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Upper Body Lift
in Novi, Michigan

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, we specialize in upper body lift designs for both men and women who want to look firmer and more sculpted. With age, pregnancy, or significant body changes related to massive weight loss, the upper back, chest, and upper abdominal skin can become loose and saggy. This frequently leads to discomfort or body image dissatisfaction. Luckily, with modern surgery techniques, patients can achieve a more toned and contoured silhouette.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Gregory Lakin and Dr. Ellen Ozolins, are renowned for achieving outstanding body contouring outcomes. With a keen eye for detail and patient satisfaction in mind, they have successfully guided thousands of patients to regain their confidence. Our mission is to assist each patient in restoring a more balanced, youthful, and confident appearance.
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Table of Contents

What Is an Upper Body Lift?

An upper body lift is a body sculpting procedure used to eliminate redundant skin and recontour the upper body after significant weight loss, with aging, or pregnancy. In the course of this surgery, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins excises loose skin and resistant fat in areas like the upper back (including the bra line area), chest area, upper abdomen, and lateral or side chest walls. The objective is to firm and smoothen the underlying tissues. This way, a more chiseled, youthful, and toned look in the upper body can be achieved.

Patients tend to choose this procedure if sagging skin obstructs mobility, clothing fit, or self-esteem. It has minimal influence on body weight. However, it greatly improves body shape and proportion. An upper body lift can be done alone or with other plastic surgery procedures like a lower body lift or liposuction to achieve a superb body transformation and all-around results.

What Is Included in an Upper Body Lift?

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, our plastic surgeons customize the upper body lift surgery depending on the patient’s needs. Oftentimes, it includes:
  • Upper Back Lift (Bra Line Lift):This part of the procedure addresses drooping or folding skin along the upper back and bra line. It is performed by making a horizontal incision concealed beneath the bra strap. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the back view is smoothed and trimmed.
  • Chest and Upper Abdominal Lift: During this procedure, surplus skin spanning from the armpits to the outer chest and along the lower chest or upper abdomen is eliminated. This portion of the lift enhances contour near the armpits and breast/chest sides—bettering overall torso shape and sleekness.

Initial Consultation and Testing

At the initial visit, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins performs a close examination to learn about a patient’s body shape, skin laxity, and intentions. They analyze areas of concern—upper back, chest, and upper abdomen—to determine which techniques to use in the personalized upper body lift. Alongside this, they take pre-op photos for surgery planning and comparison with post-op results later on. Then, our surgeons provide a fee estimate based on each patient’s individualized surgery plan.

For safety reasons, Dr. Lakin and Dr. Ozolins may recommend that patients undergo a comprehensive medical examination with blood work, an EKG, and supplementary imaging studies. All of these are utilized to exclude risks that would complicate the surgery. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, bleeding problems, clotting disorders, or an acute infection are some examples that would postpone or preclude the surgery.

Upper Body Lift Surgery Procedure

On the day of surgery, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins makes precise skin markings to guide incisions and tissue removal. Subsequently, our anesthesiologist administers anesthetics to keep the patient comfortable and asleep throughout the procedure. 
The upper body lift is characterized by upper back and back bra roll liposuction combined with a single continuous cut that spans from one side of the torso to the other, concealed along the bra’s base. This cut allows our surgeons to eliminate surplus skin and fat, as well as tighten and elevate deeper tissue. It can help produce a more refined and even appearance.
After reaching the preferred shape, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins meticulously closes the incisions with layered sutures, so they heal well and the scars are less visible. They may also put in drains to stop fluid from collecting. Depending on the number of areas, all necessary parts of the surgery can take between three and six hours.

Add-Ons To Upper Body Lift

This procedure targets drooping skin that hangs down from the upper arms—known to many as “bat wings.” During this surgery, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins makes an incision either on the arm’s rear or on its inner side. Then, after removing any redundant skin, they pull the underlying tissue taut (tight). This helps restore smoother, more youthful-looking contours.
Women with sagging breasts may get a breast lift as part of an upper body lift. During this procedure, the nipples and breast tissue are lifted to provide a more perky and youthful appearance. If necessary, the breasts can also be made larger or smaller at the same time.
For men, chest contouring procedures like liposuction or gland removal can be used to address gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts). This enhances chest definition and creates a flatter, firmer upper body appearance.
Some patients have extra skin in their upper abdomen that could be removed at the same time as their upper back skin laxity with a single circumferential incision. Combining this procedure simultaneously enhances the definition of both the front and back sides of the upper body.
Some patients have extra fat in their upper back and back bra rolls that could be removed at the same time as the extra skin is being removed. The liposuction is often performed first, then the skin excision is done. This combination creates a more sculpted contour of your upper body.
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Recovery After an Upper Body Lift

Following an upper body lift surgery, patients usually remain at our comfortable facility for several hours so we can keep an eye on them as they come out of sedation and make sure they are feeling okay. It is common to experience some mild to moderate pain, as well as swelling and bruising during the first few hours. However, our staff will supply drugs ordered by Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins to help relieve any discomfort. To stop fluid build-up, some patients may have drains put in. These are usually taken out about one week later.
We suggest wearing compression garments over treated areas for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. This type of clothing supports new body contours, reduces swelling, and aids proper healing. To avoid placing tension on incisions, it’s important not to lift heavy objects, reach above shoulder level, or participate in strenuous activities during this period. Stitches are typically taken out 10 to 14 days following surgery. 
Swelling and tightness decrease slowly over a few weeks, but it can take 3 to 6 months to see full results. After complete healing, patients will have smoother, tighter skin and a more sculpted upper body contour. If they maintain healthy lifestyle habits, long-lasting effects may follow.

Candidates for an Upper Body Lift

This procedure is best suited to those who have lost a lot of weight and wish to get rid of the loose, extra skin left behind. The candidate should be in good general health, be willing to keep their weight in check, and also have realistic goals regarding the final result. Some reasons a patient would be well-suited for an upper body lift are:
  • Excess or Loose Skin: More often, in cases of significant weight loss, the patient has loose or excess skin on the upper back,chest, and upper abdomen that cannot be tightened through exercise alone.
  • Stable Weight: Candidates should be close to their ideal weight and avoid planning any big changes since this might negatively influence the outcome.
  • Good Overall Health: The patient should not suffer from any significant medical conditions that would complicate the surgery or delay recovery.
  • Non-smokers: Nicotine compromises circulation and inhibits the healing process. Thus, patients should cease consuming any nicotine products some weeks prior to and post-surgery.
  • Dedicated to Recovery: Recovery from an upper body lift takes time, patience, and adherence to precise post-operative instructions to achieve optimal recovery and results.

Benefits of an Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift eliminates droopy skin from the back, chest, and upper abdomen. This procedure significantly enhances body tone and shape. It is a great option if a patient has recently lost a lot of weight and ended up with a flabby torso.
Redundant skin can chafe badly. It may also limit a patient’s ability to exercise comfortably (or at all). Removing this excess skin can make it easier for patients to stay active, wear fitted clothes, and move freely throughout the day.
Patients frequently claim that following an upper body lift, they experience a significant increase in self-confidence. Not only do clothes look better on them and their body seems more youthful and firm, but they also feel more at ease in their own skin at all times—especially during intimate moments or in social situations.
If a patient keeps to a nutritious routine, then the effects of this plastic surgery can last for years. The skin remains tighter while the overall shape stays more refined. Of course, this relies on the maintenance of a stable weight. 
By eliminating skin folds, patients can also eliminate problems like chafing, sweat, and rashes. As a result, they tend to suffer fewer infections or irritations in these areas. It means their skin is generally healthier, and they feel more comfortable overall.

Cost of an Upper Body Lift in Novi, MI

The average cost of an upper body lift in Novi, MI, typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. This fee covers the surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, use of the operating room, and post-operative materials such as compression garments. The cost will vary based on the level of the treatment and if it is done in concert with other procedures like arm lifts, lifts of the breasts, or contouring of the back. As upper body lifts are highly individualized to fit the patient’s objectives and unique anatomy, an individual consultation is required in order to give an accurate estimate. At this initial appointment, Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins can evaluate a patient’s case and create a customized plan to achieve the best outcome.

Why Choose Illuum Cosmetic Surgery for an Upper Body Lift in Novi, MI?

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, patient care is at the heart of everything we do. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Gregory Lakin and Dr. Ellen Ozolins, specialize in life-changing body contouring procedures and develop custom treatment plans tailored to each patient. With a state-of-the-art facility and an attentive, empathetic staff, we are committed to delivering world-class surgical results in a warm, nurturing environment. Whether it’s to reclaim confidence in one’s body after significant weight loss or to restore it to its former shape, we are here to assist every patient in feeling confident and renewed every step along the way.
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Katie Wells BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and worked as an operating room nurse at Michigan Medicine for 2 years before transitioning to aesthetics. She
received her certification as a Nurse Injector, and attended further training and certification through Allergan Medical Institute. She absolutely loves being a Nurse Injector and is very passionate about
combining medicine and the creativity and artistry of aesthetics in her practice. It is extremely important to her to remain educated and up to date with the newest and best treatments and injection techniques. Her goal as an Injector is that when you sit in her chair that you feel comfortable, fully educated on your procedure, and confident and happy in your results when we are done. She loves forming connections with her patients and feels truly honored to be a part of your journey to becoming your most confident self, inside and out! She is a great listener and looks forward to creating an individualized plan to meet each of her patient’s unique goals and desires. Some of her favorite treatments include lip filler, Botox, and midface/cheek filler (but there is so much more!). When she is not injecting, you can find her trying new recipes, spending time with family, working out, gardening, or taking a long walk with her dog.

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Heidi Winkler BSN, RN

Director of Nursing & Surgical Services Leadership

Heidi’s goal is to ensure every patient has a positive experience and is satisfied with the high quality of service provided by our clinical staff. Her passion as a caregiver is to impact each person’s life in a positive way.

Tonya Gilbert BSN, RN

PACU Nurse

Tonya has been a registered nurse for 15 years. She earned her BSN at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

She started her career as a trauma RN in Detroit. She has been working as a recovery RN for the past 8 years. She loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Her passions include lounging with her fur babies, family, and friends, traveling, crunching, and recycling. 

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