Upper Body Lift
Offered at our convenient location in Hamburg
An upper body lift is a combination of body contouring procedures that eliminate droopy skin for a smoother, more athletic appearance. If you have lax rolls of skin on your bra line or loose, droopy skin on your upper arms, the treatment can reshape your figure for a more youthful physique. Sun exposure, stress, diet, and lifestyle habits such as smoking all affect the quality of your skin. (1) Sagging skin on the upper body is a common issue that can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Pockets of skin can chafe beneath your clothing and deep folds of skin can make it difficult to maintain proper hygiene.
At Plastische Chirurgie am Klosterstern, Dr. Dalia Tobbia has transformed thousands of patients’ lives with customizable body contouring procedures. She can sculpt your body to emphasize your best features and is well-known for her artistic approach. Do not wait to prioritize yourself, especially when you can achieve a smoother, more balanced appearance in just one appointment.
Contact our Hamburg office or call +49 40 46 091 076 to learn more about how we can improve your figure.
Contents
About Upper Body Lifts
If you recently experienced weight changes from pregnancy, aging, or lifestyle factors, an upper body lift is one of the most effective ways to get your old body back. As you age, the levels of collagen in your skin begin to decline which can lead to pockets of lax skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Droopy skin on the arms, flanks, and back can make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing or feel comfortable in your body. It is especially common after weight changes or massive weight loss because the skin becomes stretched by excess fat. Since upper body lifts are a collection of procedures, we can customize your treatment plan to address the areas where you are experiencing excess skin.
Arm Lift
An arm lift (brachioplasty) eliminates droopy skin, colloquially known as “bat wings” that swing uncomfortably when you move your arms. With a discrete incision along the underside of your arm, Dr. Tobbia can help you achieve a tighter, more slender appearance. If you have pockets of excess fat we can also perform liposuction to remove it. Afterward, you can enjoy a natural result and a smoother look.
Back Lift
A back lift reduces the appearance of droopy rolls of skin on the back. If you are experiencing rolls of skin that create an inverted “V” shape, Dr. Tobbia can quickly remove them. Rolls can affect your self-esteem and your ability to feel comfortable wearing different types of clothing. During the procedure, Dr. Tobbia can make a thin incision horizontally across your back to tighten your skin and reduce their appearance. You can easily hide the incision behind your bra, and over time it will fade into your skin.
Breast Lift
If you have droopy skin on your breasts, a breast lift can remove the excess tissue and lift them to a higher position for a more youthful, perky appearance. Excess skin can make it difficult to feel comfortable in underwear and clothing. With a breast lift, Dr. Tobbia can make an incision along the edge of the areola or the natural creases of the breast tissue to help you improve the position of your breasts. She can also combine a breast lift with breast augmentation if you would like to increase their size.
Upper Body Lift Benefits
After an upper body lift, patients can achieve several benefits:
- Enhanced Body Contours: Achieve a more sculpted and aesthetically pleasing upper body shape.
- Improved Comfort: Reduces discomfort associated with loose skin, especially during physical activities.
- Increased Clothing Options: Fits better in clothing and swimwear, allowing for greater wardrobe freedom.
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients report a significant increase in self-esteem following surgery.
- Elimination of Excess Skin: Remove sagging skin that detracts from overall appearance.
- Targeted Fat Removal: Contributes to better body proportions by removing surplus fat in problem areas.
- Long-lasting Results: Results can be maintained with appropriate lifestyle modifications post-surgery.
Upper Body Lift Candidates
If you would like to remove excess, droopy skin on the upper body, the procedure is likely a good fit for you. The best candidates for an upper body lift are:
- Adults who have experienced substantial weight loss leading to loose skin
- Individuals who are in good overall health
- Non-smokers or those willing to refrain from smoking
- Patients with realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery
We can also combine your treatment with liposuction to remove pockets of excess fat. During a liposuction procedure, Dr. Tobbia will use a thin cannula and gentle suction to remove the excess fat cells for a smoother appearance. If you have a condition that affects your ability to undergo anesthesia or heal after the procedure, we can discuss alternatives to help you meet your body goals. To learn more about our corresponding procedures, see our blog.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Tobbia will discuss your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the best surgical plan for your needs. We can also discuss your current medications and lifestyle in addition to any other procedures that can help you achieve your desired look. If you have photos of the look you would like to achieve, please bring them with you to your appointment. It is important to have realistic expectations. We can review the treatment process in depth as well as any questions you have about the procedure.
Preparation & Procedure
To prepare for an upper body lift, you will need to:
- Stop taking blood thinners
- Cease smoking
- Refrain from drinking alcohol
- Fill your prescriptions for your recovery ahead of time
- Arrange for time off work
- Ask a trusted adult to drive you home
Your procedure will depend on your specific treatment plan. We will cleanse your skin and place you under anesthesia. During an upper body lift procedure, Dr. Tobbia will make a thin incision along the natural folds of your skin to remove excess tissue for a more slender figure. The procedure can take up to a few hours depending on the amount of excess skin you would like to remove.
Recovery
After your upper body lift, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Recovery time varies between patients but usually requires:
- Bandaging over incision sites to facilitate healing
- Limited movement of the upper body initially to reduce strain
- Prescription pain medication to manage any postoperative discomfort
Most patients resume normal activities within two to three weeks, although complete healing may take several months. Regular follow-up appointments will ensure a proper recovery process.
Upper Body Lift Results
After an upper body lift, you can enjoy smoother, tighter skin in the treated areas. Many patients also notice that their body proportions are more balanced after the procedure and they feel more comfortable in different types of clothing. With regular exercise, healthy meals, and proper skincare, you can maintain your results for many years.
After Weight Loss Body Contouring
After weight loss, it is common to experience pockets of excess fat and droopy skin on other areas of your body that affect your self-esteem and your proportions. If you recently experienced weight changes, we can help you restore your body with after-weight-loss body contouring. After weight loss body contouring is specifically designed to remove a larger amount of droopy skin after it is permanently stretched from excess fat. Massive weight loss can create the appearance of a “dropped out” or droopy inframammary crease. (2) Many weight loss patients experience a more significant amount of excess skin than they expect, especially in intimate areas. (3) Weight loss body contouring is customizable and we can help you achieve a smoother, leaner, more athletic body. Dr. Tobbia can also discuss how you can maintain your results and slender form.
Cost of an Upper Body Lift in Hamburg
The cost of an upper body lift will depend on your specific procedure and the amount of excess skin you would like to remove. If you would like to combine other procedures with your treatment, we can discuss the best plan to help you achieve your desired look. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation.
Contact our Hamburg office or call +49 40 46 091 076 to learn more about how we can improve your figure.
FAQ
How long do results from an upper body lift last?
If you exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and take good care of your body you can enjoy your results for several years.
Does an upper body lift leave noticeable scars?
While all surgical procedures leave some form of scarring, the incisions are placed strategically to minimize visibility. Scars will fade over time.
Can I combine an upper body lift with other procedures?
Yes, an upper body lift is a customizable treatment that we can combine with other procedures to meet your needs.
What is the recovery time for an upper body lift?
Complete recovery time varies, but most individuals return to regular activities after a few weeks. We can provide specific instructions about the best time for you to return to your daily routine.
References
- Oizumi R, Sugimoto Y, Aibara H. The Potential of Exercise on Lifestyle and Skin Function: Narrative Review. JMIR Dermatology. 2024;7(1):e51962. doi:https://doi.org/10.2196/51962
- Shehab, Silvia Cristina Rotemberg, Pace D, et al. Upper Body Lift. 2008;35(1):107-114. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2007.09.006
- Boswell CB. Body contouring following massive weight loss. Missouri medicine. 2010;107(3):189-194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188338/#:~:text=Significant%20sagging%20skin%20folds%20remain