Upper Body Lift
An upper body lift is a comprehensive plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from multiple areas of the upper torso, typically performed after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging has resulted in sagging or lax skin. It aims to restore a smoother, firmer, and more contoured appearance throughout the upper body.
What Does an Upper Body Lift Involve?
An upper body lift usually combines several procedures, which may include:
- Arm lift (brachioplasty): Removes loose skin and fat from the upper arms.
- Breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction: Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts; male patients may have gynecomastia surgery.
- Back lift (bra line lift): Eliminates skin folds and fat rolls from the upper and mid-back, especially around the bra line for women.
- Underarm (axillary) tightening: Removes excess skin in the armpit region.
- Liposuction: May be used to further refine the contours and remove stubborn areas of fat.
Not all patients need every component—your surgery can be personalised based on where you have the most excess skin or tissue.
Who Is a Candidate?
This procedure is often best suited for:
- Individuals who have lost significant weight (commonly after bariatric surgery or major weight loss) and now struggle with loose or excess skin on the chest, arms, and back.
- Those whose skin quality does not allow for natural retraction after weight loss.
- People who are at or near their weight loss goal, and whose weight has been stable for at least a year.
Procedure Details
- Anaesthesia: Done under general anaesthesia.
- Duration: Surgery can take 2-4, depending on the extent of work required.
- Incisions: Strategic incisions are placed so scars can often be hidden under clothing such as bras or swimsuits.
- Recovery: Expect several weeks of downtime. Most patients wear compression garments to support healing, and full results become evident in the months following surgery.