The expectations that come with major weight loss is that you will instantly look and feel great. This however is not always the case. A common cause for concern after major weight loss is the sagging skin. An upper body lift is a means to solve the problems of upper back rolls, upper arm excess and sagging breasts that occur after massive weight loss. Furthermore, this surgical procedure helps to lift and sculpt those areas.
It is essential to know what the normal shape is and the right position of the infra-mammary crease in order to form an appealing reconstruction of the deformities created by weight gain and massive weight loss.
Upper body lift preparations:
There are varied opinions as to the best time for plastic surgery after weight loss. It is always best to be ‘stable’ when you do decide to have plastic surgery after your weight loss journey. To give the body time to become stable, it is usually recommended that between 18 to 24 months after your weight loss is best. During this time, the patient may have already dropped most of their excess weight and have significant excess tissue and laxity. Furthermore, most patients during this time have minimal nutritional reserves after months of reduced food and calorie intake and continued malabsorption of fat, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and proteins.
The procedure:
The surgeon will first examine the body and the procedure will be tailored according to each individual’s condition. Depending on the consultation and outcomes required, it may be decided that a variety of plastic surgeries be undertaken. These can include brachioplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift and or breast reduction, and or breast implants.
Reasons why people undergo this procedure really vary, here are just a few of the benefits:
- Gets rid of upper back rolls.
- Takes away the upper arm excess.
- Removes the breast/chest rolls.
- Lifts the infra mammary crease to its proper position.
- Correct positioning of the infra mammary crease will result in proper position proportion of the entire chest, and is helpful for breast reduction, breast lift and breast augmentation.
- Results to smooth, tighten and sculpt body shape.
- Eliminates chafing and rashes due to loose skin.
Some of the risks of this procedure:
- Infection (which is possible in all surgical procedures).
- Long recovery time.
- Large scars (which your surgeon may hide or minimize).
Note: These recovery instructions are simply an example. If undergoing an upper body lift always follow the steps directed by your surgeon.
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