Arm Lift in Portland, OR
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Contact UsWhat Is Arm Lift Surgery?
Whether it's due to weight loss or aging, loose skin is a common aesthetic concern among patients at The Oregon Clinic and Réviance. Upper arm lift surgery (also called brachioplasty) is one of the solutions we offer for patients who cannot achieve the toned, tight look they want for their arms because of loose skin. Loose skin from the elbow to the shoulder is very typical, especially for men and women who are getting older or have lost significant amounts of weight. An upper arm lift removes this excess skin, commonly called "bat wings." Dr. Sean McNally, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland, OR, has a wealth of experience in skin tightening and fat removal methods. If you want to hear more information about how brachioplasty can enhance the appearance of your upper arms, please contact us for an appointment at The Oregon Clinic or Réviance.
What Are the Benefits of An Arm Lift?
At The Oregon Clinic, many patients who undergo arm lift procedures experience several advantages afterward, including:
- Removal of excess skin due to significant weight loss or aging
- Reduced friction, chafing, and irritation between the arm and chest areas
- Greater comfort and confidence when selecting clothing
- Targeting stubborn areas that don't respond to exercise or diet changes
Am I A Candidate for An Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and create a slimmer, more toned appearance. If you feel self-conscious about sagging skin on your upper arms, often referred to as "bat wings," and want a tighter, more defined look, you may be an excellent candidate for this surgery. To ensure proper healing, it’s important to be in good overall health. Ideal candidates typically have loose, hanging skin on their upper arms with minimal natural tightness. Additionally, being at or near your goal weight before surgery is essential for optimal results.
How Is Arm Lift Surgery Performed?
Arm lift surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting except in cases where several aesthetic procedures are scheduled to be done at one time. An upper arm lift may be done with other procedures (often performed at a facility with inpatient monitoring), like a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or butt lift, if Dr. McNally decides it is safe to do so. An upper arm lift is usually done under general anesthesia and can require several hours to finish. The unwanted skin will be surgically removed from the elbow up to the underarm. The incision will be placed in as inconspicuous a spot as possible, although it will become a visible scar. In cases where liposuction is needed to remove stubborn fatty deposits, this can be performed as well. Once the skin is pulled taut, it will be stitched together. You will need to care for the incisions by keeping them clean, bandaged, and wrapped with compression garments.
The Oregon Clinic Reviews
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. McNally and his PA, Whitney. I first worked with Dr. McNally during a breast reduction that was part of my breast cancer surgery, and later again for my mastectomy, where he began my reconstruction and placed expanders. I’ll be continuing with him for my implant exchange, and I truly wouldn’t trust anyone else with my care.From the very beginning, Dr. McNally stood out not only for his knowledge and surgical skill, but for the way he approaches patient care as a whole. He took the time to carefully consider every decision through the lens of my cancer diagnosis, always making sure that my health and long-term outcome were the top priority. That level of thoughtfulness and intention made a difficult process feel much more manageable. He’s also incredibly personable—his sense of humor helped ease a lot of anxiety during an otherwise overwhelming time.Whitney is equally exceptional. I’ve had multiple appointments with her, and she has a natural ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease almost immediately. She is kind, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable, and she takes the time to answer questions in a way that makes you feel informed and supported. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients and takes pride in the care she provides.Together, Dr. McNally and Whitney make an outstanding team. Their communication, compassion, and expertise create an environment where you feel truly cared for and confident in your treatment plan. I’m incredibly grateful to have them as part of my care team and would highly recommend them to anyone navigating a similar journey.
Dr. McNally removed two epidural cysts, one on my cheek and one on the back of my neck. He did a great job and I am very happy with the result. Communication was good with he and his office staff. In the future, I will use him again if necessary.
A real professional. I felt so comfortable when meeting with Dr. McNally and he answered all of my questions with ease. 10/10 experience.
I have wanted/needed a breast reduction for most of my life. I had insecurities about my body but more importantly I experienced chronic back pain. I tried everything before reaching out to Dr. McNally for his opinion. Sean McNally has such a kind yet comical nature; he made me feel heard, reassured and so at ease through everything.. You can tell this comes as a second nature to him. I am still in disbelief with how easy the process was leading up to my surgery and how amazing his team has been throughout my recovery. My new breasts look absolutely beautiful and have already made me feel more comfortable and confident than ever before.
I am thrilled with my results!! It was such a big decision to have my surgery. Dr McNally and his staff are so friendly and professional and made the whole experience the best.
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What to Expect After An Arm Lift
A typical recovery period may take an estimated two weeks with lots of rest and arm elevation. Give your body time to heal. You use your arms for many things, so patients should ease their way back to their daily activities. A suture removal appointment will be made approximately ten days after surgery. Compression garments should be worn until you receive permission from Dr. McNally. For at least one month, all exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided, except taking short walks. If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, excessive swelling, fluid buildup (hematoma), signs of infection, loss of feeling in the hands or arms, or unusual scarring, please call The Oregon Clinic or Réviance for help.
Learn More About The Oregon Clinic - Portland
About UsArms You're Excited to Show Off
Flabby arms, bat wings, or droopy arms — however you refer to the loose skin hanging from your arms, Dr. McNally calls it an opportunity to change your life with plastic surgery. The physical and emotional benefits provided by this surgery are dramatic. If you're at or near a healthy weight but still can't lose the flab and skin that hang off your arms, please call to schedule a private consultation at The Oregon Clinic or Réviance. Look younger and fitter with upper arm lift surgery.
Arm Lift FAQs
How much does arm lift surgery cost?
The total cost for a surgical arm lift will depend on several things. Before building your treatment, Dr. McNally will start with a consultation to learn more about the look you want to achieve. From there, he can create a surgical plan and estimate costs. We want all of our patients to be able to look and feel their best, so please don't hesitate to ask about payments we accept or low-interest financing options.
What happens if you gain weight after arm lift surgery?
An arm lift removes excess skin and reshapes underlying tissue, but it does not prevent future weight fluctuations. Significant weight gain after surgery can stretch remaining tissue and affect contour. For this reason, long-term weight stability is strongly encouraged prior to and after surgery. Our team evaluates weight history and lifestyle habits carefully before recommending brachioplasty to help ensure lasting results.
How long after losing weight can I get an arm lift?
Patients are generally advised to maintain a stable weight for several months before pursuing an arm lift. This allows the skin to retract as much as possible and ensures surgical planning is based on a stable baseline. Our team will assess your weight trajectory, nutritional status, and overall health before determining surgical readiness.
Why is arm lift only for the upper arms?
Brachioplasty specifically targets excess skin and tissue between the underarm and elbow, where laxity most commonly develops after weight loss or aging. The lower arm typically does not experience the same degree of redundant skin. Our team will evaluate your anatomy and determine whether an arm lift alone is appropriate or whether additional contouring procedures should be considered.
Will there be scars?
As with any surgery, an arm lift requires incisions to remove the excess skin, which leads to scarring from stitches. However, Dr. McNally will make every effort to place the small incisions in inconspicuous areas. After your arm lift, topical creams that help with healing will be recommended along with our tips for minimizing scarring. Dr. McNally also suggests you limit sun exposure for at least one year to protect the incisions from any additional discoloration. Most patients consider the benefits of an arm lift to be worth the appearance of any potential scars.
How can I maintain my results after an arm lift?
Arm lift surgery is used to excise hanging skin and small amounts of fat. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid a significant change in your weight, which might affect your surgical results. After your surgery, once you are recovered and Dr. McNally has given permission, you can start strength training. This is a good way to improve the shape of your arms by strengthening and toning the muscles.