Am I candidate for upper body lift? (Photo)

Question

I have loose skin on my armpit to side of breasts and back and arms. Upper body lift (Bra line lift and arm lift) can fix these? My arms have loose skin but not as severe. I'm very fit. How long my arm lift scar will be like? Also is it better do all these procedures with breast lift together? Or having procedure on both front side and back side is too much ?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello cauliflowerisaflower. Thank you for your question regarding whether you are a candidate for an upper body lift.

Based on your history and pictures, you are a good candidate for an upper body lift. An upper body lift, which includes a bra line lift and an arm lift, can address the loose skin on your armpits, the side of your breasts, back, and arms. The length of your arm lift scar will depend on the amount of excess skin you have. Typically, the scar runs from the armpit to the elbow but can sometimes extend slightly past the elbow for optimal results.

Regarding combining these procedures with a breast lift, it is indeed possible and often done to achieve a more comprehensive result. However, it does increase the overall surgical time and recovery period. Many patients choose to have these procedures done together to avoid multiple surgeries and recovery periods.

It's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in performing upper body lifts and combined procedures. They can provide a personalized surgical plan that best fits your goals and ensures your safety.

Good luck. I hope I've answered your question regarding an upper body lift and whether these procedures can be done together.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

We would have to see a little bit more of your medical history, but with the information you provide yes and extended Arm Lift that connects with the Bra Line incision also known as torsoplasty, this will help remove excess skin from the arm side of the breast and back, and it is something that can also definitely be paired with a breast lift with a one incision very nicely done and very well concealed so you can wear your bra and you won’t be able to see it !

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cauliflowerisaflower,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you don't have much loose skin. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the limited photo it appears you may be able to achieve good results from less aggressive treatments such as liposuction perhaps with skin tightening.  This will save you on scars and recovery.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the one only posted photo, not enough views. I can only give a assumption that it would be better to do the mini arm lift with back. Lyft ex lift in one stage wait 3 to 6 months, and do a full breast lift with any additional revisions if needed. Fee per stage $10,000-$20,000. Best of virtual consult with.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most people as they get into middle-age and older, will lose skin elasticity, which can create skin laxity.
Areas of the body that have large degrees joint range of motion will inevitably have skin redundancy to allow for that range of motion.
The shoulder has the greatest range of motion of any joints in the body.
To allow for that range of motion there needs to be skin redundancy with the arm in a down position.
An upper body lift is not a commonly done procedure.
It’s more appropriate for those who have significant skin laxity typically due to massive successful weight loss.
 The scars tend to be somewhat unforgiving in comparison to the benefit of the procedure, making it a little less common, and less favored by both patients and providers.
To me, your skin redundancy seems fairly modest, and fairly typical.
An upper body lift or skin reduction surgery may be a little excessive, though there are also not too many valuable quality alternatives.
Whether the procedure is appropriate and indicated, requires and more detail, and better understanding of what you’re trying to achieve and willing to go through.
Some individuals don’t mind highly visible scars, and for those individuals, the procedure may be worthwhile.
Other individuals may be very apprehensive of having scars, and the potential of having highly visible scars may make the procedure and non-viable option.
I suggest having a few in person, consultations with plastic surgeons in your community to get a more quality assessment, and better understanding of treatment options.
 Preferably look for plastic surgeons who’ve done this type of procedure multiple times in the past with proven track record as indicated by showing you multiple before, and after pictures of previous patients, who had similar body characteristics to your own.
For commonly performed procedures, I think it’s reasonable to expect a provider to offer a collection of at least 50 previous patients before and after pictures.
The procedure you are contemplating is not nearly as common as procedures like a tummy tuck or lower body lift so providers may not have nearly as many examples of previous patients who’ve had the operation.
Providers who have less experience may have less predictable outcomes, which is to some degree inherent with procedures that are not performed as commonly.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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