Aesthetic surgery of the arm. Part I.

Aging factors of the upper arm, elbow, forearm, and hand have been studied to afford an understanding of aesthetic changes that occur in aging. Arm and hand roentgenograms of females, aged 10 to 70 years, were studied and the ratio between the superior and inferior part of the upper arm was calculated. This ratio, the coefficient of Hoyer, increased progressively from 1:1.0 at 10 years of age to 1:2.2 at 70 years. The laxity of the lower arm was calculated with a grasping tonometer and showed a progressive increase from 0.5 cm at 10 years of age to 4.0 cm at 70 years. Changes in the elbow and hand were also noted.