Do I need a bra line back lift? What kind of tummy tuck would I need? (photos)

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your back and abdomen. Based on your pictures and history, I would suggest an extended horizontal tummy tuck.  During the extended horizontal tummy tuck, the excess abdominal fat and skin removed.  Also, the abdominal muscle is tightened from the pubic region to the rib cage. Your results would be a flat tummy without any skin or fat rolls. Also, I would suggest the incision to be carried over your hips to reduce excessive skin and fat that hangs over the hips. In regards to your back, I would highly suggest a horizontal torsoplasty or bra-straplasty or braplasty. During this procedure, an incision is made across your back and a butterfly shaped area of back skin and fat is removed. Some other plastic surgeons also call this an upper body lift. It can be combined at the same time as your extended tummy tuck or can be done 3 months later. Since this is a complex procedure, please seek a board certified plastic surgeon. Your extended tummy tuck would take approximately 3-4 hours to perform under general anesthesia.  Your bra-straplasty should take 3-4 hours under general anesthesia. Again, these procedures can be combined. If you combined the procedures, plan on a 2-3 week recovery. If you decide to do your tummy tuck, first plan on a 2-3 week recovery. If you decide on the horizontal torsoplasty performed alone, plan on a 2-3 week recovery. Thank you for your questions regarding a tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, horizontal torsoplasty, bra-straplasty, and braplasty.  I specialize in torsoplasties.  If you have any more questions regarding the horizontal torsoplasty, bra-plasty or a bra strap-plasty. please contact my office.  Since the horizontal torsoplasty is a very technically procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing torsoplasties.   Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 torsoplasties.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

The answer depends on your aesthetic goals. You may benefit from a combination of procedures to address both your abdominal and back concerns. For your abdominal area, a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is often recommended. This procedure tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin, and contours the lower abdomen, helping to create a flatter, more toned appearance. In some cases, a "belt lipectomy" or body lift can also be performed, which addresses not only the abdominal area but also the flanks and lower back, extending the tummy tuck incision to remove excess skin and fat around the hips and back.
In addition to a tummy tuck, your back concerns, especially around the bra line, could be addressed with a "bra-strap lift" or back lift. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the upper back, targeting areas that may have sagged or accumulated fat. Depending on the severity and location of the back skin and fat, some surgeons may offer to perform this at the same time as the tummy tuck or as a separate procedure. Combining the two procedures may lead to more comprehensive body contouring, but it is essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific needs and ensure you achieve the most desirable results based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Thank you for submitting your question and photos :)
I would recommend a belt lipectomy / body lift to address the abdomen.  Liposuction may be required to improve your flank and lower back appearance also, however clinical examination would best determine this.
Your upper back region would be suitably managed by a back bra lift. This can be done at the same time however I personally would only support this if my clinical examination suggested that the location of your skin excess (and subsequent scar placement) would not pull too much on the other operative site. It might sound convenient to package the two procedures together so that you only have to go through one recovery period however the conditions have to be right to achieve the best result in both zones.
Assessment by a suitably qualified plastic surgeon will help you determine the best path forward.
Kind regards,
Matthew

You may need a TT to take care of the skin and abdominal wall laxity in the front of the body.  The loose skin on the back, buttocks, or lateral (outer) thighs can be addressed with a posterior lower body lift.  The TT and the posterior lower body lift can be performed at the same time as a lower body lift.Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in lower body lifts so he/she can address the best way to reveal your natural curves.

Thank you for providing photos! You naturally have an hourglass figure that we could really work to show off. I would suggest a tummy tuck, body lift and upper back lift - this would address your trunk all the way around. Of course, there are other procedures that could be options as well, such as a BBL, inner thigh lift, and breast lift. As always, do you research and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Another thing to keep in mind is that your BMI will need to be at 30 or below. Keep up the great work!

It is wonderful what you have achieved after losing weight!!! Congratulations  You already have a naturally curvaceous body shape so that will be a great frame to creat a great result.You will be a great candidate for a Lower Body Lift in order to not only get rid of the saggy skin, but lifting the mons  pubis, Lift the outer thigh, and lift the buttocks and also do a tight muscle repair, some liposuction to lower back and buttocks enhancement auto augmentation using your own tissues (fat grafting and flap).Your back will need a back lift and should be done is a separate stage to prevent the vectors of lift and tightening opposed one to the other.It will be wonderful that you may achieve a BMI below 30 to achieve the best result.Be encouraged!!! You will look astonishing!!Look for a Board Certified PS who is an expert on After Weight Loss Surgery. Dr. Cardenas 

Dear lol1313,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. You might also benefit from bra line lift.  I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for the question and great photos.. after analysing your case.. I can suggest you, due to the excess of skin in your back area, is a extended tummy tuck combined with vaser liposuction and a back lift. This will give you great results!Best of lucks.Dr. Luis Mejia

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on the exterior.   Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  You also may want to consider a bra line lift for your back.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

An in person evaluation is always best but from the photos it appears you can consider an extended tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring. This would address excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. The liposuction would contour the hips and lower back. The result would be a flatter, tighter tummy and contoured waistline. For the back a bra line lift is recommended in order to address the excess fat and skin laxity. Liposuction alone would likely result in more laxity. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.