Abstract

Objectives: In recent years, Asian women increasingly seek upper arm rejuvenation without long scars or extended downtime. While liposuction is effective for volume reduction, it often leaves skin laxity unaddressed. My aim is to share a practical approach using absorbable threads to improve upper arm contour and firmness in selected patients. Introduction: Upper arm sagging is traditionally treated with excisional brachioplasty or liposuction. However, these procedures are often too invasive for patients with mild-to-moderate laxity, especially those who are averse to scarring. There is a growing need for skin-tightening methods that are less invasive yet produce visible aesthetic improvements. Materials / method: Asian patients typically have thinner dermis and more resistant subcutaneous tissues, making upper arm tightening challenging. I have applied a vector-based thread lift technique using 5–8 absorbable threads per arm inserted through minimal incisions. The threads are arranged in a fan or linear pattern targeting the posterior and lateral arms, with emphasis on repositioning lax skin and stimulating collagen. Results: Patients with moderate skin laxity and residual fat showed improved upper arm contour and visible tightening within 2–4 weeks. No major complications were observed. Results were more stable when threads were combined with targeted liposuction. Patient satisfaction was high, especially among those hesitant about conventional surgery. Conclusion: Thread lift for upper arms is a practical, safe, and minimally invasive alternative to excisional surgery for selected Asian patients. I hope to share my technique, key indications, and considerations with the international community, particularly in the context of expanding aesthetic options for the body.