What is an upper body lift?
An upper body lift is a group of procedures that remove loose skin and fat from the upper part of the torso. After major weight loss, pregnancy or simply with age, skin on the back and upper abdomen can lose its elasticity and hang in folds. These rolls are often most noticeable under a bra strap and just below the breasts, and they rarely improve with exercise.
The two main parts of an upper body lift are the bra line back lift, also called a torsoplasty, and the reverse tummy tuck. They can be done separately or together, and are sometimes combined with an arm lift or breast lift for a smoother overall result.
Who is an upper body lift suitable for?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have folds of loose skin on your upper or middle back
- Have loose skin above your belly button that a standard tummy tuck would not reach
- Have reached a stable weight and do not plan to lose much more
- Are in good health with no conditions that would slow healing
- Do not smoke, or can stop for several weeks around surgery
Patients are often over 40, when skin naturally loses elasticity, but younger people who have lost weight quickly also benefit, because their skin may not have had time to shrink.
Procedures involved
Bra line back lift
A horizontal incision is made across the back at the level of the bra strap. Loose skin and fat are removed and the edges are drawn together, smoothing the upper and middle back.
Reverse tummy tuck
This targets loose skin in the upper abdomen. It suits people whose lower abdomen has good skin tone and who do not need muscle repair across the whole tummy. The incision runs along the folds beneath the breasts.
How the operation is done
Marking
The surgeon marks you while you stand wearing your usual bra, so the final scar sits where the strap can hide it. Photos are taken to compare before and after.
Anaesthesia
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia and usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many areas are treated.
Removing skin and fat
For the back lift, excess tissue is cut away along the marked line. For the reverse tummy tuck, skin is lifted from the upper abdomen, pulled upwards and trimmed. Liposuction may be added to refine the contour.
Closing
The incisions are closed in layers with dissolvable stitches, and drains may be placed to stop fluid collecting. Dressings and a support garment are applied.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–2
You are encouraged to walk within hours of surgery. The area feels tight and sore. You stay in hospital for 4 nights.
- Weeks 1–2
Swelling and bruising gradually ease. Drains come out within a few days. Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height, and do not wear a bra or anything that presses on the back incision.
- Weeks 2–6
Most people return to desk work after about two weeks. A soft, loose bra can be worn from around week two. Avoid lifting and strenuous exercise until about week six.
- Months 3–12
The remaining swelling settles and scars flatten and fade.
Aftercare
- Wear the support garment as instructed
- Sleep on your back or side with pillows for support, as your surgeon advises
- Take prescribed medicines and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless approved
- Walk several times a day to reduce the risk of clots
- Eat protein-rich food and drink plenty of water
- Protect your scars from the sun for the first year
Risks and side effects
Your surgeon explains the risks before you give consent. They include:
- Swelling and bruising that last longer than expected
- Seroma, a collection of fluid that may need draining
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Wound breakdown, particularly where the skin is under tension
- Thick or widened scars
- Temporary numbness around the incisions
- Blood clots and reactions to the anaesthetic
Results
Most patients notice a smoother back and upper abdomen straight away, and the full effect shows as swelling settles. Clothes fit better and bra rolls are greatly reduced. Scars are permanent but placed so they are easy to cover.
Upper body lift in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send photos of your back and abdomen, your weight history and medical details. The surgeon reviews them and you receive a plan. Stop smoking, alcohol and blood-thinning medicines about two weeks before surgery.
In Istanbul
Arrive a day early for tests. VIP transfers, the hospital stay, a translator, medication and meals are included, and a companion can stay with you at no extra cost.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp and passes photos and questions on to your surgeon as you heal.
What the Upper Body Lift package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Upper Body Lift FAQ
What does an upper body lift include?
It is usually a combination of a bra line back lift and a reverse tummy tuck. It can also be combined with an arm lift or breast lift, depending on where your loose skin is. Your surgeon builds the plan around your shape.
Where will the scars be?
The back lift scar runs horizontally across the back where a bra strap sits, so it is hidden by most bras and bikini tops. The reverse tummy tuck scar sits in or near the fold under the breasts.
Am I a candidate after bariatric surgery?
Often yes, once your weight has been stable for at least six months. Most surgeons wait 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery so that weight loss has levelled off and your nutrition is good.
How painful is recovery?
Expect tightness and soreness, especially when you move your arms or sit up, for the first week or two. Pain is controlled with prescribed medication and improves steadily.
When can I wear a bra again?
For about two weeks you avoid any garment that presses on the back incision, unless your surgeon says otherwise. After that you wear a soft, wire-free bra with a wide band for around a month.
How long will I stay in Turkey?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul. Your package includes a full hospital stay of 4 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. This includes tests, surgery and a check-up before your flight.
Is the result permanent?
The skin that is removed does not come back. Ageing and weight changes still affect the body, so keeping your weight stable helps preserve the result.
