Alternatives to back lift? (Photo)

Question

Are there any alternative to back lift because I do not want that scar across my back. Ive heard of lateral lift where they lift your sides or a partial back lift where the scar isn't across your back. Can someone explain my options

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

This is one of the rare situations where surgery is really the best option, far and away compared to other choices.  With that much deflated skin, you won't see a good result with liposuction or non-invasive technologies.  Meet with a few surgeons who do lots of body contouring after substantial weight loss, and think about the pro/cons of having a better shape at the cost of some scarring.  With good scar care, that tradeoff is a good one, if you are ready for it.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

HI Ybanks89, Thank you for you your question regarding a back lift.  Thank yo for the pictures of your back.  basically, there are two types of back lifts: vertical and horizontal.  The vertical back lift is also called the vertical stealth back lift. In your case, the incision goes from the arm pit down the sides and extends to the top of your hip bone (superior iliac crest).  An elliptical area of skin and fat is removed.  Usually, the vertical stealth torsoplasty scar is hidden when your arms are by your sides. The horizontal torsoplasty is also called a bra strap torsoplasty or upper body lift. This scar goes across the upper back. In most cases, the horizontal torsoplasty gives a better back lift, but the scar is much more visible. Usually, it's a trade off between the better lift and a more visible scar vs. not as good a lift and a more hidden scar.  In your case, you would get the best result with a scar that goes across your back like a bra strap torsoplasty or upper body lift.  However, if you cannot live with the back scar from a bra torsoplasty, I get it.  many patients cannot tolerate that scar.  if that is the case, please proceed with the vertical stealth torsoplasty. Thank you for your question regarding the back lift.   I hope I have answered your questions regarding the difference between the vertical and the horizontal torsoplasty. If you have any more questions regarding the backlifts or torsoplasties, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photo you provided. As always, I recommend having a formal consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, as they can go over your medical history to assist with figuring out that best plan for your back.  With that being said, I would avoid the other options and recommend a traditional back lift to obtain a smooth contour and highlight your curves. A back lift is a great option for someone with loose skin on their mid back such as yours. Scars are hidden under your bikini so no one will know! Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and based on your picture, I believe surgery  is your best option at this time you seem to have a lot of excess skin to be removed for a much better result, consult carefully with a board certified PS best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. From the amount of skin excess you have, there is no way to get a reasonable result without some type of scarring. To remove excess skin, you have to leave a scar as a trade-off. Best to see a local board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring to discuss your options.Good luck!

Trefor Nodwell, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,Great question - one with a few possible answers.Before moving ahead with any surgery, you will need to answer for yourself if you will accept any scars at all. The only way to address significant amounts of skin with todays options requires excising the skin and this will leave you with scars.If you do come to terms with this reality then you can dig deeper into your needs.If a transverse scar is not acceptable, what about a vertical scar in the lateral chest on each side?An in person exam will help determine where exactly your skin excess actually is and how best to remove it. That will determine where the scars are going to sit.You have lots of time to make up your mindContinue to ask questions and you will know when it is time to move forward.Regards,Dr Nodwell

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
There are no alternative if you want a great result.  Any lift that will take up the slack will require excision of a lot of skin, so there needs to be a scar. The direction the skin is remove is just as important as how much skin is removed, so the length and orientation of the scar is crucial, leaving you with a bra line scar that traverses your back. Best of luck!

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photo.Body lift surgery is generally recommend for individuals with skin laxity, most frequently following massive weight loss. Liposuction can be added to body lift procedures to further define your shape. A lower body lift combines an abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) with an outer thigh and buttock lift. Liposuction can be included to improve the shape of the waistline, as well as the outer thighs. An upper body lift corrects the breasts(or chest) as well as the lateral chest folds and can be combined with Liposuction. Brachioplasty with liposuction for the arm area to help with excess skin. For cases which require high volume liposuction, I generally recommend a two staged approach with liposuction performed at the initial stage followed 3 months later by the body lift procedure. Each case is individualized to meet your specific needs.I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. 
Best Regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

The traditional bra-line incision removes a lot of skin but the scar is more obvious.  I prefer to do an upper body lift, which corrects the back rolls, arms, and breasts at the same time.  The back part can be done alone however.The link shows some examples of the technique

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! I see quite a few patients with multiple skin folds in the mid back area. These folds do not improve with a lower body circumferential lift and can only be addressed with a procedure such as an upper back lift or an extension of an arm lift vertically down the axilla or a short extension of a breast lift inframammary fold incision. Based on your picture and the multiple folds present, I believe that the upper back lift will be the only procedure that will completely correct the multiple skin folds that you have. I don't think that the other two options I mentioned will correct the problem as well. While the scar across the back is certainly a drawback to having the surgery, it is hidden in the bra line to decrease its visibility.

Alternatives to back lift? (Photo)

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