Bra line/Back Lift or aggressive lipo? (Photo)

Question

I am planning to have an extended tummy tuck in May & I hate my back I really want my rolls gone. I'm planning to pay for extra lipo of my back fat but im wondering will it help or will I stil be stuck with rolls. I'm 30 pounds overweight and I plan to lose at least 15 before surgery and then 15 after surgery

Michael Baumholtz, MD, FACS · Answer

based on your story and pictures - get your belly done, lipo the back, and come back at 6 months to assess if those rolls need cut out. You have a problem with skin and fat. Lipo will often only do the fat side (with some modest skin tightening in some situations).

Your best results will be when you are as close to your goal weight as possible and can be stable at that weight

Good luck!

Your best results will be when you are as close to your goal weight as possible and can be stable at that weight

Good luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your history and photos. Based on your picture, I strongly recommend considering a bra line lift, also known as a back lift or horizontal torsoplasty.

Despite the potential benefits of aggressive liposuction, you might still be left with loose skin rolls on your back, even using advanced techniques like Vaser. A bra line lift can address this issue more effectively.
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, an incision is made across your back, hidden beneath your bra strap. Then, a large butterfly-shaped area of excess skin and fat is removed, leading to a smoother, flatter back contour.
However, it's important to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the potential risks and benefits and to ensure the bra line lift is the best choice for your specific situation.
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a bra line backlift.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photos you provided. I would say you are a good candidate for liposuction and skin tightening rather than a back lift. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the various types of skin tightening techniques. It appears your do not need a big cut across your back! Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture, I would recommend both for you liposuction and bra line lift.always see a board certified PS.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This would need either skin removal with a scar at the same time as Lipo or you can get a degree of improvement with liposuction alone and internal heating (J plasma) but I wouldn't do traditional liposuction here alone. Please see an HD liposuction VASER body contouring specialist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Liposuction would definitely improve the rolls of your back... even better so would be some laser assisted liposuction (Smartlipo) which would also help tighten up the skin and improve things even more.  Weight loss will also be beneficial.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photo you will have improvement with liposuction to the back.  JPlasma can be added for extra skin tightening.  An in person evaluation is best, along with discussion of your goals, to give you a recommendation.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Based on your photos, upper back lift surgery (sometimes called a bra line back lift) may be a good option to improve the shape, contour, and overall appearance of your upper back, mid back, and waist. This surgery also helps improve the appearance of back rolls in those areas. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Dear Inneedofasnatchedwaist, 
Thanks so much for your inquiry and photos. Although it is hard to give you an accurate advice without a proper in person consultation, if you want a better contour with a small waist you are a perfect candidate to do Liposuction, Liposuction can be performed on your upper and lower back and also on pre-selected areas with excess of fat tissue, also if you want we can take advantage of your own fat and do a fat grafting into the buttocks. 
Please make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page. Don't forget to discuss all your concerns, options and expectations thoroughly. 
Have a safe and pleasant PS Journey!
Respectfully, 
Dr. Jaime Campos León 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG drcamposleon
snapchat: tjlipo

Saul Lahijani, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.

I would definitely proceed with liposuction first before doing any incisions.  I have had patients with worst bra line rolls get major improvement with using the smart liposuction.  The skin in the back is different than other places in the body, (1) its usually thicker than most other skin,  (2) usually there are no stretch marks in that area, and (3) ethnic skin is usually thicker and has greater recoil.
So for the 3 reasons above I would go with the liposuction and allow 6-8 months time for the healing process and then see if you want to put scar on your back which is not easy to conceal like the tummy tuck scar.
The improvement might be enough to make you happy!!
I hope this is helpful and you should see your plastic surgeon so he can examine and determine if you are a good candidate.