Can a Bra Line Back Lift Be Done Just in the Under Arm Area and Not Extended So Far into the Back?

      This is certainly a possibility, but this decision would be based upon your anatomy.   Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of body contouring procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question about the possibility of limiting the incision of a bra-line back lift to the arm area. For a thorough understanding, a physical examination would ideally be necessary.
Vertical and horizontal are two main types of back lifts or Torsoplasties. A vertical Torsoplasty involves an incision extending from your arm down the side to the bra line, bottom of the rib cage, or even the top of the hip. Meanwhile, a horizontal Torsoplasty involves an incision made either partially or completely across your back. This results in the removal of a large butterfly-shaped area of excess skin and fat.
Based on my experience, horizontal Torsoplasties typically result in more skin removal than vertical ones. However, if you're concerned about the extent of the scar, a vertical Torsoplasty could be a viable option. Suppose you were to opt for a limited incision horizontal Torsoplasty, focusing only on the area under your arm. In that case, it may result in a significant residual skin fold, or "dog ear". Consequently, I would recommend considering a vertical Torsoplasty.
I hope this provides some clarity on whether a bra-line back lift can be done focusing just under the arm.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thanks for your question and I think you have the right idea-- the procedure can be modified but it's important to chat with a plastic surgeon who understands the procedure well, its limitations and the pros and cons of a shorter scar.  That being said, it is certainly reasonable to modify the scar length to just address a particular area.  Great question!