What is Upper Body Lift Surgery?
An upper body lift, or upper torsoplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper body areas such as the upper back, chest, and arms. Upper body lift surgery can be customized to meet your specific needs and goals. The procedure may include one or more of the following options:
- Upper Back or Bra Line Lift: Removes excess skin and fat on the upper back.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Elevates and reshapes sagging breasts.
- Gynecomastia Surgery: Reduces excess skin, breast tissue, and fat in the chest area for men.
- Liposuction: Removes excess fat from the upper body area.
Why Men and Women Seek Upper Body Lift Surgery?
Men and women seek upper body lift surgery to address the excess skin and tissue left behind after substantial weight loss or due to natural aging. After significant weight reduction, skin often lacks the elasticity to conform to the body’s new shape, leading to sagging and discomfort. Ultimately, upper body lift surgery provides not only aesthetic benefits but also helps improve hygiene, physical mobility, and exercise tolerance.
Reasons for considering an upper body lift surgery include:
- Desire to Wear Certain Clothing: Patients want to wear clothes or swimwear that may reveal the loose skin or excess fat.
- Restoring Body Shape: To restore the shape of their upper back after massive weight loss.
- Removing Unresponsive Skin and Fat: To remove skin and fat that cannot be addressed by dieting and exercise.
- Improving Skin Conditions: To alleviate skin rashes and conditions exacerbated by loose skin.
Suitable Candidates for Upper Body Lift Surgery?
Upper body lift surgery is suitable for individuals who have maintained a stable weight after significant weigh loss for at least 6-12 months, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes.
- Physical Health:Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being:Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of body lift surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight:It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results. Ideally your BMI should be less than 30 for best results.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery
Upper Body Lift Surgery: What to Expect?
Upper body lift surgery is a complex procedure performed under general anaesthesia at a fully accredited hospital, with a certified anaesthetist present to ensure patient safety. Given the extensive nature of the surgery, it typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours. Afterward, most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days to rest, recover, and receive initial post-operative care.
There are several important considerations to be made during the planning of your upper body lift surgery with Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Markings: The upper body lift begins with precise marking of planned surgical incision, estimate skin resection, anatomical anterior and posterior midlines. Dr Turner will determine the extent of lateral breast and upper back roll excisions. The incisions can be carried onto the arm to incorporate a brachioplasty as part of the procedure. Next, Dr Turner will plan the mastopexy incisions in women or chest contouring in men.
Positioning: After general anaesthesia is performed, Dr Turner will start the procedure with you on your side to enable correction of the upper back roll, brachioplasty and lateral breast. Once both sides are completed, patients are placed on the back for final correction of the breast (mastopexy) or chest contouring.
Skin Resection: Resection of excess skin is carefully performed. Dr Turner is particularly not to over resect skin and create poor scars or wound healing complications. This is done by elevating skin on one side only and precisely measuring excess skin every few inches before any skin is formally removed.
Liposuction: In some patients with limited skin resection, liposuction can be combined with an upper body lift procedure for extra correction.
Drains: After the incisions are closed, Dr Turner will place a drainage tube on each side that remains in to remove any excess fluid for the first week.
Dressings: Specialised dressings to support the wounds are applied at the completion of the surgery and will be changed by Dr Turner at your appointment in his Manly clinic at 1 week.
Recovery After Upper Body Lift Surgery?
Recovering from an upper body lift surgery involves careful adherence to post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and lasting results. Each stage of recovery is essential to achieving a smooth and successful outcome.
Rest & Elevation: Rest is crucial during the early recovery period. For the first two weeks after surgery, keep your head and upper body elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and aid healing. This can be achieved by propping yourself up with several pillows. Most patients find it comfortable to transition to side-sleeping around the third week.
Post-Operative Dressings: Incisions from the upper body lift are usually closed with dissolvable sutures, eliminating the need for suture removal. Specialised dressings are applied to protect and support the surgical areas during the initial healing phase. These dressings will be checked and changed during your follow-up appointment with Dr Turner.
Cold Compresses: Bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort are common around the surgical areas after an upper body lift. Applying cold compresses gently to these areas in the first few day’s post-surgery can help reduce swelling and provide relief.
Compression Garments: A compression garment will be provided to wear continuously for the first month after surgery. This garment helps minimize swelling and supports the healing tissues. After the initial month, wearing a supportive garment at night is recommended for an additional 3-6 months to aid recovery and maintain results.
Incision Care: Proper scar management is vital for optimal healing and reduced scarring. Upper body lift scars will continue to mature and improve over the next few years. Dr Turner will recommend a scar care protocol, which may include silicone scar therapy and laser treatments, to help improve the appearance of scars over time.
Medications: After surgery, you will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to manage discomfort.
Normal Activities & Exercise: Most patients can return to light daily activities within two weeks after surgery. However, high-intensity activities, heavy lifting, and upper body exercises should be avoided for at least six weeks to allow proper healing
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are essential for tracking recovery progress. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns. In-person follow-ups are usually recommended at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-surgery.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, upper body lift surgery carries certain risks. Although every effort is made to minimize these complications, it’s essential to be fully informed. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation, helping you make an informed decision.
Infection: Infections can develop at the incision sites, even with optimal wound care. To reduce this risk, antibiotics are often prescribed following surgery, and proper wound care instructions will be provided.
Wound Healing Issues: Due to the extensive incisions involved in upper body lift surgery, some patients may experience delayed wound healing or minor wound separation. In rare cases, additional wound care or a follow-up procedure may be required to address these issues.
Seroma Formation: Fluid accumulation under the skin, known as a seroma, can sometimes occur, causing discomfort and swelling in the surgical areas. Your surgeon may need to drain the area or take other measures to resolve this.
Hematoma: Blood accumulation near the incision site, known as a hematoma, can lead to swelling and may require drainage or minor surgery for removal. This is a rare but possible complication.
Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in skin sensation around the surgical areas due to nerve involvement. Sensation often returns gradually as healing progresses, but some areas may retain altered sensitivity.
Scarring: Scarring is an inevitable outcome of an upper body lift, though it typically fades with time. Surgeons make incisions in discreet areas whenever possible, and a scar management plan, including silicone therapy and other treatments, can help reduce scar visibility.
Anaesthesia Risks: General anaesthesia carries its own set of risks, including potential adverse reactions. Your surgeon’s anaesthetist will review these risks with you prior to surgery to ensure safety throughout the procedure.
Asymmetry: Although every effort is made to achieve balanced and natural-looking results, slight asymmetry may occur. In cases of noticeable asymmetry, a minor revision surgery can be considered.
Unsatisfactory Results: While upper body lift surgery can significantly enhance body contour, results may not align perfectly with a patient’s vision. Open communication during your consultation will help set realistic expectations, minimizing any potential dissatisfaction.
Understanding these risks is essential to making an informed decision about upper body lift surgery. Your surgeon will address any questions or concerns during your consultation to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure.
Costs for Upper Body Lift Surgery in Sydney?
The costs associated with Upper Body Lift Surgery can vary depending on many factors, such as private health insurance coverage, complexity of the procedure and time required in the operating theatre. Your total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fees and surgical aftercare & support.
Upper Body Lift + Breast Reduction
- Insured: $21,000
- Cosmetic: $32,000
Price is inclusive of plastic surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, breast implant, garments, hospital fees and all postoperative follow up visits with Dr Turner for 1 year.
