Am I suitable for an upper body lift?

Question

Height: 5'5", Weight: 140 lbs, Age: 27 I'm interested in an upper back lift after losing 70 lbs. I have had a tummy tuck and trunk liposuction which removed fat from my back but did not address the loose skin. I'd like to get a brachioplasty, breast lift, and back lift to address the remaining loose skin, ideally in one procedure. The tummy tuck already made a significant difference. I'd like to balance my upper body proportions to match. Recommendations for clinics?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding an upper body lift. I appreciate you sharing your history and photos. Given that you have lost 70 pounds and have already had a tummy tuck and trunk liposuction, it sounds like you may be a great candidate for a brachioplasty (arm lift), mastopexy (breast lift), and torsoplasty (back lift) to address the remaining loose skin and balance your upper body proportions.

A brachioplasty (arm lift) removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. There are multiple techniques, including the crescent, mini, modified T, and longitudinal brachioplasty. For massive weight loss patients, a longitudinal brachioplasty, which extends from the armpit to the elbow, is the most common and effective choice. In extreme cases, where there is significant skin laxity extending to the forearm, a full brachioplasty with an incision from the armpit to the wrist may be required.

For a breast lift (mastopexy), options include crescent, doughnut, lollipop, and anchor mastopexies, depending on the severity of skin laxity. If you have significant volume loss, you may also need a breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer to restore fullness. Many plastic surgeons combine breast augmentation with a breast lift for the best contour and symmetry.

Regarding the back lift (torsoplasty), there are two main types: vertical and horizontal torsoplasty.

A vertical torsoplasty involves an incision from the armpit down the torso’s side. The advantage of this technique is that the scar is mostly hidden when your arms are at your sides.
A horizontal torsoplasty, also known as a bra strap plasty or back lift, involves an incision across the upper back, ideally positioned under the bra line to conceal the scar. This procedure removes a large butterfly-shaped area of excess skin and fat, significantly tightening the upper back.
A horizontal torsoplasty (back lift) is commonly combined with a mastopexy (breast lift) and brachioplasty (arm lift) to restore a smooth, toned upper body contour.

Since this is a complex and extensive surgery, I strongly recommend seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in post-weight loss body contouring. Be sure to review their before-and-after photos and ensure they have performed at least 100 upper body lifts.

I hope this information helps answer your question regarding your upper body lift options. Best of luck with your journey!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  If you were happy with your surgeon from your tummy tuck you can return to her/him for the other procedures.  If you would like to research other surgeons the ASPS website can identify board certified surgeons in your area.  You can review credentials and visit their websites to see before/after photos.  You can select a few who meet your criteria and schedule consultations.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs,  However, I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  At the same time, it can be extended posteriorly and do a back lift.  The safe operation time is 6 hours and these 2 procedures would take 6 hours to perform.  You would not be able to do all 3 procedures at the same time.  You can undergo the breast lift and back lift or breast lift and brachioplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

David M. Creech, MD · Answer

The back lift is very effective in improving the upper back.  The mastopexy incision under the breast is extended around the back to the other breast. The mastopexy can be done at the same time.  Depending on the time to perform these two operations can affect whether to include the brachioplasty at the same time.

Am I suitable for an upper body lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Loose upper body skin

Answer: Loose upper body skin

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Am I suitable for an upper body lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Loose upper body skin

Answer: Loose upper body skin

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.