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Procedure · Upper body

Upper body lift (bra-line back lift) in Istanbul

Upper body lift removes redundant skin from the upper back and lateral chest — addressing the "back rolls" that persist after major weight loss. The scar is positioned along the bra-line to be concealed by underwear and swimwear.

Doç. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
Doç. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD Associate Professor of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery FACS · FEBOPRAS · ISAPS Member · USHAŞ Certified

What upper body lift addresses

After major weight loss, residual skin laxity often forms visible folds across the upper back — typically described by patients as "back rolls" or "bra-line bulges". These folds frequently extend laterally onto the chest wall and into the axillary region. They are not improved by weight loss, exercise, or non-surgical treatments; the skin has simply stretched beyond its capacity to retract.

Upper body lift (bra-line back lift) is the procedure that addresses this pattern. A transverse incision is made at the bra-line level, excess skin is excised, and the remaining tissue is closed under controlled tension. The result is a smoother upper-back contour and elimination of the visible folds.

The procedure is most often performed in post-massive-weight-loss patients, frequently combined with arm lift, breast surgery, or lower body lift in a staged plan. It is rarely a standalone aesthetic procedure — back roll laxity without significant weight history is uncommon.

  • Approach: Transverse bra-line incision; length depends on extent of laxity
  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
  • Duration: 2–3 hours alone; 4–5 hours combined with arm lift
  • Hospital stay: Day case or 1 night
  • Drains: 5–7 days typically
  • Compression: Vest-style garment 4–6 weeks
  • Return to office work: 2 weeks
  • Return to exercise: 4 weeks light, 8 weeks full
  • Final result: 6–12 months

Common combinations

Upper body lift is rarely performed in isolation. Most post-MWL patients with back laxity also have laxity at adjacent regions, and addressing them together is usually more efficient than staging.

+ Arm lift

When laxity continues from inner arm into axilla and onto the back, the combined "L-brachioplasty" extending into the upper body lift addresses the continuous pattern. Most common combination.

+ Breast surgery

Post-MWL breast deflation often coexists with back laxity. Combined breast lift (with or without augmentation) + upper body lift in one anaesthesia is reasonable in healthy patients.

Staged with lower body lift

Upper body lift and lower body lift are not combined in one anaesthesia — total operative time and recovery burden exceed safe limits. Typically staged 3–6 months apart.

Recovery

  • Days 1–7: Sleeping in a propped-up position. Drains in place. Compression vest worn continuously. Avoid raising arms above shoulder height.
  • Weeks 2–3: Sutures removed at day 10–14. Office work resumed. Driving when arm range allows.
  • Weeks 4–6: Gradual return of overhead movement. Compression continues. Scar care begins (silicone, sun protection).
  • Weeks 6–12: Light exercise → full exercise. Compression transitions out.
  • Months 3–18: Scar maturation.
Medical information disclaimer: Content on this page is for general information only. It does not replace a consultation. Surgical suitability, risks, and outcomes depend on individual factors that can only be assessed by direct examination. Treatment decisions should always be made with your surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

Who is a candidate for upper body lift?
Upper body lift addresses redundant skin on the upper back, lateral chest, and sometimes the upper flanks. Candidates are typically post-massive-weight-loss patients with visible back rolls that persist after weight stability. Less commonly, patients with age-related upper back laxity. The procedure is rarely a standalone aesthetic decision — it is usually part of a broader post-weight-loss reconstruction plan.
Where is the scar?
The scar runs horizontally across the upper back at the level of the bra-line — positioned to be concealed by the back of a standard bra or bikini top. It typically extends from the midline of the back outward to the lateral chest wall. The scar is permanent and visible in backless clothing, low-back swimwear, and when bending forward in some tops. Patients should be prepared for this trade-off.
How is it different from arm lift?
Arm lift addresses the upper arm. Upper body lift addresses the back and lateral chest. The two procedures are often combined — when laxity continues from the inner arm into the axilla and onto the back, treating only the arm leaves an obvious skin fold at the junction. In post-MWL patients with extensive upper-body laxity, combined arm lift + upper body lift in one operation is often the most efficient plan.
How long is the operation?
Upper body lift alone takes 2–3 hours. Combined with arm lift, 4–5 hours. Combined with breast surgery, 5–6 hours. Combinations beyond this are usually staged.
How long is recovery?
Office work usually resumes at 2 weeks. Compression garments and posture restrictions for 4–6 weeks. Sleeping in a propped-up position is helpful for the first 2 weeks. Light exercise at 4 weeks, full exercise at 8 weeks. Scar maturation 12–18 months.
What are the risks?
Wound healing problems, seroma, scar widening or hypertrophy, asymmetry, sensory changes, and rarely deep vein thrombosis. The upper back has good blood supply, so wound healing tends to be more reliable than in some other body contouring areas — but scar quality can be variable, with hypertrophic scars more common here than in some other locations.
Can it be combined with breast surgery?
Yes, frequently. The back rolls and lateral chest laxity often continue into changes around the breasts in post-MWL patients, and addressing both in one operation makes sense. The combined procedure adds operative time but generally recovers as a single recovery rather than two separate ones.
Does the scar fade?
Like all body contouring scars, the upper back scar improves substantially over 12–18 months — from red and raised to pale and flat in most patients. Scar quality is partly genetic. The back is a relatively forgiving area for scar maturation, but hypertrophic scarring is reported and may need steroid injection or revision in a minority of patients.

Is upper body lift appropriate for your situation?

Upper back laxity is best assessed from photos showing the back at rest and with arms raised. Send back and side photos and Doç. Dr. Erdal will tell you whether upper body lift, or a combined approach, fits your anatomy.

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Related topics

Arm lift Lower body lift After weight loss Staging procedures Scar management Recovery timeline Cost information International patients
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