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Bra Line Lift or Other Form of Body Contouring After TT? (photo)

Good Morning, I had a tummy tuck almost two years ago and am now trying to address excess skin in my back. However, unlike a tummy tuck which is pretty standard and the information is easily accessible; I have found it difficult to find distinctions and similarities between many of the terms or procedures completed to resolve this problem. Due to the scar placement I am inclined to feel that a Bra Line lift is right but I have also read that its close to 10k in cost and I'm able to spend about 6

Doctor Answers 7

August 5th, 2015

Vertical or horizontal torsoplasty options

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Thank you for your pictures and history. I think you would benefit significantly from a torsoplasty. The torsoplasty procedure removes excess skin and fat from the upper torso or back. Since you have excess skin, I do not believe upper back liposuction alone would yield satisfactory results. Due to the excess skin of your upper back, you will require skin resection. There are two ways to approach your upper back. One type of torsoplasty is a horizontal torsoplasty. This is also called a “bra strap line incision” or “bra line lift”. In the horizontal torsoplasty or bra line lift surgery, an incision is placed in the bra strap line. In this procedure, excess upper back skin is removed in a horizontal fashion.

Based on your history and photos, I think the horizontal torsoplasty or bra line lift surgery would give you your best results. Another form of torsoplasty is a vertical torsoplasty. The vertical torsoplasty involves an incision from each axilla or armpit towards the top of your hips. During the vertical torsoplasty, excess skin and fat is removed from each side in a vertical fashion. One of the benefits of the vertical torsoplasty is that the vertical scars are relatively hidden when your arms are at your sides. In addition, you could wear dresses with a low back without visible scars. If the incisions for your vertical torsoplasty are planned appropriately by your board-certified plastic surgeon, another benefit of the vertical torsoplasty is that you get a slight breast lift. One of the downsides of the vertical torsoplasty is that there are two vertical scars instead of one horizontal scar. In your case, I believe a horizontal torsoplasty would be better than a vertical torsoplasty.

I hope this answers your question regarding the bra strap line form of body contouring.
If you have any questions, please contact my office.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Learn more: http://www.360bodylift.com

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS


Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 254 reviews

August 1st, 2012

Back lift

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A bra line lift is an option for you.   In this procedure the scar can be hidden in your posterior transverse bra line.  Another option could be an upper trunk lift where I hide the scar below your arm pit along the lateral shadow line (curve of your breast).  Please see a board certified PS to learn more about your options.  Best of luck!

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

Learn more: http://www.basuplasticsurgery.com

C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS
July 20th, 2012

Extra Skin In My Upper Back

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Dear sweetie1,

Lax tissues of the upper back can be effectively addressed with a bra-line lift which removes the extra skin in the upper back and often will extend to around and under the breasts to tighten up the lateral breast line.  This will minimize the folds and rolls that you are experiencing when you wear your bra or swimsuit top.  This incision line is planned to hide under your normal bra band line or swimsuit top.  The procedure takes around 2 to 2 1/2 hours but an examination with measurements is needed to determine the exact positioning and length of the incision.  Recovery is faster than the recovery for a tummy tuck for most patients.  Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can best help you address your concerns.

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 88 reviews

July 17th, 2012

Bra Line lift

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I feel a bra-line lift would be best to smooth out the contour of the lower back/flanks.  Should take about 2 - 2 1/2 hours.  Don't know about costs in you area, but, in my practice this would usually run about $6000-$7000. 

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS
October 7th, 2016

Bra Line Lift

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Although it's difficult to formulate a treatment plan without a physical examination, your history suggests that your loose skin primarily involves your upper back. Under these circumstances, a Bra Line Back Lift might provide an excellent result. This procedure is designed to place the incision in the bra strap area. The procedure removes excess skin and lifts the back skin in an upward direction.



If you're considering treatment of this condition, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to perform an evaluation and formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD
September 7th, 2012

Bra Line Lift

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I concur that a bra-line back lift is the best solution to what I can see in these photos. It is designed to remove excess soft tissues of the back, and to place the scar in an area that is hidden by a brassiere strap and by a swimsuit top (although they all fit differently and the skimpiest back strap on a swim suit probably won't conceal the scar). 

Good idea to be at or near your desired weight. 

Thanks and best wishes. 

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

July 17th, 2012

Upper body lift

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pper body lift extends from a line at the infra-mammary line towards the back within the bra line. With a reasonable width to the bra the scar can be hidden within the bra line.

When you are considering cost then add the surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fees

Choose a Board certified plastic surgeon ( American Board of Plastic Surgery). The anesthesia a Board Certified anesthesiologist, and an accrideted facility. Saftey, quality is first then comes the cost.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.