take as long as three hours, and recovery often requires a week or two.

Mild swelling, redness, or numbness are normal, but these side effects usually resolve quickly. We need to make people realize that change can be clear-cut. The end result is never equal to all.

Managing Your Expectations Wisely

As such, plasma treatment is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging who wish to undergo a less invasive procedure than surgery. Realistic expectations are crucial. People who have high skin quality and very realistic goals are the ones who are most satisfied with the outcome.

For the person with significant lax skin, they are going to be disappointed. In these situations, a more invasive alternative may actually be more appropriate.

When I Might Suggest It

This is the most flexible choice and works well for people who are healthy! It’s ideal for those with minimal areas of laxity that can afford a little downtime away from work or exercise.

If a patient is looking for something more gradual and natural-looking and is committed to aftercare, then plasma might be a good option.

When I Definitely Wouldn’t

Patients with super thin skin, issues with bleeding, or patients that have high expectations about the results should stay away from plasma. Safety and well-being should be the number one priority, always.

Conclusion

There are some very important and practical limitations to plasma treatments of sagging skin on the inner arms. As with the aesthetic results, results are fairly mild. The skin in this area typically tends to have loose, thin areas that need a much lighter hand. Those who have deep sag or quick fix dreams will be disappointed. Most people find more success with other treatments, such as arm lifts or radiofrequency devices. For readers who are looking for a very minimal increase but do have time to take a little break, plasma remains an option. Tough to beat plain old frank discussion with your physician to get the proper treatment plan. Regardless of the cause of the arm skin changes from aging, sun exposure, or massive weight loss, treatment should be tailored to the individual. Have additional questions about this technique? Meet and network with an industry-leading pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plasma fibroblast therapy safe for sagging skin on the inner arms?

Despite the general safety of plasma fibroblast therapy for the skin, the inner arms are particularly sensitive. Patients are at risk of developing excessive swelling, redness, or hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scarring. Only ever receive treatment from a licensed professional in Los Angeles to reduce the potential risks.

How much skin tightening can I expect on my inner arms with plasma?

How much skin tightening can I expect on my inner arms with plasma? Realistically, it won’t come anywhere close to matching surgery. If there’s a lot of skin to tighten, or if it’s very sagging, the impact can be more minimal.

Who should not get plasma fibroblast on their inner arms?

Don’t get plasma fibroblast on your inner arms if you have dark skin, active skin infections, are pregnant, or have a history of keloids. As always, make sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist in your town before undergoing any treatment.

How long does recovery from plasma treatment on the arms take?

Full healing generally requires 7 to 10 days, but redness and perhaps slight swelling may persist beyond this period. To achieve optimal results, you need to prevent sun exposure, sweating, and vigorous exercise while you are recovering.

What are common side effects after plasma treatment on the arms?

What are common side effects after plasma treatment on the arms? Infrequently, scarring or changes in the color of the skin may happen, particularly if aftercare instructions are not adhered to.

Is plasma fibroblast better than arm lift surgery?

Plasma fibroblast is arguably less invasive and provides a much quicker recovery time. The improvement, though significant, isn’t nearly as striking as that of an arm lift. Surgery is a more effective option for advanced sagging, whereas plasma is most successful in cases of mild sagging.

Can plasma fibroblast therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, a few clinics in Los Angeles use plasma along with microneedling or radiofrequency to create more dramatic results. Consult with your provider first to determine safe combinations and timing.