A lower body lift is a series of procedures that is performed through a circumferential incision. In my practice, I perform a monsplasty, abdominoplasty, outer thigh lift, buttock lift, liposuction, and buttock augmentation with lower back fat during a lower body procedure. An upper body lift on the other hand is performed to improve the upper back and the chest region. It can include a bra-line upper body lift, a J-upper body lift (for outer chest reduction), or a reverse tummy tuck in order to correct for lower chest/upper abdominal laxity. Depending on the experience of your plastic surgeon and their personal philosophy, it is possible to combine a lower body and upper body lift procedure. However, this depends on the upper body lift complexity and your needs. Certainly in the past, I have performed a lower body lift with a bra-line upper body lift.
Although lower body lift has a strict definition, the upper body lift does not. The lower body lift addresses the abdomen, outer thighs and buttocks. When significant weight loss occurs all structures of the upper body can be affected. Procedures to improve the contour of the arms, breasts and back may all be necessary.I do not combine lower body lift procedures with "upper body lifts". The procedures are lengthy and I instruct my patients to use their upper body to compensate for the core muscles during the immediate healing process. This makes recovery easier and the overall experience more "pleasant".Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring after significant weight loss.Good luck and I hope this was helpful.
