Upper Body Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

An upper body lift is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the upper body by addressing issues such as sagging skin and excess fat in areas like the arms, chest, shoulders, and back.

Whether it is due to the natural aging process or losing a large amount of weight, sagging or excess skin in one or multiple areas of the upper body can be frustrating. While a loss of elasticity in the skin can present challenges for many, there are treatment options available that can help you restore the youthful upper body aesthetic you desire. If you are seeking to revitalize your upper body, you could be an ideal candidate for an upper body lift procedure.

Led by Dr. Michael Zarrabi, Zarrabi Plastic Surgery is a premier cosmetic surgery center in Southern California, serving the Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Greater Los Angeles areas. Zarrabi Plastic Surgery offers numerous body contouring procedures that are utilized as part of a comprehensive upper body lift treatment, meaning no matter what your aesthetic goals are, Dr. Zarrabi and his staff can help you achieve them.

If you are interested in learning more about upper body lift procedures, schedule a personal consultation at one of our two locations in either Santa Monica or Beverly Hills by contacting us online or giving us a call at (310) 584-9990.

About Upper Body Lifts

Upper body lifts are a safe and effective surgical intervention aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the upper torso, and typically are performed on patients who have recently lost weight. ⁽¹⁾ The areas typically treated include the upper arms, upper back, and chest.

Dr. Zarrabi and his team offer multiple procedures as part of a comprehensive upper body lift procedure. Patients can opt to have one or multiple of these procedures performed, depending on their goals. Some of the most commonly performed procedures in an upper body lift at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery include:

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift is a procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. It involves making an incision along the inner arm to excise redundant tissue, followed by liposuction to eliminate residual fat cells. The remaining skin is then tightened and sutured, resulting in a more toned and sculpted arm contour.

Armpit Fat Reduction

Also known as axillary liposuction, armpit fat reduction is a procedure that targets excess fat in the underarm area that may cause visible bulging. A small cannula is used to suction out unwanted fat deposits, leading to a smoother and firmer underarm contour.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a technique employed to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. A thin cannula is inserted into targeted areas to suction out excess fat, resulting in a more contoured and refined body shape.

Mid-Thoracic Lift

A mid-thoracic lift targets loose or sagging skin around the lateral chest. This procedure can remove excess tissue and tighten the area of the lateral chest, creating a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing back appearance.

Bra Line Lift

A bra line lift removes sagging skin and fat from the upper to mid-back and along the torso. Incisions are made discreetly along the bra line, and any rolls or bulges are eliminated to create a firmer, more sculpted back area.

Benefits

Upper body lift procedures have been shown to provide many potential benefits to patients who seek them, which may be one reason why an increasing number of patients have sought these procedures in recent years. ⁽²⁾ Some of these benefits often include:

Enhanced Body Contours: Upper body lifts create a smoother and more youthful appearance through targeted fat removal and skin tightening.
Increased Confidence: Many patients feel a significant boost in self-confidence and improved self-image following the transformation of their upper body.
Long-Lasting Results: Unlike non-surgical treatments, surgical body contouring provides permanent changes that maintain aesthetic improvement over time, assuming patients maintain a stable weight.
Improved Clothing Fit: With reduced excess skin and fat, clothing fits better, which can result in a more fashionable wardrobe.
Restored Proportions: Balancing the upper body enhances harmony and symmetry between surface features, positively influencing overall aesthetics.
Post-Weight Loss Rejuvenation: For patients who have undergone massive weight loss, an upper body lift helps address the final aesthetic challenges, allowing for more fulfilled satisfaction with their transformations.
Personalized Results: Each procedure is tailored to meet the unique goals of the patient, catering to their individual anatomy and desires for enhancement.
Minimal Scarring: Surgical techniques focus on placing incisions in discreet locations, reducing visibility to promote confidence even during the recovery phase.

Ideal Candidates

Upper body lifts appeal to a wide variety of potential candidates. Ideal candidates for this treatment usually have:

Sagging skin in the arms, chest, or back.
Stubborn fat deposits in the upper torso.
Achieved or are close to their goal weight.
Good overall health and realistic expectations regarding the outcome.

Your eligibility for an upper body lift or any procedure at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery will ultimately be determined during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step on your journey to a rejuvenated upper body is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Zarrabi. During this one-on-one session, you will discuss your aesthetic concerns, medical history, and desired outcomes. Dr. Zarrabi will evaluate your skin laxity, fat distribution, and overall body composition to determine which procedures, such as an arm lift, armpit fat reduction, liposuction, or a 360º body lift, will best achieve your goals. Dr. Zarrabi will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. You will receive a detailed explanation of the surgical process, recovery expectations, and potential risks. Dr. Zarrabi and his team will ensure you are fully informed and comfortable before moving forward with treatment.

To get started on your journey to the upper body aesthetic you have been dreaming of, schedule your personal consultation online or by calling one of our two locations in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills, both of which can be reached at (310) 584-9990.

Preparation

Once you have decided to pursue an upper body lift, Dr. Zarrabi and his team will provide you with a set of detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a seamless procedure and recovery process. Some of these guidelines might include instructions to:

Discontinue all medications that could increase bleeding, such as aspirin or blood-thinning substances.
Cease smoking and vaping several weeks before surgery (if applicable).
Arrange for assistance with transportation and post-operative care.
Prepare an area at home for comfortable recovery, equipped with necessities.
Confirm arrangements for any time off work needed for recovery.

Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure an optimal treatment process from beginning to end for both you and the Zarrabi Plastic Surgery staff.

Procedure

Dr. Zarrabi will customize the upper body lift procedure to your unique needs. In most cases, your procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. The step-by-step details of each procedure will vary based on your specific treatment plan.

Recovery

Recovery from an upper body lift will depend on the extent of your surgery and the specific procedures performed. Patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, which will gradually subside over the following weeks. Dr. Zarrabi will provide personalized post-operative instructions, including guidelines on wound care, activity restrictions, and pain management. Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided until Dr. Zarrabi gives you clearance. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

Results

The results of an upper body lift will become increasingly visible as swelling subsides and the body fully heals. Patients will notice a more sculpted, toned, and youthful appearance in the arms, underarms, and midsection. The removal of excess skin and fat will enhance body contours, providing a more proportionate and confident silhouette. The results of the procedure can be long-lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Dr. Zarrabi’s expertise ensures that scarring is minimized and strategically placed for the most discreet, natural-looking outcome.

Cost of an Upper Body Lift in Los Angeles

The cost of your upper body lift will depend on several factors, primarily the type of procedures that are performed as a part of your comprehensive treatment. Dr. Zarrabi and his team will be happy to give you a fully transparent and detailed estimate of the cost of your procedure during your personal consultation. Zarrabi Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to those who qualify.

FAQ

What Is Included In An Upper Body Lift?

An upper body lift includes procedures focused on the arms, chest, and back, improving the appearance of sagging skin and excess fat in these areas.

What Is The Expected Recovery Time?

Most patients return to light activities within two to three weeks, with full recovery taking eight weeks.

Are There Risks Associated With This Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, risks may include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications. Discuss these thoroughly during your consultation with Dr. Zarrabi.

Will There Be Scarring?

Incisions are made in inconspicuous locations, minimizing visible scars. Moreover, proper post-operative care improves scar healing.

Can An Upper Body Lift Be Done Along With Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine an upper body lift with other surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, for comprehensive body contouring.

How Do I Maintain My Results After Surgery?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise supports sustained results from your surgery.

References

Isola N, Herlin C, Chaput B, S. Aillet, Watier E, N. Bertheuil. Upper body lift and breast reshaping with lateral chest wall perforator propeller flap following massive weight loss. Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique. 2019;65(1):44-53. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anplas.2019.07.006
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf