Upper Body Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, Northern and Louisville, KY

An upper body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to enhance the contours of the upper body, including the arms, chest, and back.

Lifestyle changes, weight loss, natural aging, and other factors can all contribute to an increase in excess or sagging skin as well as stubborn pockets of body fat in one or multiple areas of the upper body. If you are struggling with loose skin, stubborn pockets of fat, or are looking to rejuvenate your appearance in one or multiple areas of your upper body, you could be a candidate for an upper body lift.

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington team specializes in a variety of procedures, including those that are a part of an upper body lift. Our office is proud to serve patients from not only the Lexington area but across Cincinnati, Knoxville, Central and Northern Kentucky, and beyond.

To schedule a personal consultation and learn more, contact our office online or by calling (859) 276-3883.

About Upper Body Lifts

An upper body lift reshapes and tightens areas of the upper torso. This treatment addresses excess skin, loose tissue, and residual fat in regions such as the arms, chest, upper back, and bra line. Individuals often consider an upper body lift after losing a significant amount of weight or when age and gravity create sagging skin and a deflated appearance. By lifting and contouring these areas, the procedure restores a firmer, more sculpted silhouette.

Types of Procedures in an Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift may include the following procedures:

  • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): An arm lift removes sagging skin and unwanted fat from the upper arms. (2) Arm lifts effectively address loose skin “bat wings,” and it is ideal for patients who have lost significant weight or experienced skin laxity with age. Your surgeon will make an incision along the underside of the arms to excise loose skin for a firmer, sleeker appearance.
  • Liposuction: As one of the most common procedures worldwide, liposuction is often a central feature in upper body lift procedures. Liposuction involves suctioning excess fat from stubborn areas of the body; it can address a wide range of areas—essentially anywhere where there is fat!
  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat around the abdomen. (4) A surgeon will carefully remove excess skin, and if excess fat is present, they will use liposuction to remove it. They can also repair the abdominal muscles if diastasis recti is present.

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington staff will help you determine which procedures you could benefit from the most.

Benefits

Upper body lifts offer several transformative benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Body Contour: An upper body lift provides a more toned and sculpted appearance, eliminating surplus skin.
  • Increased Confidence: Many patients report improved self-esteem following their upper body lift.
  • Reduced Skin Laxity: This procedure removes sagging skin, creating a firmer and more youthful look.
  • Improved Fit in Clothing: After surgery, clothing often fits better, which can further boost self-esteem and comfort.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: A smoother upper body leads to a more harmonious overall visual balance.
  • Long-term Results: With proper maintenance, including a healthy lifestyle, patients can enjoy lasting results for years.
  • Positive Emotional Impact: Achieving one’s desired look can lead to substantial psychological benefits, including enhanced mental health.

If you are interested in experiencing these benefits for yourself, contact our office online or call (859) 276-3883 to schedule a personal consultation.

Candidates

Candidates for an upper body lift are often those who:

  • Have maintained a stable weight after significant loss
  • Are in good general health
  • Can temporarily discontinue certain medical conditions that impair healing
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop using nicotine
  • Have realistic expectations about the results they can accomplish with upper-body lifts

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington staff will determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for an upper body lift during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your upper body lift journey will begin with a personal consultation at our office. During this appointment, one of our surgeons will examine your areas of concern, discuss your goals, and review your medical history. Our team will then take this information and create a personalized treatment plan.

To schedule this personal consultation, contact our office online or call (859) 276-3883.

Preparation

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington team will work with you throughout the preparation process to ensure you are confident and ready, and they will provide detailed preparatory guidelines for you to follow. For most surgical procedures, our team will advise you to avoid taking certain supplements or medications, especially those with blood-thinning properties, to reduce the risk of complications. You should also arrange transportation home on the day of your treatment. Patients who smoke will need to cease several weeks before their procedure and avoid nicotine throughout their recovery. In addition to these general guidelines, you should follow all other instructions you receive from your surgical team.

Procedure

Upper body lifts are typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Because of the comprehensive nature of the procedure, it may take several hours, depending on what is included in the plan. For most upper body lift procedures, your surgeon will begin by making precise incisions to remove excess skin and sculpt the underlying tissue, and remove any excess fat if necessary. Following this, they will close the incisions with meticulous care to minimize visible scarring. After making the necessary adjustments, the Plastic Surgeons of Lexington staff will monitor you for a brief period until you are ready to go home.

Recovery

The recovery process will vary depending on the scale of the upper body lift and how each patient responds to their treatment. The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to answer questions throughout your healing process. Most patients can expect swelling, bruising, and limited mobility for the first one to two weeks following their upper body lift. We recommend taking time off work and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks until one of our staff members clears you to return.

Results

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington team is confident that you will be pleased with the results of your upper body lift, both in the short-term and the long run. Following your treatment, you will likely notice an immediate improvement in the shape and tone of your upper body, although full results will continue to develop as swelling subsides. Outcomes may take a few months to appear, revealing a tighter, more contoured upper body physique. When you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, the results from your upper body lift can be long-lasting and potentially life-changing.

Corresponding Procedures

An upper body lift can be combined with a lower body lift to create an even more comprehensive body lift procedure. Adding a lower body lift or other treatments, such as breast, face, or skin rejuvenation treatments, can produce transformative results. The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington team can help you explore any options that could enhance your goals.

Cost of an Upper Body Lift in Central Kentucky

The cost of an upper body lift can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, the areas targeted, and whether any other procedures are included in your plan. During your consultation, the Plastic Surgeons of Lexington staff will provide a customized quote and help you explore financing options our office offers to qualifying patients.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your upper body lift options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Lexington office at (859) 276-3883.

FAQ

Is an upper body lift painful?

Some discomfort is normal during the recovery phase, but it is usually manageable with prescribed medications. The procedure itself is considered comfortable because of the use of general anesthesia. Most patients feel significantly better after the first week of recovery.

Will I have any visible scars after an upper body lift?

Scarring is an inevitable factor in any excisional surgery, but your surgeon will place incisions in areas that clothing or undergarments will easily conceal. Scars will fade over time, especially with proper care!

Can an upper body lift combine with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine upper body lifts with lower body lifts, tummy tucks, or liposuction for comprehensive results.

How long do upper-body lift results last?

Results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Skin laxity can gradually return with age, but improvements are typically stable thanks to expert surgical techniques.

References

  1. Cinclair R, Shang Z, Aly A, Kenkel J. The Impact of Comorbidities on Patient Outcomes in the Upper Body Lift: A Retrospective Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac063
  2. Nagrath N, Winters R. Brachioplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585115/
  3. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  4. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/