Laxity in the skin and fat lateral to the breast can bunch up above and below the side strap of a brassiere. Looseness in this skin also can join with fullness along the side of the rib cage and love handle area. An upper body lift can remove this extra skin, but the design of the incisions is heavily dependent on the distribution of this extra skin. It is very important to have a direct conversation and hands on examination by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring to determine the best approach for you. It should be individualized for your body and anatomy.
It would be uncommon for such procedures to be covered by insurance without documented issues of medical problems stemming from the excess tissue. In such cases, authorization from your health insurance company may occur if your surgeon will write for such approval and if you and your primary care physician will provide documentation of the medical necessity for the upper body lift. Even then, it would be rare for an insurance company to cover such a procedure. Good luck in your inquiries.
