Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition can expect their results to last for many years following their body lift. However, significant weight changes after surgery can impact these results.

Upper Body Lift in Northern Michigan
Procedure Time:
2 hours
Recovery Time:
2-3 weeks
Results In:
6 months
Downtime:
7 days
What it Treats:
Lift and Transform: The Upper Body Solution
What Is Upper Body Lift?
Significant weight loss can offer many advantages, but it may also lead to challenges like excess skin that persists despite the loss. This sagging skin can be frustrating for individuals, leading to hygiene issues, uncomfortable chafing, difficulties with clothing fit, and the need to manage loose skin during daily activities.
An upper body lift surgery effectively addresses these issues by eliminating excess skin and sculpting the area to enhance the body’s overall aesthetic. This procedure not only alleviates physical discomfort but also helps restore lost confidence and boost self-esteem.

Upper Body Lift Procedure
The specific approach for an upper body lift can vary significantly according to each patient’s unique needs. Typically, the procedure begins with an arm lift, which involves an incision along the inner arm. The length of this incision, which can extend from the elbow to the underarm, is determined by the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed during your body lift. We offer consultation for upper body lift in our Petoskey office for convenience; however, the procedure itself is performed in Traverse City at the Copper Ridge Surgery Center under general anesthesia.
For a breast lift, additional incisions are made around the areolas and along the crease beneath the breasts, while incisions near the bra line are used for a back lift.
Excess skin is removed through these incisions, and the underlying tissues are reshaped. The remaining skin is then tightened by pulling it taut, after which the incisions are closed, sometimes with drains placed to facilitate healing.



Ready to get started?
Interested in learning more about getting an upper body lift consultation? Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment at Copper Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery by calling 231-929-7700.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recovery period after an upper body lift typically lasts around 2-3 weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting.
It’s advisable to arrange for help at home, especially with tasks involving children or pets. In the initial days after surgery, you may experience considerable swelling and discomfort. Fortunately, prescribed medications can effectively alleviate these symptoms, so it’s important to follow dosage instructions for optimal rest and recovery. Wearing compression garments over the surgical areas will also assist in reducing swelling and helping the skin conform to its new shape.
Yes, some scarring is inevitable; however, our skilled surgeons strive to place incisions in discreet locations to minimize their visibility. For instance, scars on the back are typically concealed beneath a bra strap. Over time, scars naturally fade and can be easily hidden under clothing.
Like any surgical procedure, upper body lift surgery comes with risks such as infection, bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, and hematoma. Additionally, many patients may experience temporary changes in sensation, including numbness and tingling, which can last for several months. In rare cases, numbness may persist for a year or longer. Other uncommon risks include poor skin healing, scarring, and asymmetry.

Timeless Beauty, Personalized Artistry
Experience the best in plastic surgery procedures with the dedicated team at Copper Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher C. Jeffries, along with our skilled staff, is committed to helping you achieve your beauty goals while providing the highest quality care in plastic surgery. We are proud to be Northern Michigan’s leading experts in this field.