What Is An Upper Body Lift?
An upper body lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the loose skin of the upper back extending to the bra line. It may also include a reverse tummy tuck which would extend incisions around the upper abdomen just below the breasts to lift and tighten the upper abdomen skin. This procedure removes excess skin resulting from significant weight loss or the natural aging process to improve the overall appearance of the upper back and/or upper abdomen. Although there is an incision that runs along the upper back in the bra line, patients usually prefer that to rolls of skin that cause discomfort or that can be seen through clothing. During a consultation, your surgeon will determine if an upper body lift is right for you.
The Aesthetica Difference
An upper body lift is a significant surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and tissue in the upper torso, often after massive weight loss. At Aesthetica Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring over 25 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of body contouring techniques. This procedure typically targets the upper back, chest, and/or upper abdomen to restore a firmer, more youthful silhouette.
Your surgeon has developed a refined approach that balances both precision and artistry to deliver natural-looking, harmonious results. From your initial consultation, your surgeon will take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and discuss realistic outcomes. Together, you’ll develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your body and your journey—ensuring that every detail supports both your aesthetic vision and long-term satisfaction. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and compassionate care, you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands every step of the way.
Journey to Confidence
At your consultation, you will meet with our patient care team to review your medical history as well as your goals for surgery. You will then meet with your surgeon to discuss the details of the procedure, recovery and expectations as well as create a surgical plan to achieve natural, contoured results. Our office staff will provide you with a surgical quote and assist in scheduling a surgery date.
You will have a pre-operative appointment three weeks prior to surgery. At this appointment, you will sign surgical consents, discuss any last minute questions and concerns, get your pre surgery goodie bag and get further pre- and post-surgery instructions. Photos will be taken at this appointment.
You will arrive at our accreditated surgery center about an hour before the procedure will begin. You will meet with our incredible surgical team to get you comfortable in preparation for your upcoming procedure. The procedure typically takes about 3-6 hours after which you will recover in our post surgical recovery room until your caregiver arrives to pick you up.
After surgery, you may notice some bruising, swelling, inflammation and tenderness. It is imperative to keep proper positioning when walking and resting to minimize complications. Make sure you are walking frequently, drinking lots of fluids and getting lots of protein to aid in a smooth recovery.
Bruising and swelling will start within 1-3 days. Make sure to take your Bromelain and Arnica to minimize the effects of bruising and swelling. You may feel tightness, tingling, and numbness that should start to subside over the next couple of weeks. It is recommended to refrain from strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following upper body lift surgery. At Aesthetica, your safety and recovery are our top priorities. We provide frequent post-operative visits to monitor your progress closely and ensure optimal healing. Additionally, patients have 24/7 access to an on-call nurse for any urgent concerns or questions that may arise during recovery.
Experience the transformation, notice the difference, and embrace your renewed confidence. Patients will notice immediate results after upper body lift surgery with optimal results appearing over the next 6-9 months as swelling subsides. Most patients feel deeply reassured in their decision to undergo upper body lift surgery, knowing they’ve taken an important step toward achieving balance, comfort, and results that reflect their aesthetic goals.
Aesthetica Plastic Surgery Reviews
Dr Curiel does a great job at making sure everything looks good, even when something happens during the recovery time.
Dr. Curiel has been extremely professional and has made this experience better than I hoped. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a wonderful surgeon.
Dr. Curiel was fantastic to work with. He spent the time with me to talk through options to make sure I was going to get the exact result I wanted. He was very attentive and thorough with my medical history. Extremely happy with my results! I can’t recommend Dr. Curiel enough.
I had such a great experience!! I had stretched earlobes which I hated, and after this surgery my ear looks amazing!! I was able to get it re-pierced, and the scaring is super minimal and not noticeable. I’m super happy I chose to come to Dr. Curiel!!
THE BEST. 10/10 recommend. Changed myLifeDr. Curiel is amazing. He did the most amazing job. My before and after are LIFE CHANGING!! I am so grateful to him!!! And I’ve been healing AMAZING! Literally the best thing I’ve ever done.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have scarring?
Incisions are generally placed in the bra line to minimize visibility. The incisions will lighten and fade over time as the scar fully matures. We offer scar management products and treatments such as the V-beam or Co2 laser as well as topical gels and silicone sheeting to improve the appearance of the incisions.
When can I start exercising after my upper body lift?
Many patients can resume light activities after 3 weeks and can resume normal everyday activities within 4–6 weeks.
Can an upper body lift help you lose weight?
The upper body lift is not intended for those looking to lose weight. In fact, you should be at your ideal weight before having an upper body lift, as weight loss and weight gain can affect your results.
What concerns can an upper body lift address for Salt Lake City patients?
An upper body lift can help Salt Lake City patients complete their weight loss transformation by addressing excess skin and tissue that may remain after significant weight loss. The procedure can create smoother upper body contours, improve comfort, and help patients feel more confident in the results of their hard work.