Complete Your Transformation Journey
A Surgical Solution for a Contoured Upper Body
Remove excess skin and fat from the upper back, chest, and arms after significant weight loss — for a firmer, more toned upper body.
Upper Body Lift at a Glance
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Overview
An upper body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin and fat from the upper back, chest, and arms following significant weight loss. The procedure provides a more contoured and proportionate upper body, helping to complete a patient's transformative journey.
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Recovery
Recovery takes several weeks. You will experience swelling and bruising, and a compression garment will be worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within two to three weeks, with a full return to normal activities in about six to eight weeks.
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Results
Results are immediate and dramatic. The procedure provides a more toned and defined appearance to the arms, chest, and upper back, with final results fully apparent as swelling resolves over several months.
Upper Body Lift
Am I a Good Candidate?
What Do Scars Look Like?
More Details About Upper Body Lift
How an Upper Body Lift Works
The Surgical Process
An upper body lift is a highly customized surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a series of incisions to remove excess skin and fat from the arms, chest, and upper back. The underlying tissues are tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped for a smoother, more contoured appearance. This procedure is often combined with related surgeries — a brachioplasty (arm lift) and a back lift — to deliver comprehensive results in a single staged plan.
The Final Step in a Life-Changing Journey
Losing a significant amount of weight is a monumental achievement, and an upper body lift is one of the final steps in many patients’ transformative journeys. The procedure helps to redefine your body’s contour and allows you to fully enjoy the results of your hard work. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing a safe and satisfying experience that helps you feel as good on the outside as you do on the inside.
Surgeon's Notes
Why we plan the bra-line scar carefully
The back portion of an upper body lift produces a horizontal scar that traces the bra line — and patients are understandably most concerned about this one. We plan that scar very deliberately. We use a band where most bras and swimsuit tops naturally cover, which means most patients only see the scar in the mirror or in clothing that intentionally exposes it. With proper aftercare (silicone sheeting, sun protection, scar massage), it fades to a thin line over the first year. Patients who carefully look at before-and-after photos of the bra-line scar before surgery have a much easier time accepting the trade once they're past the early healing phase.
Upper Body Lift
Upper Body Lift Recovery & Results Timeline
Please remember this is just a guide for Upper Body Lift recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.
Day 1 – 3
You will experience pain, swelling, and bruising, and limited mobility. A compression garment will be worn to help with healing.
1 – 2 Weeks
Your discomfort will subside, but avoid strenuous activity. You can return to work and light activities.
3 – 4 Weeks
Most of the swelling and bruising will have resolved. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting.
6 – 8 Weeks
You will be fully recovered and can return to all of your normal activities. The final contour of your upper body will begin to take shape.
Your Surgeons
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation to discuss Upper Body Lift with our board-certified surgeons.