Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift is a procedure that removes excess skin from the upper back, the sides of the chest, and sometimes extending across the chest itself. It’s a less commonly performed operation than the lower body procedures, and it’s almost exclusively considered by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with skin rolls across the upper back and sides that haven’t responded to exercise. The operation is typically performed as part of a broader body contouring plan rather than as a stand-alone procedure.

Upper body lift produces a noticeable change in upper body contour, particularly for patients with significant skin laxity. It also produces extensive permanent scars that run across the upper back and sometimes onto the chest, and the location of these scars is one of the main considerations of the operation. We’ll work through the specifics at consultation, including whether the procedure is the right answer for your situation or whether a different approach would suit you better.

Upper body lift is most commonly considered for patients with significant skin laxity following major weight loss. The condition the operation addresses is loose skin across the upper back, forming visible rolls that can be uncomfortable, can interfere with how clothing fits, and can be difficult to address through any non-surgical means. Patients with extensive skin laxity in this area sometimes find that addressing the abdomen and other lower body areas has produced a noticeable change in the lower body contour while leaving the upper body changes untreated, which can produce an unbalanced overall result.

Weight stability is important. As with other body contouring procedures, most surgeons recommend waiting until you’ve maintained a stable weight for at least 12 months. Smoking, diabetes, vascular disease and a history of poor wound healing all increase the risks of the operation, and these factors are part of the assessment at consultation.

Upper body lift isn’t suitable for every patient with concerns about their upper back. Patients with less significant skin laxity, or with localised concerns rather than diffuse skin rolls, may be better served by a more limited procedure or, in some cases, by accepting the appearance without surgery. We’ll be honest at consultation if we think the trade-offs don’t favour the operation for your specific situation.

Upper body lift is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. The patient is positioned to allow access to the upper back, and skin and fat are removed in horizontal bands across the upper back, the lateral chest wall, and sometimes across the chest itself. The exact pattern of skin removal depends on where the laxity is located and what the patient is hoping to achieve.

The operation usually takes between three and five hours, depending on the extent of skin removal. Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights. Drains are commonly placed to manage fluid in the operated area, and these typically stay in for several days. A compression garment is fitted at the end of the operation.

Most patients describe moderate discomfort for the first week, with pain that responds to oral analgesia. The position of the scars across the upper back means that sleeping position needs adjustment in the early weeks, with most patients sleeping semi-reclined or on their side rather than directly on their back. Compression garments are worn continuously for several weeks.

Arm movement is restricted to reduce tension on the upper back closure. Reaching, lifting and any activity that requires the arms to move significantly above shoulder height are off the list for the first two to three weeks. Most patients with desk-based work return after two to three weeks. Patients in physical roles or roles involving significant arm or upper body use need longer.

Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should wait around six weeks. Final body contour develops over several months as swelling settles. Scars take 12 to 18 months to reach their final appearance and remain permanent.

The recognised risks include:

Upper body lift may attract a Medicare rebate in specific circumstances, most commonly where there is documented significant weight loss following bariatric surgery, with documented weight stability, and where the relevant Medicare criteria are met. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Cosmetic upper body lift isn’t covered. A written quote is provided at consultation.

Dr Henry Shepherd, BMed MD MS (Plast.) FRACS (Plast.) | Specialist Plastic Surgeon | AHPRA registration: MED 0001860545