Exilis for the upper arms in London

The upper arms are a small-evidence area: two small published series with a combined radiofrequency and ultrasound device studied the arms, one measuring a smaller circumference after a course, and no FDA clearance names the arms. We say that plainly, and in our practice we treat the arms in four weekly sessions of about 30 minutes, each arm as part of one area. Every treatment is given by Dr Marie Duggan, GMC 7488383, at Exilis London, 130 Harley Street, London, W1G 7JU, with the price in writing at a free consultation.

What the studies measured

• 64 people, retrospective, a combined radiofrequency and ultrasound device (2021): the arms in seven; the circumference was significantly lower a month after the fourth session, satisfaction 4.48 out of 5. The authors advise telling patients to expect "moderate degrees of improvement".
• 34 people, a combined radiofrequency and ultrasound device (2017): the arms in seven; blinded evaluators picked out the after photograph in over 90% of cases at three months.
• The clearance: none names the arms. The Exilis clearances in the US are for wrinkles and for heating, so the arms rest on these series and on the same mechanism.

What it does and does not do

Exilis firms the loose skin on the back of the upper arm and reduces the measurement a little. It does not remove fat or excess skin the way an arm lift does, and for a large fold of skin the doctor will say whether surgery is the better route. In our experience the arms suit someone with early looseness who wants a gentle course with no downtime rather than a procedure.

The session and after

In our practice gel or oil goes on the skin and a return pad on your body. The handpiece is moved over each upper arm while the warmth builds and is adjusted with you; about 30 minutes for the pair. Pink, warm skin afterwards that settles over hours; no downtime. Usually four weekly sessions, set at the consultation, then the review one to three months after the last, where we measure and photograph in our practice.

Who it suits

In our practice, an adult with early loose skin on the upper arms who will keep their weight steady through the course. Not with a pacemaker or other internal electronic device, metal implants in the area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or an active skin infection. The face page and the thighs page cover the other areas, and the full guide the rest.