Fluctuations in weight, growing older and heredity can cause the upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance.  While exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, it does not help with excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits.
Excessive fullness of the upper arm can be reduced with liposuction; however, in patients where excess skin is a problem, or in patients who have lost significant amounts of weight, more is needed.  Brachioplasty, otherwise known as an arm lift, can help reduce excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow in order to give a more toned and proportionate appearance.  During an arm lift, the excess skin is excised, thus restoring a more pleasing contour to the arm.