If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or you carry more volume in your upper half, an upper body lift might be the missing piece to your transformation.
For high BMI patients especially, fat and excess skin aren’t limited to the abdomen. The back, arms, chest, and lateral breast area can all hold onto volume even after weight loss or GLP-1 medications.
That’s where an upper body lift comes in.
What an Upper Body Lift Includes
So what exactly is an upper body lift? It’s a custom combination of procedures that target the upper torso.
Most upper body lift surgeries include:
- Bra-line back lift – removes fat and excess skin from the upper back (bra bulge area)
- Arm lift (brachioplasty) – tightens and contours the upper arms
- Lateral chest wall lift – smooths and repositions tissue along the side of the chest
- Optional breast lift or reduction – depending on your goals
These procedures can be performed individually or together in a single operation, depending on your health, goals, and recovery plan.
The goal of an upper body lift is to create a more balanced, smooth, and contoured appearance, especially for those who feel their upper body doesn’t match the rest of their results after weight loss or tummy tuck surgery.
Can You Combine an Upper Body Lift with Other Procedures?
Yes—and it’s actually quite common to combine an upper body lift with other surgeries for a comprehensive transformation.
Depending on your needs, your surgeon may recommend:
- Tummy tuck and upper body lift to address both the front and back of the torso
- Breast lift or reduction and arm lift for upper body shaping
- Lipo 360 to remove stubborn fat and refine curves
- Lower body lift later on if the lower half still needs work
Combining procedures reduces the number of surgeries and anesthesia sessions, allows for one recovery period (instead of multiple), and provides more dramatic, all-over results.
Of course, not everyone is a candidate for multiple procedures at once. It depends on your overall health, BMI, and post-op support system. That’s why a personalized surgical plan is essential.
What Recovery Looks Like After an Upper Body Lift
Recovery varies depending on how many procedures are performed, but here’s what most high BMI patients can expect:
- 2–3 weeks off work or normal activities
- Compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing
- Surgical drains may be used for back or chest procedures
- Scars are placed in areas that are easy to hide with bras or clothing
Dr. Nick Masri and his team provide detailed recovery instructions and close post-op monitoring to make the healing process as smooth as possible.
Patients often report an emotional boost once the swelling subsides as they finally see a body that reflects their hard work and weight loss journey.
When to Consider an Upper Body Lift
So when is the right time to consider an upper body lift?
- You’ve lost a significant amount of weight and maintained a stable weight for at least 3–6 months
- You have loose, sagging skin on your back, arms, or chest wall
- You’ve already had a tummy tuck and want to complete the transformation
- You’re experiencing physical discomfort, rashes, or hygiene issues due to excess skin
An upper body lift is more than just cosmetic. For many patients, it improves mobility, comfort, and confidence in daily life.
High BMI patients deserve a comprehensive approach to body contouring—one that goes beyond the belly and addresses the real, lived-in parts of the body that hold us back.
If you’re curious about whether an upper body lift is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nick Masri. With years of experience working with plus-size patients, he’ll help create a plan that reflects your goals, your lifestyle, and your beautiful, evolving body.