What surgery would smooth my back and remove my loose skin? (photo)

Question

I’m wanting to smooth my back and remove my loose skin. I’ve seen different surgeries one I’ve been considering in a circumferential tummy tuck but wasn’t sure if that would be my best option. I am 5’7” currently weighing 185lbs.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It seems like you may be a good candidate for liposuction of the back and a bra line lift.  This would not address the very low back and you will likely have loose skin.  A circumferential body lift would not help this area much either.  You might consider a tummy tuck and just liposuction of the back and find you get a very nice, acceptable result.  Good luck with things.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Hello! Great question. When looking at your photos, it appears you would be a good candidate for two staged procedures: a tummy tuck and a back lift. Both of these procedures are a little longer of a recovery and patients do best when staging these procedures. 
For the tummy, a traditional tummy tuck or potentially a fleur de lis tummy tuck would be a good option for you with liposuction to your upper & lower abdomen and anterior waistline. 
For the back, a back lift with liposuction to the bra rolls, axilla, and posterior waistline would give the best result. A back lift is designed to address skin laxity to the back and helps diminish rolls.
Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dazzling402244,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will probably need tummy tuck and back lift. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A circumferential tummy tuck or body lift can help tighten loose skin and remove excess fat on the front and back. That would probably be the most suitable option, although you should see a board certified plastic surgeon in person to verify this.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs.  A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a belt lipectomy, would remove the excess tissue from your trunk and is a very powerful operation for rejuvenating the entire trunk. It always gives the best results if patients are as close to their ideal body weight as possible at the time of their surgery.  Even though the incision for the belt lipectomy does not include the creases on the back, in my experience, these creases get markedly better from just the belt lipectomy itself. It is possible to add a small amount of liposuction after you have healed up from the initial belt lipectomy in order to maximize your improved back contour. Check with your Plastic surgeon about your best options.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for providing photos. I prefer to separate my patients anterior work from posterior work. For example, having a laterally hip extended lipoabdominoplasty, followed by (months later) a bra strap back lift with posterior flank lipo -- this would ensure a great result on front and back. These would both get rid of both excess skin and fat.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and question. Based on your pictures, you look like a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction to her your flanks. A circumferential tummy tuck or lower body lift would not address the loose skin in your mid and upper back. BodyTite liposuction to your mid back or bra rolls may be beneficial to try and tighten the loose skin as much as possible. The most definitive way to improve the mid back area would be a bra line lift. The procedure would remove the excess skin in that area and will leave a scar that would be hidden where a bra strap will typically be. Of course, a bra line lift scar will affect your tattoo. Make sure you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your photos and questions.  I would recommend liposuction with a tummy tuck for your abdomen and liposuction for your back. Depending on the skin quality for your back the liposuction may be just enough to help smooth out the fullness and creases you have however, if the skin has poor elasticity I would then recommend and back lift.  An in-person consultation would be best to give an exact plan of action. I wish you the best.

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!
I think you’re a great candidate for a body lift I believe a circular tummy tuck also known as a lower body lift and a torsoplasty would be an incredible set of procedures to remove the skin from your lower body as well as your upper back. 
Otherwise, if you did a limited incision with another type of tummy tuck, you would be left behind with loose skin towards the lower back, so this is definitely the best procedure for you!

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

The best treatment for those skin rolls is a scapular lift. In fact, I just did one today.  Sometimes it is called an upper body lift. Your tattoos would need to be shortened vertically (I think that would be OK). The incision is horizontal and covered by your bra.  I do not connect the incisions in the midline. You do not need a circumferential tummy tuck and it would not correct that loose skin that is higher in the back. You are a candidate for a tummy tuck and liposuction of your abdomen, flanks, and bra fat areas (axillae), done at the same time.