An upper body lift addresses the chest, back and upper trunk in one operation — the rolls across the back, the loose skin running from the breast or chest towards the armpit, and the upper flanks. It is the counterpart to the lower body lift, and the two cannot be done together.
What it addresses
- Rolls across the upper and mid back, often made obvious by a bra band. Back roll removal
- Loose tissue running from the breast or chest out towards the armpit
- Upper flank looseness that a lower body lift does not reach
- In men, a chest that has deflated and sits low. Male chest contouring
- In women, it is usually combined with breast surgery. Breast lift after major weight loss
The scar
It runs horizontally across the back and continues around the side, positioned to sit where a bra band or garment covers it. Where breast surgery is done at the same time, the scar in the breast fold is continued laterally into it.
Back skin is thick and under tension with every movement, so scars here widen more readily than abdominal ones. Dr Kumar will mark the lines on you and show you exactly where they will fall before you consent. How the scars settle.
Why it is not combined with a lower body lift
An upper body lift pulls skin upward. A lower body lift pulls it downward. Doing both at once means each fights the other, and the result is worse than either done properly. They are staged, usually three to six months apart. How many operations you will need.
Who it suits
Patients after major weight loss whose looseness genuinely extends across the back and upper trunk, not just the front. It suits less well where the problem is confined to the breasts or chest, in which case breast surgery or chest contouring alone is the better operation with a shorter scar.
As with all of this: weight stable at least six months, nutrition addressed, and complete abstinence from all nicotine for eight weeks before and after.
Recovery
Two weeks off work, a gradual return over the following four weeks, and full clearance at around twelve. Drains are used and a compression garment is worn for six weeks. The awkward part for the first fortnight is sleeping — you will be advised to sleep propped or on your side rather than flat on your back. The week-by-week timeline.
Medicare
Item 30169 covers removal of redundant non-abdominal skin for functional problems following significant weight loss. Functional problems means recurrent rashes or skin breakdown in a fold, or interference with daily activities, rather than appearance.
The full criteria and what the surgery costs.
Common questions
Can it be done with breast surgery? Frequently, and that is usually the most efficient plan since the incisions meet.
Will it fix my arms? No. An extended arm lift addresses the arm and the tissue continuing onto the chest wall.
Is the scar really hidden? It sits under a bra band or garment. Back scars widen more readily than abdominal ones — that is the honest trade.
How long before I can lift? Six weeks for most activity; twelve for heavy lifting.
Which do I need first, upper or lower? Usually the area causing the most functional trouble, which is more often the lower.
Next step
Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar — and ask for a plan covering the whole trunk. He operates at Westmead Private Hospital and consults at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. Call 1300 267 726. There is background on timing at My Weight Loss Journey.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
