Upper body lift: vertical vs bra-line - which would be better to help me achieve a firmer back?

I think a side of chest lift, with a scar that goes from under the breast to the armpit will correct your issue without the bra-line incision, which is a harder incision to heal well.  Get a few opinions.

 Hello, thank you for your  excellent question regarding which procedure (either a vertical torsoplasty or horizontal torsoplasty) will achieve the best results for your back. In my opinion, based on your single picture, your best results will be achieved with a horizontal torsoplasty.The horizontal torsoplasty is also called a bra strap lift. During a horizontal torsoplasty, an incision is made across your back.  A butterfly-shaped area of back skin and fat is removed.  The final scar should be hidden under a reasonable bra. The main drawback to the horizontal torsoplasty is that the scar is visible. If you wear a dress with a low back and no bra or a one piece bathing suit with a low back plunge line, the horizontal torsoplasty scar may be visible.  If you don’t mind the scar, I would proceed with the horizontal torsoplasty.  If however, you cannot live with a scar that goes across your back, I would suggest the vertical torsoplasty. During a vertical torsoplasty, an incision is made from the armpit down the side of your chest. For some patient it goes just to the top of the bra line. For other patients, the vertical torsoplasty scar goes below the bra line and sometimes even to the top of the pelvis or hip bone.  Then, an elliptical or football shaped area of side skin and fat is resected. The benefit of the  vertical torsoplasty is of the scar is hidden when your arms are by your side. In my experience, a small downside of the with a vertical torsoplasty,  is that there is some relaxation of the back tissue.    This relaxation of the back tissue does not happen immediately. It may take 12 to 18 months before some of the incision line relaxes and you wind up with some, but definitely not all of the back skin rolls.  All things considered, I think you would be an excellent candidate for a torsoplasty. Basically, the choice is yours. If you don’t mind the scar, I believe the horizontal torsoplasty would achieve the best results. Thank you for your questions regarding the upper body lift, horizontal torsoplasty , vertical torsoplasty and bra strap lift. If you have any more questions regarding these procedures and others, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen. ( certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and International  Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)

Dear weewers,
It is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from bra line lift. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Thank you for your question. Based on the picture Bra line lift will give optimal results and scar can be hide behind the Bra strap. 

Thank you for your question and sharing your picture.We do have two options in your case, both will improve the appearance of your back and reduce the skin excess there . Basically your choice will be to decide where do you want the scar . Hidden by the bra line , like in the upper back lift , or hidden by your arm in the J cut .Take care and best wishes .

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. Either a bra line lift or a J-plasty. This places the incision along the outside of your breast. Both of the will require the incision to extend to partially under the breast. An in person consultation is required for a definitive answer.Peter Fisher M.DPost massive weight loss body contouring specialist