Arm Lift in Portland, OR
Sculpt your arms. Reveal confidence. Embrace your shape.
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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!
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia?
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right procedure. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade in private practice. Her philosophy is rooted in respect, patient education, and individualized care. With Dr. Fichadia, you’ll feel seen, heard, and safe—every step of the way.
Here’s what sets her apart:
- A surgeon who listens: Dr. Fichadia takes time to understand your story, your body, and your goals. She is your guide—not just your surgeon—through every step of the process. With a patient-first philosophy rooted in honesty, education, and genuine care, Dr. Fichadia has been consistently selected by her peers as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor every year since 2018.
- Woman-to-woman care: As one of the few female plastic surgeons in Portland, Dr. Fichadia offers a rare level of empathy and understanding, particularly for women navigating changes from pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations.
- Natural aesthetic: Her results are elegant and timeless. Patients appreciate her nuanced- approach—enhancing your shape without sacrificing authenticity.
- Advanced surgical techniques: With refined arm lift methods and thoughtful surgical planning, she works to minimize downtime, improve comfort, and deliver smooth, natural contours.
- Holistic support: Surgical care doesn’t end when the sutures are placed. Dr. Fichadia and her team offer extensive pre-op education, nutritional guidance, and long-term follow-up care.
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
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.
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.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR
Arm Lift Incisions
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.
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.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again
With a focus on safety, artistry, and individualized care, Dr. Fichadia delivers results that enhance both confidence and quality of life. We welcome you to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward feeling renewed and empowered.
Dr. Hetal Fichadia is honored to be a part of that journey. Serving patients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro and beyond, she offers natural results in a setting built on trust, compassion, and excellence. Call (503) 488-2344 or contact us through our online form to schedule your consultation today.