Serving patients in Avon, Farmington, and Greater Hartford, CT
If you’ve undergone significant weight loss or struggle with loose skin on your arms, back, and upper torso, an upper body lift can help you achieve a smoother, more toned appearance. Our plastic surgeons at Youthful Images Total Aesthetics Center bring decades of experience in upper body lifts and other body contouring procedures. With an individualized approach and state-of-the-art techniques, we aim to deliver exceptional results tailored to your unique body goals.
An upper body lift is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and reshape the upper torso It incorporates several procedures, such as an upper arm lift, breast lift, and back lift, to allow for comprehensive results within a single surgical procedure. Often performed after significant weight loss, the procedure tightens the skin and restores a more youthful and toned appearance. Patients can choose to target specific areas or undergo a comprehensive lift that addresses multiple zones in one procedure.
On surgery day, you will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The plastic surgeon then makes discreet incisions in areas where the skin is sagging, such as along the bra line, the arms, or the upper back. After removing excess sagging skin and tightening the remaining tissue, the incisions are closed. Compression garments are typically applied to aid healing and reduce swelling.
A circumferential excision along the "bra line" targets excess skin and fat in the upper back and sides, typically beneath the bra area. This technique is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose skin in this region. By removing the excess tissue, this procedure creates a smoother, more toned appearance along the upper torso, improving overall body contour and posture.
The J flap excision involves the removal of excess skin and fat along a vertical line extending from the armpit (axilla) to below the breast. This approach is effective for reshaping and tightening the upper body after weight loss or aging. It enhances the silhouette by addressing sagging skin in the upper torso, resulting in a more proportionate and youthful contour.
An upper body lift primarily addresses sagging skin caused by aging, genetics, or massive weight loss. It is ideal for patients with loose skin on their arms, upper back, or breasts that cannot be corrected with exercise alone. The procedure helps patients achieve firmer skin and a more contoured silhouette.
Common areas treated with an upper body lift include the upper arms, back (specifically the bra line area), and breasts. This procedure is especially effective for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight and want to remove hanging skin and improve body contours.
Ideal candidates for an upper body lift are individuals who have undergone significant or massive weight loss and are left with sagging skin in the upper body. You should be in good overall health and not smoke, as smoking can impair the healing process. You should be at a stable weight, with no plans for further weight loss as future weight change can impact results. Individuals should have realistic expectations and be committed to following a healthy lifestyle to maintain their results.
After surgery, you will need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing. Most patients take about 2-4 weeks off work, depending on the extent of their procedure. Full recovery may take 3-6 months as swelling subsides and scars begin to fade. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first several weeks.
Patients will notice immediate improvements in the contour of their upper body, though final results take several months to fully emerge as swelling decreases. The outcome is long-lasting, particularly for those who maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The procedure creates smoother, firmer skin with significantly improved body contours.
The procedure typically takes 3-6 hours, depending on the number of areas being treated.
Patients are under general anesthesia during surgery, but post-operative discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication.
While incisions do leave scars, our surgeons make them in discreet areas, such as along natural folds or under the arms.
You’ll notice some improvements right away, but the final results will become visible after the swelling has completely subsided, usually in 3-6 months.
Yes, many patients combine their upper body lift with procedures like a tummy tuck or lower body lift to achieve more comprehensive results.