Upper Body Lift (Bra-line Lift)
Upper body lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin of the upper back that extends to the side of the chest. It is commonly performed in patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have loose sagging skin. This surgery can dramatically tighten the loose skin and the extra rolls on the back, but results in a visible permanent scar that runs along the bra line. This procedure is performed most commonly with a breast lift for women or chest contouring procedures for men, giving the entire upper body a rejuvenated appearance.
Who Is the good Candidate?
Patients of any age with loose skin on the back may be the candidates for this procedure.
Before the Procedure
1. Stop Smoking
2. Drugs to avoid- NSAIDS, Asprin
Procedure
Your surgeon will listen carefully to your concerns about excess skin of the back and side chest, and your surgical goals and expectations. The length and position of the scar on your back can usually be limited to the location of a bra for women, and the surgeon can draw the approximate scar location on your skin with a medical skin marker. A common alternative to removal of the skin is liposuction. Although this option usually avoids a long scar and may deflate some of the rolls of the back, it may make the loose skin worse. The risks and benefits of all procedures will be discussed in greater detail at your initial consultation. It’s important to know that although the upper body lift can have a significant impact on the upper back; it will not change the appearance of lowest part of the back or the buttocks. The low back and buttocks may be best treated by a lower body lift. Your surgeon may recommend performing an upper body lift and a lower body lift at separate sittings to maximize safety, and to achieve the best results.
Anesthesia
An upper body lift is done under general anesthesia.
Recovery
In most cases, patients may experience pain in upper back and side of the chest for the first two or three days. Compressive garments are placed around the chest and back. In most cases, patients will be able to go out in four to five days but vigorous physical activity is limited for four weeks following surgery.
Risks
In addition to the risks associated with anesthesia, infection and bleeding can occur but are uncommon.
Result
An upper body lift usually produces a tightened and more attractive appearance of the upper back and helps with the appearance in clothes. The permanent scar may stay thick and red, but tends to fade over time and reaches its final appearance over 12 to 18 months
