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An upper body lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the overall appearance of the upper body by addressing sagging skin and excess fat. This procedure combines several techniques including brachioplasty (arm lift), chest lift, and back lift to achieve a more contoured and youthful look.
With age, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or hormonal changes, individuals may experience loose skin, especially in areas like the arms, chest, and back. An upper body lift effectively removes this excess skin while tightening the remaining tissues, leading to a smoother silhouette and improved confidence.
If you are looking to enhance your upper body’s appearance and regain a firmer, younger look, an upper body lift might be the right choice for you. Dr. Silvia Rotemberg and the team of providers at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery are some of Miami’s leading plastic surgery experts. Through countless hours of experience, Dr. Rotemberg has helped patients achieve exceptional results that enhance body image and outlook on life.
If you would like to explore the benefits of an upper body lift, please schedule an initial consultation. If you have any other questions or would prefer to schedule an appointment over the phone, we encourage you to call our Miami office at (305) 274-5170.
Contents
About the Upper Body Lift
The upper body lift is a transformative procedure that targets the areas of your upper body that may have experienced changes due to aging, weight loss, or genetic factors. Each person’s body is unique, and factors such as age, fitness level, and individual anatomy can all affect how our bodies store fat and how our skin loses elasticity over time. The upper body encompasses several areas including the arms, chest, and back. As individuals age or after substantial weight loss, the skin in these regions often becomes lax, which can lead many people to feel self-conscious. (1) An upper body lift serves to restore a more youthful and well-defined contour to these areas, often through surgical means.
Historically, procedures aimed at enhancing body contours have been prevalent since the mid-20th century, with advances in techniques and technology continually improving patient outcomes. According to recent statistics, thousands of upper body lift surgeries are performed annually in the United States alone, highlighting its demand amongst individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement after weight loss or natural aging processes. (1)
Benefits
There are numerous benefits associated with undergoing an upper body lift. At Rotemberg Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rotemberg helps patients improve their lives through:
- Improved appearance: The most obvious benefit is a noticeable rejuvenation of the upper body areas, including the arms, chest, and back.
- Enhanced confidence: Many people report feeling significantly more confident in their appearance after surgery.
- Body contouring: The procedure creates a more sculpted and defined look, harmonizing with the overall figure.
- Reduction of excess skin: The removal of loose skin can relieve discomfort during physical activities.
- Customizable techniques: Since each body differs, the procedure can be tailored to fit individual needs and preferences.
- Long-lasting results: Unlike many non-surgical options, surgical results from an upper body lift can last many years if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
- Improved clothing fit: Patients often find that clothing fits better and feels more comfortable after removing excess skin and fat.
Candidates
Candidates for an upper body lift are typically troubled by excess skin or fat in the upper body areas. Ideal candidates are individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and people experiencing sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits for other reasons who wish to enhance their upper body. Candidates should also be non-smokers who maintain realistic expectations for outcomes. If a patient smokes, they will be asked to quit for some time to ensure their safety during the procedure and healing processes. Attending an in-person consultation with Dr. Rotemberg is essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate for an upper body lift.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation is the cornerstone of discovering whether an upper body lift is the right choice for you. During this meeting, Dr. Rotemberg will discuss your medical history, evaluate your physical condition, and establish clear aesthetic goals. Patients will share their areas of concern regarding their arm, chest, and back appearance. Dr. Rotemberg will also assess skin laxity, muscle strength, and fat distribution in the upper body. Finally, an individualized surgical plan that addresses your unique concerns and aesthetic desires will be developed.
Preparation
Once your procedure is scheduled, following Dr. Rotemberg’s preoperative instructions is crucial to ensure a smooth operation and healing process. Preparatory instructions may vary from patient to patient, but most patients can plan to:
- Stop medications such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatories as instructed.
- Avoid tobacco products both before and during recovery.
- Fill pain medication prescriptions before the procedure.
- Arrange for transportation and assistance.
- Take time off work and other commitments to allow ample recovery time.
Procedure
The upper body lift procedure may involve several techniques focused on restoring symmetry and contour to the upper body. (2) Anesthesia will be administered before your surgery for comfort.
All body lift treatments begin by correcting the patient’s posterior side (the backside). If stubborn fat deposits are still present on your body, liposuction can be used at this time to sculpt your body. After internal corrections are made, Dr. Rotemberg will carefully remove excess skin from the upper body. Dr. Rotember will then close the incisions with sutures and the same techniques can be used for the anterior side of the body (front-facing side). (1)
Recovery
After an upper body lift, patients typically experience swelling and bruising in the treated areas. This should be resolved within a few weeks. You may be required to wear a compression garment on your upper body to reduce swelling by providing consistent pressure. Any post-operative pain or discomfort can be managed by prescribed pain medications.
When resting or sleeping, you should lie on your back and keep your head and chest elevated with pillows. Our team will help you schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. Most patients can return to light activities within two weeks but should avoid strenuous exercises for several weeks. More significant recovery usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks.
Results
Patients can expect results to manifest gradually as swelling subsides. After an upper body lift, a tighter, more youthful contour will reveal itself, allowing patients to feel more confident with their appearance.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
An upper body lift can produce impressive rejuvenation results in the chest, upper abdomen, shoulders and shoulder blades, armpits, ribcage, and more. Depending on the level of sagging skin in these areas, Dr. Rotemberg may suggest incorporating additional treatments like an arm lift or breast lift.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, focuses treatment on the upper arm. These procedures are particularly effective for patients with “bat wings” or hanging skin beneath their arms.
Breast lifts are transformative treatments for patients whose breasts appear sagging, deflated, and ptotic after weight loss, breastfeeding, or the processes of aging. By removing excess skin, repositioning the nipples, and tightening underlying muscles, the breasts can regain a firm, perky appearance.
Cost of Upper Body Lifts in Miami
The total cost of your upper body lift will depend on the scale of your procedure, the targeted treatment areas, other procedures included in treatment, and a few different factors like surgical and anesthesia fees. After your consultation, Dr. Rotemberg will provide a detailed quote outlining the total expenses involved.
Rotemberg Plastic Surgery offers financing plans to help patients pay for their procedures. If you have any questions about arranging a payment plan or would like more information about procedures, prices, scheduling a consultation, or anything else, please call our Miami office at (305) 274-5170.
FAQ
Is an upper body lift painful?
Anesthesia is used during the upper body lift procedure. Patients usually describe mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed effectively with prescribed pain medications. Most find that this discomfort fades within the first week.
What is the recovery time for an upper body lift?
While swelling and discomfort will subside sooner, complete recovery can extend up to six weeks or longer, depending on the individual and the procedures performed.
Are the results of an upper body lift permanent?
The results of an upper body lift are long-lasting. Natural aging will still occur, but the results of an upper body lift can endure for many years. Significant weight fluctuations can impact results.
Can I receive an upper body lift along with other procedures?
Yes! An upper body lift can often be combined with other cosmetic surgeries for comprehensive body contouring. Discuss your interests during the consultation with Dr. Rotemberg.
References
- Bertheuil N, Chaput B, Bergeat D, Morvan C, Mocquard C, Watier E. The Lipo-Body Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(2):e2156. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002156
- Yanis Berkane, Saget F, Lupon E, et al. Abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery improve the quality of life after massive weight loss: a prospective multicenter study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023; Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000010683