Backlift after lipo - will a vertical or horizontal lift be the best option? (Photos)

Hello, and thank you for your question about a back lift after liposuction, specifically whether to opt for a vertical or horizontal back lift. Thank you for your interesting question, history, and pictures. The short answer is you would do very well with either a vertical or a horizontal back lift procedure. Another name for a back lift is a torsoplasty or thoracoplasty. If your back is your main concern, the best results are achieved with a horizontal torsoplasty, bra strap lift, braplasty, or upper back lift. The reason is that during a horizontal torsoplasty, or bra strap lift, more back tissue can be removed than in a vertical torsoplasty. The disadvantage of the horizontal torsoplasty is the highly visible scar. The vertical torsoplasty does not remove as much skin as the horizontal torsoplasty. In your case, the horizontal torsoplasty would have to extend from the armpit to the top of your hip. The benefit of the vertical torsoplasty in your case would be that it would give you more of an hourglass figure. Since the maximum skin resection is taken over the middle of your waist, this procedure gives your body a more curvaceous appearance.
With the horizontal torsoplasty, since the vector is lifting back tissue up, it gives you a more boxy figure while eliminating excess back fat. Both vertical and horizontal torsoplasties are performed under general anesthesia. The horizontal torsoplasty takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. The vertical torsoplasty takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete. The recovery for a horizontal and a vertical torsoplasty is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. In conclusion, if you want the best back lift with the most skin removed and lifted, consider the horizontal torsoplasty. For the best hourglass shape, consider a vertical torsoplasty. I hope my answer helps clarify what kind of back lift you should get you the best results after liposuction and whether it should be a vertical or horizontal torsoplasty. Good luck with your torsoplasty.
To get an accurate assessment of what exactly you need, schedule a free virtual consultation. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations. If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the tummy tuck surgery is a major procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks. Do your research. If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, American College of surgery, and International College of surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.

The best technique is the horizontal scar. You can see there is two creases and that is where the skin is attached to the underlying fascia. The scar above that will pull it up. The vertical incision will not be capable of removing it.

Best Wshes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.