(503) 488-2344
Quick Links ‹
What is an Arm Lift?
Weight loss and the natural aging process can cause the skin on the upper arms to become loose, causing the dreaded “bat wing” appearance. An arm lift can remove excess upper arm skin and fat to create a slimmer arm appearance for a boost in confidence!
Who is a Candidate?
Both men and women who are at a normal weight but are experiencing underarm laxity or those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess upper-arm skin and fat can benefit from an arm lift. Those who are healthy, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcomes of their procedure are often good candidates. However, a consultation with Dr. Fichadia is needed to determine candidacy.
Arm Lift Benefits
You can expect a variety of benefits from your arm lift, including the following:
- Improved arm shape and contours
- Customizable, long-lasting results
- Boost in confidence
- Removes sagging skin
- Removes unwanted fat
- Reduce skin irritation
Arm Lift Incisions
There are three types of arm lift incisions Dr. Fichadia uses: inner arm, back of arm, and minimal incisions. Which one is right for you depends on the results you’re looking for and the amount of excess skin and fat being removed.
Inner arm incision
The inner arm incision is placed along the bottom of the inner arm and can extend from the underarm to the elbow. By placing the incisions here, Dr. Fichadia can easily remove excess skin and fat and as you heal, the incision is less visible. How long the incision is will depend on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed.
Back of arm incision
The back of the arm incision can go from the underarm to just about the elbow and allows Dr. Fichadia better access to excess skin and fat. It also makes skin tightening easier. Placing the incision on the back of the arm also makes it less visible, ensuring you feel comfortable showing your arms after your recovery. This incision also ensures no muscles or tendons are affected during the surgical process.
Minimal incision
The minimal incision is placed along the armpit and is typically used when there is a relatively small amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. The incision is also usually smaller than the other arm lift incisions and comes with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time.
What to Expect From A Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will ask about your medical history, examine your arms, and discuss your goals. This is also the time when you can ask any and all questions, learn about potential risks, and discuss any concerns you have.
After this initial consultation, Dr. Fichadia will build a customized treatment plan that meets all your needs. At this stage, we’ll also schedule your surgery and ensure you have everything you need to prepare for surgery.
Preparing For an Arm Lift
To prepare for an arm lift, you’ll want to stop smoking (if you smoke), stop taking any blood thinners, and avoid alcohol. All these substances can affect the surgical and healing process, and we want to limit possible complications. You’ll also want to arrange for transportation to and from surgery and have a friend or family member take care of you for the first 24 hours. Prepare meals, pick up medications, and set up your recovery space.
Arm Lift Procedure
The arm lift procedure entails incisions being placed on the inside or back of the arm (or along the underarm for a minimal incision), extending from the underarm to just above the elbow. Excess fat may be reduced with liposuction. Liposuction alone is an option if the skin has enough elasticity to shrink after the fat is removed. Underlying tissues will be tightened and reshaped, and the skin smoothed over the new arm contour. Incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
Results and Recovery
Arm lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and you may go home one to two hours after your surgery concludes. After an arm lift, compression garments are worn to reduce swelling. Activities that would raise blood pressure should be avoided for the first week, as this could increase bleeding at the treatment site. However, walking is encouraged to assist with healing. Heavy lifting, jogging, and contact sports should be avoided for up to six weeks. After about six weeks, you should be able to resume your normal activities.
Risks of an Arm Lift
As with any surgical procedure, an arm lift comes with potential risks and complications. Some of the risks you want to look out for include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Poor wound healing
- Fluid accumulation
- Changes in skin sensation
With Dr. Fichadia’s years of experience and advanced skills, you could not be in better hands. She will be with you every step of the way to ensure you’re safe and satisfied with your results.
Individuals in the Portland area can contact our office today to schedule an arm lift consultation with Dr. Fichadia. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
